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Hot take: Headshots aren’t [just] about how great you look
We all want to look great, professional in our headshots.
Creating the right feeling, the right impression that YOU and YOUR BRAND need is what headshots are truly about.
A photo of your head/shoulders? Anybody with a camera can do. A headshot, that communicates everything about your brand in seconds, professionally, confidently, and authentically?
That’s what I do. I use a variety of methods to pull you out of your head, and into the moment -where the real, best you can shine through and into your images!
"Please tighten your cerebellum slightly, and loosen your left lung a bit"
Okay, so I should've said that headshots aren't JUST about how great you look. Obviously, in a professional first impression, you're aiming to look -well, professional. So what in the heck is up with that crazy second line, Josh?
Well, I first should complete the second part to the headline: Headshots are about what your audience "feels" when they see your headshot. I believe it is 4 seconds you have for someone to form a first impression -not very long to hopefully say a whole lot -and make it what you want it to say!
The nutty line? Psychology. Hang with me a second; You see, most clients walk into the session with a whole lifetime of preconceptions built up around being photographed (heck, I had them before beginning this journey years back). Some of you think you'll be made to "pose" (often awkwardly), others swear they "can't take a good picture", some are nervous, some are in their heads about "my crooked nose", "that slightly bigger ear", the list goes on.
Point being? You're not present. You're brain is going a million different directions. That true you? The you that shows up confidently for a big meeting, an important interview, a presentation, speaking on stage? Odds are I've not met that you when you walk into our session.
My job, all the technical photography stuff aside, is to bring out that best version of you. Telling you to do something completely out of left field sort of accomplishes two jobs in one -it instantly brings you into the moment AND helps bring down those walls. Of course, it's not just humor, there's many different tactics to help you shine through.
That's the end result and goal though, that bundle of nerves, that person stressing about tomorrow's to do list, all of those block us from your authentic, confident and 'awesomest' self. If you hear me say, "two schmillimeters to your right" -know it's for good reason. Plus, come on, schmillimeter is a far more fun word than millimeter!
Why though, why's any of this "real me" and whatnot even matter? Headshots are up close, they're literally in your face, PERSONAL. This means every micro expression, a slight change in your eyes, your demeanor, your smile -matters. No, most of your audience probably won't know why BUT they will feel something when seeing your headshot image for their first time.
My goal, your goal -should be to make certain they see AND feel the best, most authentic, genuine and star-destined version of you. So click your heals together 2.7 times, unscrew your right earlobe, just a bit and let’s talk
-I guarantee I'll teach you how to make those 4 seconds draw your next viewer right in!
✅ Everyone, do you have any favorite lines, or things said that made you laugh, or got you to shake off the nerves and become more present