When do you need to update your Professional Headshots
by Kurtis Landry of Kurtis Landry Photography, Broken Arrow Oklahoma
Headshots are a great way to initiate a solid first impression. A well-done headshot can help establish an impression of trust, credibility and professionalism right out of the gate. Studies have shown that most people will determine whether or not they trust someone within a few seconds of meeting you. This ability of our subconscious to make behavioral inferences based on limited windows of experience is referred to as thin slicing. To put it simply, most people will have a "gut-feeling" about your intelligence, social/professional status, character, etc even with a very limited amount of information about and this happens subconsciously. A negative first impression can be hard to overcome.
Since we live in the information age, a lot of our business and interpersonal interactions can be initiated through social media or online marketing tools such as a website. The first thing a client potentially sees when seeking out you or your business could be a headshot that makes a subconscious impression on them.
A good headshot can give you an advantage before even meeting with a potential client or employer. This is why it is important to take the time to ensure you can make a great first impression.
So now that we know the importance of a professional headshot, let's talk about when you might want to hire a photographer.
If your headshot is a phone selfie or amateur photo.
These sorts of photos can work in a pinch, but if your goals are to demonstrate your professionalism, I would highly suggest seeking a photographer. They can help you create an image that helps establish your credibility.
Creating your personal brand.
Early on in your career you may not have needed to have a personal brand. But now that you've become more established you may want headshots that reflect who you are or the image you want to put out across platforms.
Career change
Here is an example: you started out your career as a carpenter and your headshot reflected that and now you have gone into Project Management so now you need a professional style headshot that represents someone who works in a corporate environment.
Here is another example; You are the pastor of a church and you get invited to speak at other churches and venues, and you do not want to use the same photo at each event. You can always update your current headshot and ask for multiple headshots, with different facial expressions, poses or outfits or expressions. For example, asking to take some "serious" headshots along with a few casual or playful ones ensures that you've got a variety of representations of yourself.
You have changed your look or style.
If you have changed your appearance over the last few years, you may want to reshoot your headshot. I feel if you make any major changes in how you look you should update your headshot. This could be from losing a large amount of weight, hair color, or even clothing style. You should make it a point to show who you are today. Provide your clients with an accurate representation of who you are today.
If your headshot is over a few years old.
As the years pass by our looks change. Keeping your headshot up to date is a great way to ensure that our clients, whether they are new or old, can recognize us without issue.
Final Thoughts
I believe it's important for everyone to have a professional headshot. It is the best way to show off who you are, establish your credibility with clients, build trust and lay the groundwork for a good first impression. If any of the above situations apply to you then it's time to inquire about professional headshot sessions.
If you would like to schedule a session with me, click on the "Book your session" link below. I pride myself on making the process pain free and enjoyable for you. In addition, feel free to reach out if you have any other questions regarding headshots or other photography services. Thanks for taking the time to read this!