Creative Headshots: Why You Don't Want A Typical Headshot

A creative headshot is crucial if you want to stand out

In the world of professional photography, headshots are essential tools for personal branding, networking, and career advancement. While traditional headshots with white or black backgrounds are popular and often effective, they don’t always capture the uniqueness and individuality of the subject. A creative headshot can help you stand out in a crowded market, showcasing your personality and style in a way that a typical headshot cannot.

Breaking the Mold: The Case for Creative Headshots

Standard headshots are common for a reason. They are simple and don’t require a lot of creativity from the photographer. Many photographers rely on a standard lighting and background setup, resulting in monotony across their portfolio. This approach, while efficient, lacks creativity and fails to highlight the unique qualities of each individual.

At S72, I believe in trying new things and experimenting. My portfolio features a variety of lighting styles and backdrops, ensuring that each headshot is unique and tailored to the client’s personality and needs. By avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach, I create headshots that stand out and make a lasting impression.

The Power of Individuality in Headshots

Many “experts” advocate for bright, even lighting, white backdrops, and smiling faces in headshots. While these elements can work well when done right, they are not the only way to create a compelling headshot. The most important aspect of a headshot is that it reflects your individuality, personality, and style.

A creative headshot is not just about following industry standards; it’s about showcasing what makes you unique. Whether you’re in a creative field or not, a headshot that highlights your distinctiveness can set you apart from the competition.

Creative Headshots for Creative Fields

For those in creative industries, having a headshot that reflects your artistic sensibilities is even more crucial. Potential clients or employers want to see that you value creativity and have a unique perspective. A creative headshot can convey your sense of taste and your appreciation for uniqueness, making you more memorable and appealing.

Tailoring the Headshot to Your Needs

I’m not suggesting that you need an extreme or overly dramatic headshot to stand out. Even subtle variations in lighting, background, and composition can make a significant difference. For example, the author in the photo above mentioned she wanted a headshot that was completely different from what she saw online. By experimenting with different styles such as gelled lighting, we were able to create a portrait that truly reflected her individuality.

Ready to Stand Out?

If you’re ready to upgrade your headshot to something unique and tailored to your individuality, visit my pricing page for more information about my sessions. By choosing a creative headshot, you’ll ensure that your portrait doesn’t look like every other headshot out there, helping you stand out in your professional field.

Here are some examples of creative headshots in different styles.

You can shoot with a white backdrop and still have a unique and creative headshot.  Here is an image that uses a white background but has a more creative feel.  It doesn't use traditional headshot norms like bright contrasty lighting and cheery smiles.  To me when i look at this image i see someone creative with an edge.  

And you can use a black backdrop and do something more than the traditional bright contrasty and saturated look. I'm certain many "experts" would say this image is too dark.  Any client or potential employer looking for someone with style and uniqueness will think this is a great creative headshot.   

Here is another example of a white backdrop that can be different than what is traditionally done by corporate headshot photographers.  Creative headshots use tools such as mood and lighting to make the image stand out.

Don't think I don't like happy smiling people.  I love great images where people look genuinely happy but that is not something I see very often in other headshots.  Here is an example of someone who truly looks like they are having a great time.  And, who says you need to look directly into the camera in creative headshots? 

Finally, Here is another example of an authentic smile, this time with an image that is bright and colorful, chosen specifically by the client looking for creative headshots to fit their brand.