Research shows that 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source job candidates. A good headshot can be the difference between getting hired and getting passed over.
When you take headshots, you can do a few things to make it stand out from other candidates. However, it doesn’t just end with a professional pose and a winning smile.
So, if you’re interested in how you can take your headshots to the next level, keep reading. We have some great tips for editing your business headshots that will take your headshots to the next level.
The Basics of Photo Editing
If you’re taking your own business headshots, you will need editing software to edit photos to complete the process. Additionally, using a DSLR and shooting your images in RAW format is recommended.
Cropping, Contrast, Brightness, Shadows, and Highlights
Once you’ve taken your corporate headshots, your first step when you edit photos is to adjust the contrast and brightness. Even if you’re using external lighting, you might still have to bring down the highlights and lighten the shadows. Finally, use the cropping tool to position yourself in the center, removing any unwanted background.
Removing Backgrounds, Blemishes, and Imperfections
Using software like Adobe Photoshop, you can remove background from an image if you don’t have a solid backdrop behind you. If you’re using software like Adobe Lightroom, you can use the Spot Healing or Healing Brush. These tools can remove more minor blemishes that can be a distraction.
Final Adjustments
Now that you have completed most of your major edits, you can move on to final adjustments. Here it doesn’t matter the software you’re using, as almost every photo editing software can make these adjustments.
Making Colors Pop
Now it’s time to adjust the saturation and vibrance. Again, depending on the software you’re using, you may have a slider where you can change these, or you may have to add a layer and adjust the image that way.
Pro Tip: Saturation adjusts all the pixels in the image, so watch for clipping in already-saturated colors, whereas vibrance only adjusts the less saturated areas of the photo.
Headshot Photography Tips
When you want the best headshots, we have a few tips for you for both the shooting and the editing process.
Know Your Crop: When cropping your business headshots, for a good composition, you want to keep your head and partial shoulders in the frame
Get Your Pose Right: When in front of the camera, sit with your shoulders at a slight angle, turning your head towards the camera
Don’t Neglect The Background: Your background significantly affects the overall tone of your photo, so a solid, neutral background is often the safest option
Consider Your Wardrobe: Try to avoid busy patterns and instead stick with deeper, solid colors that compliment each other for a cohesive image
Edit Your Business Headshots Like a Pro
Making a good first impression starts with your profile photo, and these are just a few ways you can edit your business headshots to create an impactful first impression. By following these simple photo editing tips, you can ensure your business headshots look their best.
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