Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) and Craftsman based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots to build a better connection. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!
Build a Better Connection
A March 2022 article by the same title in Entrepreneur magazine gave me pause to think about this in terms of headshots. The article was focused on how to make a connection on Zoom – the way many of us are still doing business rather than in person. What are the ways in which we can make a personal connection without being in the same room as the other person. Here are some suggestions from the research and adapted for headshots.
- Warmth Cue: Raised Eyebrows “We raise our eyebrows to communicate excitement or curiosity or simply signal that we want to engage, studies show.” While we don’t want to raise eyebrows in a headshot, keeping an open, bright eye is helpful for an open expression. There is always a delicate balance between the smile and eyes – the bigger you smile, the more your eyes squint. During the headshot session, I’ll help you find the best balance for you.
- Confidence Cue: Distance between Earlobe and Shoulder “When we are anxious or afraid, we shrink into ourselves – shoulders up, head down.” We sometimes do this in a headshot as well. It’s best to have a straight back and neck and maximize the distance between your ears and shoulders.
- Danger Zone Cue: Lip Purse “When someone tightens their lips into a line, they’re often holding back or disengaging. That’s the opposite of warmth and confidence…” So, relax the mouth during your headshot and you’ll appear more friendly. I really prefer and nice big “toothy” smile.
- Bonus Eyebrow Tip: Never Furrow “A furrowed brow doesn’t just show us to be unhappy or less agreeable – it actually causes us to feel more negative emotions.” Again, relax the eyebrows to communicate and feel your very best.
Headshots with Connection
Here are a few recent headshot sessions. Keep in mind that I’ll help you during your entire session so you don’t have to remember these things! And we will review the images before you leave and can fix anything that needs adjustment and re-photograph.
Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) and Craftsman based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!
