TOP TIPS FOR A TOP HEADSHOT

Successful business people become so because they have a specific trait which makes them stand out from the crowd, so think about what yours is and try to communicate it in your image. Maybe you're a great communicator, maybe you understand how to motivate people, whatever your single biggest strength is find a way to express it. People do business with people, so be yourself. It's also important to choose a style of photo shoot that reflects your market. New media businesses need to avoid looking too corporate, keeping outfits smart but casual, whilst lawyers need to be in more formal attire with fitted shirts, jackets and smart accessories.

Lots of people think getting the perfect business shot is a case of sitting down and smiling for a few minutes but if you really want to look your best then try to be as natural as possible, literally. Even if you're a slave to the caffeine give it a miss on the morning of the shoot. Hot drinks can make you look sweaty, even flustered, so instead drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated. Keep your food intake light and healthy as if you're feeling bloated or tired it will come across in the picture.

It's important to make sure you look as professional as possible during the shoot so be sure to remove all oil and grease from your skin and hair. Also whilst you think it might make you look healthier you need to avoid spray tans at all costs! Some studios provide hair and make-up stylists and no matter how good you think you are at doing it yourself, I would suggest that you go in natural and let the professionals do their work.

When it comes to clothes simplicity is key. Mid-tone colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue) work best and try to avoid any busy patterns which will distract people from looking at your face. Lots of people turn up wearing white but the colour tends to wash out against the background so make sure you have some other colours on hand to contrast this.

Getting a good night's sleep is easier said than done for many busy business people but try and get as much rest as possible the night before your shoot. Nobody wants to do business with somebody who looks exhausted and turning up feeling refreshed and awake will really come across in the picture.

A common mistake people make is to look past the camera which makes them look distant - not great for first impressions. By making direct eye contact with the camera you look engaged, switched on and ready to build business relationships. It's important to avoid shots from above as this can make the subject look smaller and less authoritative.

An increasing number of our clients hire us to create images for use on sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter, both of which automatically crop images. You need to plan for this so make sure that your photographer provides a service which ensures the cropped image is still crisp and keeps you looking at your best.

This is probably one of the most commonly asked questions. The answer is simple, be yourself. If you're a naturally happy person, then show it off. If like me, you're a little more reserved (grumpy old git) that's also 100% okay. The most important thing is that you are yourself and the image reflects you and your personality.

Unlike a visit to the dentist which is what getting your headshot is often compared too, I can 100% guarantee that my sessions are pain free and you'll walk out with a great headshot and all of your teeth. You will however need to sit through some of my painful dad jokes.

Absolutely, Bruce comes to work with me most days. However, I do understand that not everyone is a dog person so if you'd prefer him to not be there for your session then please do let me know ahead of time.