How To Get Your Best Headshot Ever
Are you one of those self described "I hate getting my picture taken" people? You're in good company. On my homepage I describe a number of practical considerations that solve some technical issues. But here I want to get a little psycho-analytical with respects to your headshot.
The problem is that you just can't seem to muster a good expression. OR, despite your best efforts there's always a hint of discomfort or anxiety on your face.
This is witnessed in a number of ways:
- Eyelids peeled revealing too much eye white. aka "deer in the headlight look".
- Nostrils slightly flared as if something smells a little off.
- Pulling your lips back and up vs having a thought that creates a warm smile.
- Pushing the corners of your mouth back versus having a thought that pulls them back. (Smirk vs smile.)
On my homepage I encourage you to practice and I still maintain that. What I recommend there is to "have a thought" that produces this smile. This works in so much as it will help you become self-aware of what a good smile is in the mirror.
But what if you just don't like the way you look, AND that bothers you. Many people don't like the way they look but they can meet your gaze with confidence. If you are self concious about your appearence you have to come to terms with it to get a great headshot. I can't help thinking this will help you day to day as well.
I'm not sure if there's a patent answer to cover this phenomenon. It's not a "fake it till you make it" situation because faking it is producing the awkwardness you find unpleasing in your headshot. I think coming to terms with who you are and what your value is as a talented person which we all are.
So spend so time in the mirror and don't be thinking about "if only I lost 20 lbs first" or "I use to...". You have to meet your own gaze, look yourself in the eye and be ok with that. Your value isn't in your looks anyway.
As I think about this topic numerous portraits and headshots come to mind. Usually of famous people. The common denominator is an unflinching gaze into the camera. There's no hint of discomfort or self loathing. There's no hesitation.
If you've read this far you might even hear the late Whitney Houston's golden voice singing "The Greatest Love of All". That probably sounds hokey to most but it's really what it's about in terms of confidence in front of the camera.
It's hard for the average person to muster that confidence by artificial means. Especially if you're normal. You don't like to put on airs or be disengenous.
That's why I encourage you to look at yourself in the mirror and deal with it. Do the best you can with your appearence. After that separate your insecurities from your value as a person. Let that pricelessness shine through.