How I Capture Emotion in Portraits & Headshots
When it comes to portrait photography, capturing genuine emotion is key to creating images that resonate. At NTP 2 Photography, we believe the best portraits are those that tell a story and reveal something true about the person in front of the lens. Whether it’s a professional headshot or a more personal portrait, our approach is all about connecting with our clients to bring out their natural expressions and emotions.
To achieve this, we focus on making our clients feel comfortable and at ease. We start with a casual conversation, asking about their interests, goals for the session, and what makes them feel confident. This helps break the ice and allows us to understand their personality better, leading to more relaxed and authentic expressions.
Techniques for Capturing Emotion
Capturing emotion isn’t just about having a good camera; it’s about the interaction between the photographer and the subject. Here’s how we do it:
Building Trust: We spend time getting to know our clients, so they feel comfortable being themselves.
Guided Posing: We provide gentle direction to help clients find natural poses that don’t feel forced.
Creating the Right Atmosphere: We choose settings and backgrounds that reflect the client’s personality and purpose, whether it’s a professional headshot or a creative portrait.
Our goal is to ensure that every shot feels genuine and reflects who the person truly is.
Why Emotion Matters in Portraits
Emotion is what makes a portrait memorable. It’s what connects the viewer to the subject and tells a story without words. At NTP 2 Photography, we’re committed to capturing those fleeting moments that reveal true emotion, creating portraits that go beyond just a photograph—they become a lasting impression.
Whether you need a headshot for work or a personal portrait that captures your essence, we’re here to make sure the emotion shines through every shot. Reach out to NTP 2 today to book a session.
What to Wear for Your Headshots
Dressing to impress for photos can feel overwhelming with endless options. Of course, you want to put your best face forward for your professional portraits. Feeling comfortable and confident is the top priority for your outfit of choice.
But if you’re not a fashion guru, NTP 2 Photography has tried and true wardrobe tips so you (and your business) can make a great first impression. Scroll on to get ready for your headshot photoshoot.
Take an Industry Cue
The type of industry you work in will be the gauge of appropriate attire to wear in your photo session.
Your outfit will differ depending on if you work in an active, outdoor capacity versus a more formal or creative field or even one that requires a uniform. Pay attention to what your boss wears daily. And if you are the boss, take a look at what others in your industry are wearing in their headshots.
Avoid Worn & Too-Casual Clothing
No matter the type of job you have, you want to punch things up for your professional photos. While still keeping your industry in mind, opt for a bit more formal than your usual day-to-day wear.
And make sure what you do select is in good condition and clean. This is particularly true of brighter clothing and knitted fabrics that can show pilling. We suggest opting for tailored items that are on the newer side or labeled “dry-clean only.”
Bring Multiple Options
Depending on which portrait session you book with NTP 2 Photography, we either allow two or three outfit changes for your headshots.
We like to suggest the rule of three when it comes to your attire. The first outfit is what a client would see you in if they were in when meeting with you in a professional setting. Then, you want to go up a level for a more professional look, and then choose an outfit with a more casual feel. We normally say unless you are in the fitness industry then yoga pants won't cut it!
So keep in mind what kind of work you’d normally be doing in your chosen location and what you’d normally be wearing. Whether you choose different colors or opt for a more formal look paired with a more casual look, it’s a good idea to have a variety of looks.
It’s recommended that you bring back-ups just in case. You never know when you might have the misfortune of a spill, tear, or even angry bird wrecking your outfit. And as we shoot the photos we like to have options to choose from, and often when we see an outfit, we might decide to change the plan.
At NTP2 Photography, The Business Headshot Session package offers 2 outfit changes and the Business Branding Session offers 3 outfit changes.
Focus on Fit
A tailored fit is always the best outfit choice for headshots. Wearing oversized clothes or even a tad too small can make you appear bigger than you are.
Suits in darker colors are always a safe and timeless choice. Make sure the shoulders and arms are a perfect fit. If you’re concerned about the waist, don’t fret – headshots are usually from the shoulders and up or just above the waist. Because these photos are cropped, you may want to wear a top with a higher neckline, including keeping suit shirts buttoned up.
Keep It Simple
The best professional headshots are free from distraction, enhancing your natural features.
Keeping jewelry minimal, classic, and simple is best. If wearing a necklace, pendants are best if visible above the crop of the photo. You’ll also want to keep hair and makeup light, natural, and representative of you.
Ladies, you may even want to treat yourself to a blowout and professional makeup application with airbrushing for the perfect finish.
Consider Color Psychology
Color psychology is the study of hues relating to human behavior. Consider what message you want to communicate in your headshots and choose your wardrobe colors accordingly.
• Dark colors are considered more formal and authoritative, particularly high-contrast pairings
• Light colors are regarded as more approachable and friendly
• Most bright colors, like reds, oranges, yellows, and blues, convey power, confidence, and energy
• Neutral colors are conservative and, well, neutral
Select Solid Colors
Solid colors, or even very subtle patterns, are best for everyone. Avoid busy and bold patterns that are distracting from your face in headshots.
Always avoid small, repetitive patterns to prevent the moire effect; a camera can pick this up and create a wavy design that looks like it’s moving. When in doubt, stick to all solids or a light, large-scale pattern like a soft plaid.
Choose Clothes That Contrast
If you have a company-branded headshot with branded colors, then you’re already set! Otherwise, keep in mind the backdrop of your portraits when choosing colors for your headshots.
You’ll want to contrast with the background and your skin tone so you don’t look like a floating head. While you can get a great monochromatic look, it might be helpful to run your choices by the NTP 2 Photography team so we can guide you on the best options.
Ready for Your Professional Headshots
Whatever you choose to wear for your professional headshots, selecting a veteran photographer is paramount.
At NTP 2 Photography, we offer several packages so you can choose what’s right for you and your business. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your professional headshots!