Headshots, Don’t Underestimate the POWER of a Bad one!

Who wants to make time for scheduling headshots? It’s a daunting task when you already have enough daily items on your ‘To-Do-List’. This easily lives at the bottom of every list.

If you are like me, there are some things I’ll always find an excuse to avoid… like taxes! No thank you.

For some, it’s having their picture taken. BUT if you choose your photographer wisely, you’ll look amazing, feel like yourself and have a good time.

Don’t underestimate the power of a bad headshot!

Have you thought about what your current headshot says about you? Does it make someone want to know more about you or less? Does it make you look trustworthy? The truth is a bad headshot will turn people away.

It’s surprising how many individuals and businesses still rely on snapshots from a cell phone or low quality images by an amateur photographer. If your headshot is more than a few years old, you probably need something current. While men can get away with using the same headshot for longer, women typically can’t because of hairstyle, makeup and fashion changes.

The fact remains= better photos get more attention.

As a professional portrait photographer, it’s my job to direct you and bring out your personality. And professional portraits sculpted with light and crafted to perfection will distinguish you from your constituents.

I’ve helped hundreds of other business professionals, artists, educators, politicians and fellow entrepreneurs showcase their best selves to potential clients!

Some tips to get the most from your professional headshot.

Arrive with several options for clothing, together we’ll decide which outfit(s) look best. Professional hair and make-up is ideal for certain clients while others prefer less fuss! Ultimately it’s up to you.

If you’re planning on several outfits and achieving different ‘looks’, relying on someone else to help with make-up and hair is well worth the additional cost.

The following points are to get you on the right track for achieving headshot success!

1) What style or look does your business headshot require?

Does your headshot need to match a company standard? Find out so we can recreate similar lighting and background colors.

If you are starting fresh and building your brand, your images should illustrate your business in a way that resonates with your ideal clientele. Often this requires multiple scenes or what we often call ‘looks’ in branding photography.

What kind of environment describes your business? What type of ‘look’ connects you with your clients?

2) Do you need more than one ‘Look’?

Clothing can say a LOT so plan accordingly. Do you identify with ‘the suits’ or do you see yourself with your sleeves rolled-up? How many different ‘looks’ or illustrations do you need to promote your brand?

Here are a few variations for considering: Answering emails, interacting with clients, laughing vs. serious. glasses vs. no glasses, home office or work space.

3) Communicate your thoughts with your photographer.

Open communication is the best way to receive the desired outcome from your branding session! Together we’ll brainstorm and make a list of ways to tell a story about your company. Screenshot & collect images which inspire you.

Seek out photographs which demonstrate the feeling/look/style/lighting you’d like to achieve with your own images. Here are some ideas I’ve collected —–> Pinterest Headshots.

Here are a few examples to get your brain running-

• Urban cityscape- business portraits in the heart of the city
• Park Setting walking dog, everyday man
• Talking with people & shaking hands
• Place of Business, working at your desk, making calls
• Fashion Portraits in-studio, Dynamic portraits
• Singing in the shower, (Just kidding, checking to see who’s still reading!)

While I provide branding sessions to help small businesses, artists and other entrepreneurs promote themselves; I also provide larger businesses, law firms, medical practices, etc. with headshots for all staff on site. Creating continuity throughout all headshots for staff directories and web presence.

These days we buy and sell everything online. Images are what grab our attention– 95% of the time our decisions are solely based on the aesthetic look of packaging!

So friends? How will you stand out from the crowd?

What does your current headshot say about you?! Send us a message. We’d love to help update your headshots to promote your business, artistry or organization!!