Professional Headshot Prep Tips from Your Corporate Photographer in Washington, DC and Leesburg, Virginia

As a corporate photographer in Washington, DC and Leesburg, Virginia I have long been passionate about helping professionals craft the image to which they aspire. People prefer to work with someone they see as driven, trustworthy, and competent, and establishing that connection starts with a great photo.

In this article, I will touch on why a professional headshot is a worthwhile investment and share tips on how to ensure a successful session.

In Business, Visuals Matter

Much like your credentials and employment history, your professional photo is how you make that critical first impression as a solid networking connection or a strong prospective employee.

On top of that, the data speaks for itself. Statistics from LinkedIn, the world’s biggest professional networking site, show that profiles with professional headshots had:

• 21 times more profile views
• 36 times likelier to receive a message from potential clients and recruiters
• 9 times more connection requests

A professional headshot paints a picture of someone who values their work and most likely invests in their personal development, skillset, and education as well.

Such an important task should only be left in the hands of a corporate photographer in DC and surrounding areas. When I take corporate headshots, I don’t just take your photo —I seek to capture the best parts of who you are as a professional.

Preparing for Your Professional Headshot

Throughout my years of experience as a corporate photographer, I’ve found that the better prepared a person is, the more confident they are coming into the shoot. I want your headshot to radiate that positive energy, so here are some pointers on preparing for our session:

• Define your goals.

Think carefully about your goals for the headshot. What type of vibe are your going for? Would you like it to be strictly formal, more laid-back, or a combination of both? Do you want separate images for your business website and social media? Would you prefer to have the shoot in-studio or outdoors?

It’s easier to make decisions about the location, wardrobe, posing, and other elements when you already have a specific purpose in mind. I’d be happy to make recommendations, so feel free to ask questions about our upcoming shoot.

• Plan ahead for your wardrobe.

Wear something you’re comfortable in that reflects your business and its values at the same time. If you’re not sure whether your outfit will work on camera, try taking some photos of yourself wearing it. I’d be glad to provide some feedback to help you choose the right attire.

Finally, it can be a good idea to hire hair and make-up services for the session so you can look and feel amazing without much effort.

Anne Lord: Your Corporate Photographer in Washington, DC

With over 16 years of experience as a Leesburg, Virginia photographer, I offer professional headshots in Fairfax, Herndon, Arlington, Reston, Leesburg, and throughout Washington DC metro area, Maryland, and Leesburg, Virginia. Browse my Corporate Photography Portfolio for a look at the quality you can expect, and call me at (703) 435-5292 to discuss ideas for your professional headshot.