The curse of the corporate headshot

As employees transition from the workplace to a virtual world, the once treasured corporate headshots become a relic of times past. When meaningful face-to-face interactions are replaced by virtual meetings and emails, the old-fashioned headshot comes with a whole new set of headaches. Companies are discovering the Curse of the Corporate Headshot, an age-old challenge that appears to have no easy solution.

1. The Dreaded Corporate Headshot: A Modern Day Curse

The corporate headshot is looked at with mixed emotions. On the one hand, it helps accurately represent to the world what you look like, while on the other hand, it can often stir up feelings of dread and unease. From the attire to the smile, the corporate headshot is unlike any other kind of photographic portrait.

For starters, it is typically taken in a sterile and unflattering environment. The white backdrop, the neon lighting and the camera situated on a tripod all add to the sense of unease. You’ll struggle to achieve a relaxed and natural facial expression, which can become particularly challenging when the photographer keeps shouting out instructions.

• No more self conscious smiles
• No more overly professional attire
• No more fixed poses
• No more close cropped frames

Thankfully, modern-day photographers are now praising the concept of a ‘real-life’ corporate headshot – a headshot that reveals a person’s true self, personality and character. It allows us to move away from the stiff poses, tight smiles and overly-formal attire; and instead, come face-to-face with the real human being.

2. Capturing the Corporate Conundrum

The Dynamics of Conflict
When two or more parties have conflicting goals, it can be extremely difficult to resolve the situation in a way that satisfies everyone. This type of conflict, known as a ‘corporate conundrum’, can be quite complex as it involves issues such as competing interests, public opinion, budget constraints, and more. Any decision made needs to keep in mind the interests of all affected parties, often making any resolution difficult to achieve.

The Art of Diplomacy
In order to come to a successful outcome, leaders must take a diplomatic approach. Before negotiations begin, a comprehensive understanding of all parties involved is key. It’s vital to recognize their needs and what points of contention may exist. Once the underlying issues are identified, negotiations can take place. The goal is to create a solution that suits the needs of all stakeholders, whilst minimizing disruption and avoiding any further conflict. With a bit of imaginative thinking and effective problem solving skills, leaders can successfully capture the corporate conundrum and achieve a positive outcome.

3. When the Camera Fails to Capture Your Smile

It’s easier to muster a smile when you’re in good company, so why does the camera struggle to capture your most authentic grin? We’ve all been there at one time or another, looking at our reflection in the camera lens and finding it impossible to recapture the same joyous emotion with a flick of a button.

There are several reasons why the camera can struggle to recreate natural expressions. Here are a few of them:

• An Over-Thinking Mind – Your greatest enemy can be your own insecurities. If you’re constantly second-guessing yourself or worrying about the image you’re creating, it will show in your smile.
• Strain – If you’ve been posing for too long, it’s likely the strain will take its toll, and your expression won’t look as natural as it should.
• Instinct – Often you’ll find posing for the camera works against your instinct. Reverting back to natural movements and expressions are key to getting that sparkle in your eye.

The best tip to pull off a winning smile is practice. Get comfortable in front of your camera and develop familiarity around the device. It may take some effort, but you’ll soon be snapping the most effortless of smiles.

4. How to Perk Up Your Professional Profile Picture

Recent studies are proving that hundreds of photos are being processed for judgement on any given day. Knowing the importance of first impressions, your professional profile picture should properly reflect your credibility and career goals. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect professional profile photo:

• Spruce up your wardrobe: Dress to impress. Opt for solid colors and classic styles to ensure you look professional and put together in the photo.
• Choose the right backdrop: Ensure the place you take your photo is neat and devoid of distractions. Natural light is always an attractive option.
• Smile politely: No cheesy grin, friendly but not too broad. Remember, you want to look enthusiastic yet professional.
• Update regularly: Don’t keep the same 2-year-old picture forever. As you grow, change it up to reflect your current career journey.

Your professional photo should also be present in all platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. It should become a recognizable and pleasant addition to your online presence. A great professional picture can be the thing that puts you over the top when competing for a job opening or creating meaningful connections.

We often forget that a headshot isn’t just a reflection of an individual’s professional life; it’s aware of their personality. It serves as a reminder that, more often than not, there’s far more underneath the surface than meets the eye. Beneath the outer façade, lies a world untouched by the chains of the corporate curse.