Jean-Luc Godard said, “When you photograph a face, you photograph the soul behind it.” 

Even a mere selfie can tell a lot about a person, enough that USC has a class specifically on selfies* that examine what self portraits say about us. The class professor, Alison Trope, has used selfies to examine race, ethnicity and gender norms. She adds:

“Selfies are not just about self-portraiture. They are also autobiographies and autoethnographies…. The more interesting ones deliberately challenge conventions or templates of a beautiful face and body, and really try to show something broader about who you are as a person, about how your identity can be about performance or politics or changing norms. As this kind of use of the selfie travels via networks and social media, it can potentially take on a kind of cultural and collective power.”

Just imagine what a good headshot can do. While traditionally used for actors, in a digital world having a good headshot is more important than ever to anyone. In your professional life, it could be the difference of landing the job vs staying unemployed for a few more months as we’ll show studies that show even small variations in expression can affect another persons perception of trustworthiness. In your personal life, it’s your first impression on social networks. For online dating, it could be the difference between landing a date and potentially meeting the girl or guy you spend the rest of your life with. Yes, I am a bit biased, because I am indeed a headshot photographer. But the science doesn’t lie. For those that think I’m exaggerating, there have been multiple studies that show that just your name can effect how a person perceives you, in your personal or professional career. And that’s a name without a photo behind it. In a digital world, your profile picture is your first impression.

What makes a good headshot, or great profile photo? A data driven analysis…

PhotoFeeler is a company that helps people find feedback for their photos, and with their data they’ve accumulated, they broke down what traits are in the perfect profile photo and summarized it in this infographic:

 

This isn’t quite as scientific, and there are a lot of caveats to this data.

• What’s the sample size of the photos being used? Is the data based on all the photos uploaded, or a specific set?
• How many people were included in the scoring?
• How was the scoring behind the data designed? Would men rate both sexes and vice versa?

Personally, I feel like there’s a lot of variables in this study and I think it would be a lot different with a set of professional photos vs a random assortment. And using three traits (competent, likable, and influential) is a little limiting. A good headshot can be compelling, or evoke emotion for the viewer, or both, among other things. One such example is this portrait of Robert De Niro from renowned photographer Joel Lawrence. Nonetheless, the PhotoFeeler data does give you a good idea of some of the elements that make a great profile picture.

Even small variations in expression on your face can change how a person views your attractiveness, dominance and approachability. The study conducted by Psychology Science adds a visual that lends credence to the fact that slight variations can change a persons thoughts of your trustworthiness and extraversion:

In another variation of the study, subjects had to choose a photo to be used for each of the following: headshot of a villain, mayoral campaign poster, Facebook, an online dating website and on a resume for a high salary position. Here were the results:

As you can see, the same person, 5 different expressions lead to 5 different perceptions. Just a few studies have shown the immense value of a headshot.

What is a professional headshot?

It’s up to you. For actors, it could be the classic head and shoulders shot. For a lot of people, it’s a profile picture. It’s really up to you. To dive deeper, checkout my post on A Brief History of Headshot Photography. If you’re an actor, also related is my Complete Guide to Headshot Prints.

Next week, I’ll be providing a few tips on how to find a headshot photographer near you and tips to the perfect headshot. Until then, here are a few more interesting studies you can checkout:

• While I don’t recommend it for a headshot, multiple studies show that females are more attracted to males holding a guitar in a photo.
• This is a very interesting study that looks at the faces of MMA fighters that shows that aggressive-looking faces are generally wider, have a broader chin, more prominent eyebrows, and a larger nose than less aggressive-looking faces. It could be linked to testosterone, as another study says that people with wider faces tend be better negotiators. And in another relevant study, UCSB reveals that physical strength and fighting ability can be revealed in a headshot.

What are 10 things that make a good headshot or profile picture?

