Despite the fact that the trend of CVs without photos is becoming more and more established, the truth is that in some areas of the planet it seems that we are still far from doing without it. so a good one resume photography it becomes essential when it comes to finding a job, because, whether we like it or not, it is usually part of the first impression that the person who reads it receives about us.
A lot of information can be extracted from a resume photograph, beyond whether we are more or less handsome, young or old, our image speaks of our personality, our perfectionism, neatness, and even our character.
A passport photo does not convey the same impression, a selfie taken with your mobile phone sprawled out on the beach or a professional studio shot, right? 😉
1. Go to a professional
It is the best way to ensure that you have good results when it comes to getting a good resume photo.
The studies where these types of images are made already have a background or correct lighting so that your image is satisfactory.
However, many of us do not like to take these types of photos, am I wrong?
And then the consequence is that you come out with a face that er… bears little resemblance to the good impression you want to convey about yourself.
To do this, you have no choice but to do it yourself, which will allow you to do an unlimited number of tests until you are satisfied with the result.
2. Use a tripod
Either you have a friend with a few notions of photography or the best thing is that you organize the photography yourself, which you do have 😉
To do this, it is best to get a tripod and a remote shutter release.
If the photograph is for someone else, you can work freehand as long as you have enough light for the image to be perfectly sharp.
2. Choose a suitable background
It is very important that you are careful with the background.
No taking photos in the kitchen, with the TV on behind you, or having a drink on the terrace on duty. Neglecting the background conveys little seriousness or carelessness.
It’s as easy as finding a neutral, solid-color background. You can use a smooth wall in your house or somewhere outside.
If you want to be somewhat more original, you can contextualize your image with other types of backgrounds, for example exteriors, but always chosen carefully and with special care so that they do not detract from your prominence.
3. Medium shot
Unless you want to be an eye or nose model, the ideal is to avoid the very close-ups 😉
Although the idea that a CV photo should simply be a headshot is quite widespread, a medium shot is ideal, since it allows us to show much more about ourselves than a simple face.
A medium shot talks about our pose, our clothing, our expression, and so on.
4. Comfort
To avoid forced poses that are reflected in our expression, it is best to find a position in which you are comfortable, you sit relaxed and therefore your personality flows naturally on camera.
You can lean lightly against a wall (beware of the shadows you can cast behind) or sit on a chair or stool.
5. Point of view
Any inclination of the camera with respect to the protagonist of the image, you must take it into account when taking any photograph because, although it seems somewhat far-fetched, the truth is that both a slightly chopped scene and a counter-chopped one transmit totally different sensations.
For example, if we take the point of view (the camera slightly above the portrayed subject), the sensation that we transmit to the viewer of the image is one of humility or fragility.
On the other hand, if we slightly bite the angle (from bottom to top), the impression is of strength and greatness.
On the other hand, a point of view at a right angle creates an effect of empathy between the subject and the viewer, as well as stability and peace.
choose one or the other it will depend on your personality and even the position you apply for.
6. The face and its expression
As much as we do not make a very close-up, the face is probably what we human beings analyze the most about each other.
The look or the expression They are your main letter of introduction.
A slight smile and a direct and friendly look at the camera (of course avoiding a frown or any other similar attitude 🙂 ) is usually the most advisable.
Although, of course, it depends on you, your personality and what you want to convey.
7. The lighting
It is easiest for you to work with natural lightif possible, the soft light of the first and last hours of the day, which is the most flattering for any portrait.
this light is soft, warm and fuzzythus it does not create annoying shadows on the face and naturally favors the features.
Try to get closer to the windows. If the light is too strong, use a thin curtain as a diffuser.
If you need to work with flash, bounce it on some light surface or get a diffuser screen for the same.
The direct light of the flash is usually too harsh and leaves us with cold and unreal images. Oh, and about the integrated camera, we better not talk, just forget about it 😉
8. Work with large diaphragm openings
I won’t say use the widest aperture just in case you have a king of f/1.4 aperture lenses, because that would be too shallow a depth of field, but work wide open.
It will not only allow you isolate your protagonist to focus your interest on blurring the background, but you’ll have more light to work with, allowing you to use higher shutter speeds to avoid judder or movement in the image.
9. Looking at the camera and the focus on the eyes
Remember that it is a more informative than artistic image and how important the look is when we want to portray someone.
Isn’t it true that a look at the camera is more natural than one that looks in another direction? Likewise, remember to focus your eyes well; a good focus on the eyes is already half an image achieved 🙂
10. Wardrobe
Do not neglect your appearance, remember that I have recommended a medium shot, which implies that, from the waist up at least, your wardrobe is going to be the protagonist of the scene, just like your hairstyle, your beard or your makeup, yes. you wear it
Everything must be appropriate to the type of job you are applying for.
I imagine that if you’re a surf teacher on a Hawaiian beach you don’t necessarily need to wear a rigorous dark suit, but if you’re applying for a managerial position in a bank, you definitely do.
11. Always use an updated image
Always use a photograph as recent as possible. When we finally find an image in which we look good, in which we recognize ourselves, like ourselves and believe that it speaks perfectly of us or that it has worked well for us for a while, we usually settle into it and exploit it to the fullest.
But time passes, and no matter how well you keep yourself, don’t fool yourself, you age 😉
Photos from 10 years ago are not valid, nor with 15 Kg less or more. Your image must be as faithful as possible to your current self, otherwise the impression that whoever interviews you will receive when they meet you will be one of deception. Bad way to start, don’t you think?
12. Perform various tests
Do not be afraid to do several tests and keep the image that satisfies you the most, the one that you think best represents you and the most appropriate for the position you are applying for.
That is all. What do you think of these tips? Would you add any more? I hope this article has been useful to you. If so, you know, share it on your favorite social network. Thank you very much and until the next article 😉