What are the Key elements to a great Business Portrait?
The answers may surprise you a bit. Let’s start with the basics.
Wardrobe needs to be well fitted and neat. It does not need to be expensive or lavish.
Hair and makeup should also be neat. Neat being very broad here and I will explain more this more in detail below.
Psychology needs to be neat. ??? There is the curve ball. What could I possibly mean by psychology needs to be neat? I have written and written on my Business Portrait Page over and over the importance of addressing your audience when it comes time to update your business portrait. Being disingenuine can create a bit of mistrust or remove your credibility as a sincere professional.
I am all for Photoshop and love to play with all the goodies under the hood as much as the next. But, there is a time and a place. Take a look at this portrait. Aside from color correcting and adding a little darkness to the already black background, this portrait is untouched. No Photoshop, no makeup, no skin softening, no hair stylist, no wardrobe guru, nothing more than proper lights and a genuine grin. When you sit down to meet this gentlemen to discuss your financial future, you will not be surprised to see that he looks exactly as he did in his online bio or on his LinkedIn Profile.
This is psychology kept neat. Your portrait needs to be a genuine reflection of you. Nothing wrong with a little extra attention to detail prior to heading out to the studio, but first and foremost, be genuine. People will gravitate to you when you are real. Tie not perfect? That is okay. Hair have a couple of fly-aways? Those are not the end of the world and very acceptable to touch up. But do not change who you are! Do not ask to have 20 years taken off.
Be yourself. A beautiful or handsome portrait is so much deeper than the power-tie or perfect manicure. It is in the eyes. Eyes speak the volumes our mouths never do. Your Business Portrait does not come with a soundtrack. A portrait professional knows this and will ensure your audience sees and hears the correct You.
