Leeds headshot photographer - Zoe Morse 

In an age where we are defined by our digital presence and we settle into a more hybrid way of working, where the first thing our customers and colleague see is our Teams or Zoom headshot, it has never been more important to have the right image to compliment your brand. After years of shooting headshots, I would like to share with you my top tips on how to get the best headshot and one that you are happy with.  

• Communication - tell the photographer all about your business. Who are your customers? How do you want your customers to see you? As an organisation, what is your vision, your brand? As an individual, what do you want your personal brand to say about you? Are you fun? professional? skilled?

• Location - Most headshot photographers will visit your place of work with a full mobile set up but with home working now at the forefront of our society, is there an option for individuals to visit a studio location at a time that works best for them? Would you consider venturing outdoors and have a more natural backdrop to your shots? Maybe you would like to be photographed in your everyday environment and show you doing what you do best.

• Pose - Any photographer worth their weight in gold will help you look your best in your shots, but this doesn't mean you can't have an input, after all you know yourself better than anyone else. Do you like the way your hair falls on the left? Are you a very smiley person or do you prefer to smile with your eyes? Google is your friend. Look at poses prior to the shoot, is there one you warm to, one you really like? If so, send this to the photographer so they have an idea about what style you're going for.

• What to wear - Whilst comfort is key, it’s important to think about what you want your image to say about you. Whilst your headshot should show your personality, it's wise to avoid strong colours and bold patterns. We want you to be the star of the show not what you're wearing so go for mid-toned and simple. Jacket or no jacket? take two shots and you decide. Avoid short sleeves as the contrast between the clothing and skin can be distracting in the final image. Finally, glasses, if you wear them make sure they're clean and if you wear them occasionally and unsure if you want a photo with them on, then take them off at least 30 minutes before the shoot so there's no marks on your skin.

• Speak up - Sometimes it's possible for the photographer to show you the images they're capturing during the shoot so tell them which ones you like and which ones you don't. For me, I think this is the most important part of my headshot shoot. If there's something you're unhappy with let them know, it maybe something they can change either there and then or in the editing suite. Remember all the photographer wants is to walk away from this shoot knowing you love your images.

• Relax - I ask every person I shoot to tell me on a scale of 1 to 10 how much they like being photographed. I've had a fair few zeros, quite a few around the 2-3 mark but I've only ever had one 10. We know there's a high chance that you don't like having your photo taken but if you're anxious or nervous this will show in your final shot. Having a photoshoot is not an everyday occurrence so enjoy the time away from your day-to-day tasks and most of all, have some fun.

Please contact me direct if you're looking for an experienced headshot photographer who's worked with big brands, small businesses and individuals, providing brand/website photography, professional headshots and event photography. 

From our very first meeting I will work with you to ensure I have a full understanding of your brand and the image you or your company want to portray. I have a full mobile set up so I can visit you at your place of work whether that's in Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Dewsbury or simply anywhere within or around Yorkshire. I can also arrange for time in a studio in Elland, Halifax should this work better for you. 

ZoPhoto offers a range of headshot photography packages to suit all budgets and details of these can be found here - headshot packages