Take Your Best Shot The Electronic First Impression

Today, when most people will meet you, at least initially, in photo form via the web or in print, it is critical to present yourself optimally at all times.

Unfortunately, the local photo drive-thru or the portrait from your son’s wedding may not be your best choice.

Whether you are an independent professional or employed with a firm, with any luck, your photo will appear in articles, press releases, books, websites, promotions and countless other media, introducing you as the expert you are. That one photo has the power to be shared across the globe in a matter of seconds. Do you really want to spend the rest of your professional life explaining why that photo was not a good representation of you or your expertise? Or, worse, do you want to chance losing business opportunities because your photo presented you as less of an expert than the competition?

When styling professional photos, head shots, video shoots or TV spots, never forget that these images will be presented for public scrutiny for an undefined period into the future. Here are some quick tips to help inspire your next close-up moment.

• Always look like yourself in a photo. The comment you want to hear is “Wow, you look even better in person,” not, “Gee, I didn’t recognize you from your photo.”

• The background should never be more interesting than you are. You are the star and there is no acceptable competition in sight.

• Your eyes are the MOST important part of any photo. Be sure they are visible, clear, expressive and alive. Don’t hesitate to use a little Visine before the shoot, if last night was a long one.

• Your clothes, hair and accessories are the supporting cast. Colors are great and can be used effectively to show you to your very best advantage. Keep your best colors close to your face. Plan for three different looks during the course of a shoot.

• Keep your hair out of your face. Minor adjustments can be made electronically.

However, entire style changes after the fact will not work. A professional styling may be something to consider.

• Do your homework. Do not assume that the photographer you are meeting for the first time knows you best. Find other photo looks and styles you like. Bring them with you to give the photographer an idea of your desired outcome. Then, be prepared to listen to a professional opinion.

• Pixels are free. Before shooting, snap a few test shots to determine the best background, lighting and your best angle. We each have a “best side.” Know yours before you get started.

• If your company has strict guidelines for photos that will appear in a preformatted document or presentation, be sure to bring them to the photographer, as well. Cropping the top of your head out is much easier than ‘Photoshop-ing’ it back in.

• While great headshots are truly classic looks that can last many years, you should update them every few years or whenever you go through a major personal change.

• A successful photo session will yield three or four great options. Select two and have them retouched for immediate use. Keep the others on hold until you need them. You may find an occasion requiring more than one look. You shouldn’t have to run back for a full shoot, if you have backups already prepared.

• Headshots are about capturing your personality, your expression and your feeling through a lens.

Great headshot photographers know how to keep you natural and when to take the shot. Don’t count on friends and family unless you’re ready for a do-over very soon.

Ultimately, your head shot is your electronic billboard. It will represent the core of your personal brand - YOU. It will introduce you and present you over and over again. Take your best shot every time and leave your lasting image for all to see with confidence, pride and pleasure.

Lauren Solomon, MBA, AICI, CIP is the trusted image advisor to CEOs, millionaires and business start-ups alike.

Lauren is president of LS Image Associates in New York City, author of Image Matters! First Steps on the Journey to Your Best Self, and the Career TV image expert and an image industry spokesperson. She has been featured on Lifetime Television, MSNBC, CNN-fn, WOR radio and Voice America Women.

She has also appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Men’s Health Magazine and other publications.