If you’re looking to pick up your first brand ambassador gig or you’ve been in the industry for a while, your headshot is a critical asset in booking jobs. Let’s delve into why it matters and how to create one that gets you noticed.
Why Your Profile Headshot Matters
- Representation: A brand ambassador’s primary role is to serve as the face and voice of a brand at events and activations, and first impressions are everything. Onsite, a professional and polished appearance sets the tone for interactions with clients and customers.
- Virtual Bookings: Most brand ambassador bookings take place virtually. Your headshot serves as a visual introduction, conveying professionalism and reliability, much like you would at an in-person interview.
- Safety and Security: Headshots are crucial for staffing managers and agencies to ensure the right person shows up at events. This is especially important in large, chaotic settings where safety and accountability are paramount.
What to Showcase
- Realism: Your headshot should accurately reflect your appearance without heavy editing or filters. Clients expect to see the real you, not an idealized version.
- A Professional and Polished Appearance: Style yourself the same way you if attending an in-person interview. Brands will hire all types of individuals with a variety of styles; however, for your main headshot, you want to keep the focus on a clean, polished look that exudes professionalism. You can always add supporting profile photos that are more casual, expressive, and have some personality. Additionally, if you are booked for an upcoming job, stay away from making any drastic changes to your appearance prior to the event. For example, if you’re thinking of adding some bold colors to your hair before an event, be sure to check with your staffing manager first since many clients prefer a more natural look for brand representation.
- A Friendly Smile: A brand ambassador’s greatest asset is their smile. Those with a friendly, outgoing, engaging, helpful, and positive demeanor onsite are the ideal team members. Wearing a warm, sincere, and welcoming smile in your headshot will put you at the top of the candidate list.
How to Create a Great Headshot
- Collaborate: If you’re looking for some great photos of yourself, whether for personal or professional reasons, don’t hesitate to invite a friend or family member for a photo session. Taking turns photographing each other is a fantastic way to get multiple final options to choose from while having fun at the same time!
- Self Portrait: If you prefer a solo approach, set your phone or camera up and use the self-timer to shoot. Avoid taking selfies, and use the front-facing camera on your phone for a better-quality shot.
- Context Matters: When it comes to your headshot, context is key. While it’s important to feel confident and look your best, always keep in mind that this photo represents your professional appearance. It’s specifically designed to help you book work, so it’s crucial that you present yourself in a polished, authentic manner. Remember that the photo won’t be seen out of context, so focus on making a lasting impression with agency representatives and clients.
Technical Tips
- Lighting: Avoid harsh shadows by using soft, flattering light. Taking headshots outdoors on an overcast day offers a simple option. Shooting indoors with window light coming in through a sheer curtain offers the same effect. Ring lights are now made available as a compact/phone-friendly accessory and can be a great option if you want to invest in one.
- Background: Keep the background simple and neutral and avoid busy or distracting patterns.
- Approach: Keep it loose and organic in front of the lens. Vary your poses, background, and/or lighting to give yourself multiple options to choose from. If you find one combination to be the most effective, take a series of photos to hone in on the best one.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to book work as a brand ambassador, you will need a profile headshot. By offering a compelling and authentic image, you increase your chances of landing gigs and making a positive impact on clients and staffing agencies alike.
