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How to get a good business portrait

A skilled photographer is the key to an effective business card portrait

Having your picture on your business card is a good way to project a memorable and positive impression to contacts and prospects - but how do you make sure your portrait communicates the right message?

Your business portrait is your first chance to establish yourself as reliable and capable - or to undermine yourself by appearing uncomfortable or unfriendly, writes blogger Nell Minow in the Australian edition of CBS's Interactive Business Network publication.

She explores the psychology behind a good business portrait - and what poses convey professional confidence and competence - with former White House photographer Tracey Attlee.

A good business photo should trigger positive messages about you - remember the viewer will look at small details when making a decision whether or not to do business with you.

Looking pleasant, trustworthy, natural, confident, and impressive may seem like a tall order but Ms Attlee recommends posing with your body leaning into the camera.

As for the setting, it can be a backdrop or more real-life but make sure there are no distracting elements that will weaken the portrait composition.

Ms Minow says the first thing is to find the right photographer for the job by looking at colleagues’ business photos and engaging in discussion with photographers.

You will also want to speak to your printing service to ensure your the final product looks exactly as you had imagined.