7 Tips to Get the Best Possible Headshots for Your Interior Design Website
Your interior design business is in a unique position of being considered both a personal brand and service-based business. With this in mind, your website should feature both professional headshots of you and your team and professional photos of your projects.
Your website visitors are wanting to see you and your face just as much as they’re wanting to see your interior design portfolio.
While you or your team will likely already be included in some of your project photos, investing in a professional brand photographer is still something to consider when you’re approaching a rebrand.
If you’re feeling a bit lost or apprehensive about how to approach your headshot session, I’m here to help. When you’re trying to figure out what to wear, how to pose, and who to hire, it can be a lot. My goal with this article is to help simplify the process ahead of time for you.
Here are the top tips I share with my clients to ensure they get the best possible results during their headshot session.
1. Know your ideal client.
Who are you trying to attract? And how do you want your clients to FEEL when they work with you? Make sure to convey that in your headshot with your expressions, your looks, your shoot locations, and overall style.
If your clients are more corporate or professional, maybe you’ll do your shoot in a studio. If your services are more lifestyle-based, maybe you’ll do your shoot outdoors or in a coffee shop.
2. Be yourself.
I know it sounds cliché, but your photos should reflect you and your personality. This means if you don’t own a single dress… don’t go out and buy one just for the shoot. That’s not you.
Authenticity is what your clients are after. It’s the only way you can attract your people. You want to make sure the images used on your website will match the “you” that shows up on your first video call with your new client.
3. Invest in hair and makeup.
I highly recommend investing in hair and makeup. You will not only look great but you will feel amazing. That spark will then be captured on camera.
Sure you want to still look like you, but the best hairstylists and makeup artists will be able to give you a natural look that reflects the best version of you.
4. Gather inspiration before your shoot.
Jump over to Pinterest and create a new board called Headshots. Then search for ‘headshot inspiration’ and you’ll instantly have thousands of photos for inspiration. Start saving the ones that resonate with you.
Once you have a good amount, narrow them down to your favorites. Use this inspiration to gather ideas for your outfits, shoot location, poses, and more. Remember you’re using this for inspiration, not a duplication. Don’t copy another’s style verbatim. Use it for inspiration in finding your own style.
Also, don’t forget to share your inspiration with your photographer before your session so you’re on the same page.
5. Request a variety of poses and orientations.
While thinking of your ideal client, you’ll want to consider a variety of poses and shots that would resonate with them.
Another pro tip is to make sure your photographer is including plenty of negative space in your shots. This will grant you much more freedom and flexibility in using your photos on your website, social media, and other marketing materials.
6. Let your photographer take the lead.
Just like when your clients hire you, they expect you to take the lead. Since you’re going to hire a professional, give them the space and grace to do their job well. Share your inspiration and ideas with them, but then let them guide you. This is what you’re paying them for.
Also, when picking your photographer, find someone who not only has a stellar portfolio but also gets your business. I’ve met a few interior photographers who also have brand photography experience, so start by asking who you know. A great brand photographer will guide you through this entire process and make you feel at ease.
7. Relax.
Remember the headshots for your website aren’t for you, they’re for your clients. If you stare at your images long enough, I promise you’ll end up hating them. We are our own worst critics. So many of my clients have told me how horrible their images are and then once I see them I’m flabbergasted because they’re stunning!
I recommend getting your headshots updated every 2-3 years, so with each session, it will get easier and easier. And hopefully, the above tips will help ease the process for you each time.
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