By Thomas Skovsende
Do you know one of my pet peeves, as a professional photographer? You’re on LinkedIn and connect with someone new but the picture is really bad – lo-res, from a family barbecue 10 years ago with poor lighting.
I see so many bad shots, I mean, is that how you want to be perceived?! This isn’t as fun and ‘out there’ as Facebook. Be professional; this is your career.
You could say it’s as important as a CV – first impressions count. But then again that is a photographer saying this.
A marvellous thing about smartphones is that you can see yourself when you take a selfie, so there is no excuse.
Lighting your photos wisely
Copyright Thomas Skovsende
Lighting photography is beyond key – the definition of photography is ‘painting with light’.
So don't paint a bad picture with lighting; use lighting wisely. It takes someone seriously talented to get a good picture out of a bare lightbulb, so natural light is your friend.
A window gives a soft side light, and lights your face from the side. But a lamp or lightbulb from the ceiling will give you horrible shadows under your nose, contours on the nose and face.
Find a window, avoid the bright sunlight if there is any. Somewhere bright enough to make you come across positive without being floodlit.
Copyright Thomas Skovsende
Showcase what you do and who you are
If I show up to take your photo I need to know what the focus of the images is; who are you, what do you do, what message do you want to convey, how do you want others to perceive you. These are important points to have sorted out before you even think of clicking that button.
Copyright Thomas Skovsende
Copyright Thomas Skovsende
Regardless if you work for yourself, or are on LinkedIn for networking under a company, you should think about how you are perceived. What is your brand, do I need to match a company brand? That is where you should start, and where photography should start. When you walk up to someone and they say ”What do you do?”, your answer should be succinct and punchy – i.e. “I am a portrait photographer.”
For instance, if you're a chef, you should be in a kitchen, to bring it across. You in chefs whites, and a standout shot with the kitchen in the background and you stirring a pan. Notebooks if you’re a writer. Computer if you work in tech. Helmet if you’re a racing driver. And so on.
It is tricky to bring all of this together in one image, especially when the photos are so small. However, getting a bit of personality, some ‘tools of your trade’ and a relevant background instantly makes you professional. Make it look like your work environment.
Thomas Skovsende
And, of course, if in doubt, please use a professional. Like me :)
Thomas Skovsende is a professional photographer, with more than 35 years’ experience. You can find his portfolio website at www.thomasskovsende.com.