Time for my close up Mr Demille

We’ve secured a lovely piece of PR for a client. So far so good.

The interview is finished, the exclusivity deal is agreed and all that’s left is to send the profile picture…

And that’s where the trouble starts.

Other than snaps on their smart phone the client hasn’t got any up-to-date high res photos of themselves. Who does these days? But while those phone snaps might be fine for facebook they won’t cut the mustard for a glossy mag.

We could have a photographer nip over but they don’t really have the budget for a professional shot…

So, it’s time to DIY.

Over the years we’ve learnt some tricks that really help when you need to take a decent picture.

Hope they help you too.

7 Top Tips for Taking a Great Profile Picture

• Take it with a background like a brick wall or something that’s not too smooth or light in colour. It gives the picture some texture and is more forgiving when you haven’t got a full lighting rig set up.
• If you can, take it outside when it’s cloudy – so you don’t get a shadow but you do get the softer natural light.
• Don’t wear something too low as if the image is cropped too much you can end up looking naked…
• Stand slightly to one side and turn to look at the camera (but not so it’s really exaggerated). Try doing it from both sides – it’s very important to know your best side! If you stand looking straight into the camera you can end up feeling more self conscious and the picture won’t look as good.
• Try and smile but keep it natural – laughing with whoever takes the shots is great because you’ll be more relaxed. Get your kindly photographer friend to take LOADS of pics so you can choose the one you like –  some will be more animated and some will be you in repose. Just find the style that works for you and the medium that requires the picture.
• Get them to take the shot from a slightly higher level than you (but not so high you’re having to look up). Gives your face a good definition and avoids any risk of double chin – not that you have one…
• If you can take the shot with the camera held close up it will focus on your face and many cameras will automatically blur out the background – makes it look more professional. This won’t happen with the camera held too far away (unless you have a proper lens).

“Time for my close up Mr Demille…”