When it comes to creating a good headshot, there are several factors to consider that can enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of the photograph. Here are ten things that can contribute to a great headshot:

1. Clarity and Sharpness: A good headshot should have clear, sharp focus on the subject’s face. It should capture the details and features accurately. Focus should be on the eye closest to the camera, and the f-stop value can vary depending on the look you want to achieve.
2. Lighting: Appropriate lighting is crucial for a headshot. It’s going to boil down to personal preference, but in general, in my experience, women tend to love flat shadowless lighting and men tend to prefer a more dramatic look.
3. Composition: The composition should be well-balanced and visually appealing. The subject’s face should be the main focus, and the framing should be done in a way that draws attention to the eyes and facial expressions. A classic 8×10 headshot should be shot vertically, whereas shots designed for social media should have a 1:1 ratio in mind.
4. Facial Expression: The subject’s expression should convey the desired message or mood, depending on the purpose of the headshot. It should be natural, engaging, and reflective of their personality or professional image. For actors, you’ll generally want at least a commercial and a theatrical headshot.
5. Eye Contact: Eye contact establishes a connection with the viewer. The subject should be looking directly at the camera or in a direction that feels natural and engaging. Though candid photos where you may be looking off-camera can be great for social media.
6. Background: A simple, clean background helps to keep the focus on the subject’s face. Avoid distracting elements or clutter that may draw attention away from the main subject. For outdoor shoots, generally shooting close to wide open can blur out the background.
7. Wardrobe and Styling: The subject’s attire should be appropriate for the intended purpose of the headshot, whether it’s a professional setting or a more casual look. The styling should complement their features and convey the desired image. Feel free to checkout the FAQ on my homepage (JaySoriano.com) for my wardrobe guide.
8. Posing and Posture: The subject’s pose and posture should be confident and natural. Avoid slouching or overly rigid positions. Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering one.
9. Color and Tone: The color and tone of the headshot should be well-balanced and consistent. Appropriate color correction and editing can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
10. Authenticity: A good headshot captures the subject’s authentic self. It should reflect their personality and convey a sense of approachability and professionalism.

Remember, the purpose and context of the headshot may vary, so it’s important to tailor these aspects to align with the intended use, whether it’s for professional profiles, acting portfolios, or personal branding.

What qualities do women like to see in men’s pictures?

The qualities that women like to see in men’s pictures can vary based on individual preferences and cultural factors. However, there are some common qualities that are often appreciated:

1. Confidence: Women are generally attracted to men who exude confidence. This can be conveyed through body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanor in the picture.
2. Genuine smile: A warm and genuine smile can be very appealing. It shows approachability and a positive attitude.
3. Good grooming: Taking care of personal grooming, such as neat hair, clean appearance, and well-fitted clothing, can make a positive impression.
4. Sense of style: Having a sense of style that suits one’s personality and is appropriate for the context can be attractive. It doesn’t have to be overly trendy but should reflect a well-put-together look.
5. Active and engaging hobbies: Pictures that showcase interesting hobbies or activities can be intriguing. It demonstrates that the person has diverse interests and leads an active lifestyle. If you’re musically inclined, show it off. If you’re an athlete, show it off, but in a tasteful manner (no bathroom selfies!)
6. Friendly and approachable demeanor: Women often appreciate pictures where the man appears friendly, approachable, and easy to connect with. A warm and open expression can convey this.
7. Confidence without arrogance: While confidence is attractive, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid coming across as arrogant or overly self-centered in the pictures.
8. Social proof: Pictures that show the man surrounded by friends or engaging in social activities can be appealing. It suggests that the person is sociable and enjoys a healthy social life.
9. Well-rounded interests: Having a variety of interests beyond work or specific hobbies can be appealing. It shows that the person is versatile and has a well-rounded personality.
10. Authenticity: Authenticity is key. Women appreciate pictures that reflect the real person rather than staged or overly edited images. Genuine and natural pictures are often more appealing.

It’s important to note that individual preferences can vary significantly, and what appeals to one person may not resonate with another. It’s always a good idea to be true to oneself and showcase personal qualities that align with one’s personality and interests.

PS. If you’re in (or headed to) Las Vegas and need headshots/portraits, feel free to inquire!

Notes:

*#SelfieClass, formerly known as “Writing 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning: Identity and Diversity”