There was a time when headshots were only for models, actors, politicians and CEOs. For better or worse, those days are long gone. The world is now more photo-orientated than ever before.
If you’re planning to get a new business portrait then get in front of a mirror and practice your best baby face.
According to a study by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem:
Previous studies have shown that viewers can form judgments of trustworthiness after as little as 100 ms exposure to a novel face, and certain facial features evoke feelings of warmth, trust and cooperation while minimizing feelings of threat and competition. People with relatively babyish facial characteristics such as proportionally large eyes, a round chin, and thick pudgy lips are perceived as kinder, warmer, more honest and more trustworthy…
If you’re having trouble channeling your inner baby then the next best things to do for your business headshot are:
• Hire a photographer who really understands lighting and posing. These can enhance the feelings of trust, honesty and friendliness.
• Smile in your picture. This will soften your expression and make you look kind and trustworthy.
• Be sure the photographer knows how to carefully, properly and subtlety retouch pictures.
• Look at the photographer’s own headshot. This can reveal their understanding of business portraits and their attitude towards such photos.
But just note that while baby-like features might make you appear more friendly and trustworthy, those same features can work against you. People with baby faces are often perceived to be less competent and less experienced. A business portrait has to show that you’re both warm and competent.
By using dominant body language, careful lighting and a pose that emphasizes a more angular face, a photographer should be able to produce a portrait that will show off your competence.
