by Leo Wiles
02 September 2015
Thanks for answering my question last week in regards to using profile pix on your social media accounts. Can you offer some tips on taking a really good photo? I can never get a selfie I’m happy with! Amy
Because I take photos and make films for a living, I’ll disclose that I am biased when I say professional photos are the way to go. But even if you’re not in a position right now to commission some studio time, here are some guidelines to producing a professional result:
Keep the background clean. I don’t need to see Bali, your garden or your bookshelf. Find a white wall that won’t distract the viewer and use it as your backdrop.
Dress up. If you want people to take you seriously and know that you’re going to handle their investment properly, then make sure there’s no cleavage, pecs or an unnecessary amount of bare flesh. That means shoulders and tops of arms, ladies, as the eye is immediately drawn to skin and not your beautiful face.
Give the right impression. Because I want people to trust me in one the most exposed moments of their life – having their picture taken – I have opted for upbeat and friendly in my own profile pic advertising my services. If you are a finance writer, however, you may need a suit tie and smile that only reaches the corner of your mouth. If you’re still not sure of what you need to convey to clients, check out the client’s website and mirror the pose used by those on its board of directors.
Fill the frame. Photographer-speak for make sure it’s a head and shoulders image – or waist-up at most. Having people squint at your full-length portrait is a no-go when you consider on a mobile your pic could end up being a thumbnail!
Shoot from above. Any selfie addict knows that lifting the camera up and angling it slightly down towards the subject is flattering and helps eliminate double chins. Similarly, hold your arm slightly away from your body for a slimmer silhouette.
Avoid low res. If I can’t see a high-quality image of you, then how am I going to trust you to go on location with a photographer on my pay cheque? Each social media site has their own dimensions and file space. It changes all the time, which is why there are no hyperlinks here, but be sure to check them out and adjust your pix accordingly before you upload.
Look sharp. By this I mean not just your attire, but the image itself. If you don’t have a tripod, try for a beanbag under the base of your camera to minimise camera shake (or don’t give your friend too much coffee before asking them to take it!).
Be consistent. Once you’ve a found a look that works for you, upload it to ALL your social media sites. Doing so reinforces your brand identity across the platforms, enhancing familiarity and trust.
Be you. A couple of weeks ago, my ticket at the butcher read 21 and I joked that it was my Internet age. Your image however should not be who you were at 21 but who you are right now – not the cute bridesmaid you were all those years ago. Let’s face it: if the hairstyle or clothes don’t give it away, meeting you in person for a job interview will and thus your first impression will be one that instils mistrust.
Have you had professional shots taken or do you take them yourself? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
