The best headshots don’t just show what you look like, they show who you are.
The new Frida Kahlo exhibition at Tate Modern achieved more advance ticket sales than any previous exhibition at the gallery, including Rothko, Picasso and Gauguin.
Why is Frida Kahlo so compelling? Around a third of her works are self-portraits, offering a deeply personal insight into her life and identity.
While Rembrandt’s biography is often reflected in his face and the ageing process, Kahlo’s story is frequently told through what lies below the neck, how she presents her body, her surroundings and the symbolic elements within her paintings.
Not everyone immediately connects with Frida work. Without understanding her story, some paintings can seem confusing or even unsettling. But the more you learn about her life, values and experiences, the more you understand and appreciate her art.
Her father was a talented photographer, and Frida often sat for him as he practised. Her ability to face the camera with a steady, almost impassive expression may have developed through these early experiences of posing for photographs.
Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird (1940) is a wonderful example of how a face, expression and surrounding details can tell a much deeper story.
And this is where art connects with headshot photography.
Your headshot is your bio, make sure it tells your story.
