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5 Reasons for Getting Professional Headshots

August 30, 20194 min read

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When one thinks of headshots, one thinks of an aspiring actor looking for their big break. This isn’t necessarily the case though. In the real world, the saying “Never judge a book by its cover” is misleading. If you are a working professional, or are job hunting or want to make a lasting impression in the worlds of entrepreneurship or business, making a good first impression starts with how people perceive you the first time they see you. This first impression always starts when they see your photograph. 

In this modern age of technology, everything is online, which means you need to look professional on your LinkedIn page and your business website, since that is where potential professional contacts or clients are going to see you first. 

This and many more reasons are why you need to find a professional photographer who specializes in headshots. They know how to position you and/or your employees and staff, choose the best backdrop, and how to use lighting to get the best possible shots. In addition, they can give you advice on what type of colours and clothing to wear as well as clothing options the day of your photoshoot.  

For these photos, you should be dressed as you would in your work environment. For example, a business executive should wear a suit. If your work environment is more flexible with uniforms, choose colours that flatter your skin tone and hair colour. Solid colours are better than patterns. 

Skip the selfie-stick and go for the professional investment. Here are a few other reasons why you should consider getting professional headshots done.

1. You'll Look the Part

If you want to be treated as a professional, you need to look professional. A professional headshot conveys that sense of authority and respectfulness. If you look the part, potential clients, investors, collaborators, etc. who don’t personally know you are more likely to agree to a first meeting with you.

2. It Will Help You Take Yourself Seriously

By making the investment in professional headshot photography, it means you’re making an investment in yourself; you’re taking yourself and your career seriously. Looking your best can make you feel good, and a professional photo to share with others in your line of work can help boost self-confidence, inspire you to share more of yourself with others, and overcome work-related challenges.

3. You Will Stand Out from the Crowd

A professional photo makes recruiters, potential employers, and important contacts take a closer look at you, especially if it’s high-res and visually pleasing. It reminds business contacts who you are if they only met you in passing at a function or convention, making it more likely they will accept your “friend” or “follow” request online. When it comes to LinkedIn, the professional photo supports and enhances the skills and experience you have outlined in your profile, which helps you stand out.

4. Stay on Top of Everyone’s Minds

Speaking of the social media aspect, by including a professional headshot on your accounts, it will enable people to put a face to the name. It’ll be more likely that you stay top-of-mind to important contacts who look you up, whether before or after you meet. 

A good headshot can give people an idea of your personality before they meet you. A smile portrays approachability; a serious look portrays determination. Your expression should match your personality (though a smile is most recommended). People can also tell a lot just from your eyes. Do you enjoy what you do? That often is filtered through your eyes.

5. It Could Be Your Only Shot

In this fast-paced digital world, most contacts have no time to read more than a few lines of your resume or portfolio. The best chance to make a positive, instant impression on potential employers or customers is a good headshot. A professionally done headshot gives people an idea of what you look like now. If your photo isn’t current, it sends a message of inauthenticity, especially given how much our appearances change over the years.

Now you know more about why they're necessary. Do you need headshots taken of yourself or of your company? Check out the rates on my website for individual or group corporate sessions. If you have any questions at all such as what's involved with bigger groups, contact me.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Photos by Cheryl and a clickable link back to this page.

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