Capturing the Perfect Conference Headshot: Tips and Tricks

Your headshot is your first virtual handshake in the interconnected professional world. A glimpse of your personality and competence creates a lasting impression. Whether you're attending a conference to network, learn, or share your expertise, a well-crafted headshot is a powerful tool.

Achieving the perfect conference headshot involves more than just standing in front of a camera and flashing a smile. It's about understanding the nuances of attire, posture, and expression that come together to show your professional identity authentically. Most conference headshots have a quick turnaround time, often as fast as 30 seconds after taking the photo. With such efficient delivery, it's essential to remember that the photo is usually not retouched. Therefore, it falls to the photographer to use flattering lighting to ensure everyone looks their best. Still, there are factors you can control to ensure your headshot is a great candidate for your updated LinkedIn profile picture.

Let's unveil the top tips and secrets that professional photographers swear by to ensure your next professional conference headshot captures the essence of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Prepping for the Perfect Headshot

Plan Ahead for a Polished Look

Conferences are exciting times to reconnect with peers, take classes, have business meetings, learn new things, and enjoy late-night networking and various parties. We’re not trying to be party-poopers, but if you know you need the headshot services offered, you'll want to look your best. Until you get your business headshot photographed, try to avoid unhealthy eating or drinking choices. Unhealthy decisions can affect how your skin looks and make you feel bloated. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest on your first night to ensure beautiful skin and eliminate dark circles under your eyes.

Choose the Right Attire

Whether you are local or traveling for your annual conference, look through your closet ahead of time. Choose professional attire that aligns with your industry. Conference headshot booths usually use a grey or another neutral background. Solid colors and subtle patterns work well, avoiding overly busy or distracting clothing that might detract from your face. Even though professional headshots are from the chest up, ensure the attire fits properly. Iron and hang your clothes up when you arrive at your hotel room. Since the professional headshot will most likely be unretouched, all these small details matter. On the day of your headshot, ensure your clothes are not wrinkled or dirty. If you sweat easily, change into your headshot outfit at the last minute before taking your photo. Keep accessories like jewelry simple and minimal to complement your look rather than steal the focus from your facial features.

Grooming and Styling

Ensure your hair is neat and well-groomed. A fresh haircut or style can go a long way in enhancing your overall look. If your hair requires more prolonged styling efforts, plan to wake up earlier to have enough time to style it. We recommend getting your headshot taken first thing in the morning so your hair is fresh and styled exactly how you like it. For makeup, aim for a natural, polished appearance. Your professional headshot should be an accurate representation of who you are. If you wear light makeup daily, don't overdo it for your headshots. Ensure your skin is not shiny, and avoid using highlighter or any makeup that will make you look shiny. Bring lip gloss with you and apply it right before your headshot.

Posing and Posture

Mastering the Right Poses

A good headshot photographer will guide you while photographing professional headshots. To make the short time you have in front of the camera as natural as possible, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

1. Posture: Imagine someone pulling you with a string from the top of your head. Proper posture shows that you are confident and self-assured.
2. Chin Position: Without leaning your body forward, move your forehead toward the camera and bring your chin down slightly. This helps eliminate any potential double chins. It feels awkward but looks incredible.
3. Hand Placement: Keep your hands at your sides to give your body excellent form. Avoid putting your hands on your hips.
4. Facial Expression: Be open to the photographer’s prompts. Aim for a mix of smiling and serious expressions. Maintain some tension in your eyes by putting pressure on your lower eyelids. For a more serious look, add slight tension in the corners of your mouth.
5. Eye Contact: Always look into the lens. This creates a connection with the viewer when you post the headshot on LinkedIn.

Remember, a perfect conference headshot isn't just about looking good; it conveys professionalism, approachability, and personality. Take your time to prepare, practice, and be ready for your best expo convention headshot.

What to Avoid

When it comes to your business headshots, there are a few things to avoid. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your headshot looks great and represents you and your business in the best possible light.

1. Avoid Crossed Arms: Posing with your arms crossed can make you look defensive or unapproachable. It can also create bad posture and make your clothes bunch up, which won't look good in your headshot photo. Instead, pose with your arms at your sides to communicate strength and confidence.
2. Don’t Slouch: Slouching can make you look lazy and unprofessional. Stand up straight and tall for your headshot. Standing gives the subject better posture than sitting and makes people look slimmer.
3. Natural Makeup: Too much makeup can be distracting and make you look like you're trying too hard. Keep your makeup simple and natural-looking. We recommend working with a professional makeup artist to create a natural look that will help you feel comfortable and confident. This applies to men as well—professional makeup can enhance your features while keeping a natural appearance.
4. Direct Eye Contact: Make sure to look directly into the camera's lens for your headshot. Looking away can make you look uninterested or unapproachable. The only time to look away is if you are getting lifestyle or branding portraits taken.

Rest Up

If you are a working adult, rest can be a hard task to achieve. Make getting rest a priority the week of your headshot appointment. You want to look refreshed and the best version of yourself.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to capturing a headshot that represents you authentically and professionally. So, get ready to make that powerful first impression with a headshot that showcases who you are and what you bring to the table.