2
\$\begingroup\$

For a job interview portrait, I need to make a picture that reflects leadership, creativity and flexibility.

What color or colors should I use? Also, after pick up the color, should I use a tone high, or more darkness?

I'm coming from this post as reference:

How do I take a good portrait for a CV or resume?

and this one: http://static1.creativosonline.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/psicologia-del-color.jpg

\$\endgroup\$
12
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ I don't think that colors can define leadership etc. Have you tried googling examples? \$\endgroup\$ May 4, 2015 at 15:00
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ color of background has little to do with effect if model is ugly or picture is awful. If not, then attention will be on the face. Just don't use acid green \$\endgroup\$ May 4, 2015 at 15:04
  • 5
    \$\begingroup\$ This is really not about photography. It might belong on the workplace stack, or psychology. \$\endgroup\$ May 4, 2015 at 16:29
  • 5
    \$\begingroup\$ @OlinLathrop Deciding what you want, and what composition (including composition will work to fill that want) is part of photography. \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    May 4, 2015 at 16:48
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ With that consideration anything in photography that is not about technology will be applied in other situation. So close photography and make a tech-optic stack. \$\endgroup\$ May 9, 2015 at 22:59

1 Answer 1

3
\$\begingroup\$

In my opinion, leadership, creativity and flexibility are not best conveyed by the backdrop color of a headshot.

Note that I said headshot, as that is what I would typically recommend for any resume/CV image.

Instead I think that it is important to consider your audience. Are you(or the user of the image) applying for a position as a manager in a corporate environment? Then use a soft background with pleasing soft shadows that don't take away from the subject. What color the background is less important then capturing a technically high quality image. Make sure the subject is wearing colors that compliment the background. If you are applying for a creative position you might want to skip the headshot all together as well as any rules and try for unique.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ Well, you told me things that I never think, this is a helpful answer. It was for a client but this will help me a lot in the future. Thanks! :) \$\endgroup\$ May 10, 2015 at 20:55
  • \$\begingroup\$ If it's a management position, I recommend a nice orange jumpsuit on a white background with horizontal black lines, under the premise that the other C*Os will see it and immediately know that you're one of them. :-D \$\endgroup\$
    – dgatwood
    Apr 13, 2017 at 23:55

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.