A powerful photo shows personality, comfort and confidence.
With these 5 tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving all 3.
1 – Be deliberate.
Although most great photos convey an air of spontaneity, it’s important to schedule a photo session and think critically about photo logistics. Make sure you plan your shoot when you can get great light. If you want your photo outside, consider taking a photo in the early morning hours around sunrise and at the magical hour before sunset. Besides timing, you’ll also want to determine how you want your face framed. For your about.me page, a horizontal photo works best with your face off-center.
2 – Be yourself.
This can be a challenge, especially when most of us are used to looking at photos of other people. Think about what you like and what makes you feel comfortable. If you love cycling, maybe try and get a photo outside on your bike. If you’re more of an inside person, maybe you want to take a photo in your room or studio.
Choose bold clothing (solid colors such as reds, greens, blues and purples work well) that has some special meaning to you. Did you ace an interview in your favorite red sweater? Wear it. Your clothing should make you feel confident and proud to be yourself.
Jess Graves
3 – Look to what you love.
Choose a photographer who you’re comfortable with and who knows you well. It’s easier to smile genuinely at someone who makes you smile, versus forcing something that’s not there. If you’re not feeling it, your photo will show that. So keep things authentic. Not every day is a great day for taking a photo. Do it when you feel inspired, happy or loved.
4 – Practice makes perfect.
While some believe certain people are photogenic and others aren’t, I don’t believe it. Like most everything we do, practice makes perfect. The more photos you take (and the more comfortable you are in front of a camera) the better your photos will turn out.
Don’t get discouraged by a bad day or an unflattering series of photos. Think about why they’re bad photos and you’ll probably realize that you were having an off day or not feeling totally comfortable.
Chris Messina
5 – Celebrate yourself.
Once you’ve taken a great photo, share it with your friends and family. They’ll love seeing you look great and you’ll feel empowered by their feedback. Upload your photo to your about.me page and be sure to select “Fill To Window.” “Fill To Window” ensures that your image fills the entire screen and will generate a great thumbnail for you.
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Anna Lizaur is a Marketing Manager with about.me. She graduated from the University of Virginia. Anna is fluent in Spanish and can count to 100 in Chinese.
