We spoke to the best of the best in the beauty, hair and photography industries for advice on taking a professional photo at home.
Makeup
Dewy finishes can make you look sweaty or oily in photos, so pick a matte base to mimic clear and perfect skin. Try Laura Mercier Silk Creme Photo Edition Foundation.
Lowkey is how you want your eye makeup to look – that is, no glitter, bright shades, or a smoky look.
“Keep it well defined with a bright matte shade as eyeshadow base, and define with a gel liner or a matte powder, smudged or in a straight line,” says Alphie Sadsad, lead artist of Bobbi Brown. Try Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink.
As for your lips, keep it to a nude shade.
“The perfect nude is a shade slightly lighter or darker than your skintone,” Sadsad continues. “However, avoid going too light, otherwise it can be quite distracting.” Try Burberry Burberry Kisses in English Rose.
Hair
Keep it as natural as possible when you’re styling your hair for a headshot – you can’t go wrong with shiny tresses that look healthy.
“This photo has to last for least least one year, so don’t go pulling out any latest overseas hair trends that you’ve seen on the runway,” says hairstylist Anthony Nader. “Add a lightweight sheen over the mid-lengths of your hair and brush through to revive lacklustre strands.” Try Kevin.Murphy Shimmer.Shine.
Beautiful and voluminous hair will make you look the most professional, and avoid a ponytail at all costs.
“Avoid the glamour shot look! There needs to be softness to your hair, but go easy on the curls and aim for smooth, bouncy waves,” continues Nader. “Don’t have your hair ironed flat straight either
as this won’t do your facial features any favours.” Try Aveda Thickening Tonic Styling Spray.
Photography
You know from taking selfies that camera angles are key to making you look good.
“Changing the height of the camera will draw attention to different parts of your face,” says fashion photographer Dave Wheeler. “By shooting upwards, you’ll highlight the lips, and by shooting downwards, you’ll highlight the eyes. If you’re wary of a big forehead for example, shoot from a lower angle to balance your face structure.”
Quality is also something that comes into play when you’re taking a head shot.
“Mobile phones are great if you’re just taking casual photos but if you’re looking to do something more proper, you’ll need a camera with long focal lens which won’t distort your face,” continues Wheeler. Try Samsung NX1 Smart Camera.
What’s your best tip for taking your own photo? Tell us in the comments below.
