Today’s post is inspired by a work conference story a friend once shared. She was supposed to meet someone who she could only pull out of a crowd from his LinkedIn profile photo, which happened to be about 20 years. She was looking for a man in his 50s with a full head of hair and was approached by someone in his 70’s and just a little lighter on top…friends, don’t be this person…

If you’ve ever wondered if it was time for you to get your first professional headshot or at least time to update it…this is for you…

Who should get a professional headshot?
Answering with “everyone” isn’t going to cut it today. So let’s break it down.
1. You are someone who may be featured in some way. Whether your job may need to highlight you for an accomplishment, your alma mater wants to share an update of your career path, or you are being recognized for something you’ve written or created, an up to date headshot on hand helps. There’s nothing like sending a selfie to your boss when they want to send a company-wide blast.
2. Your LinkedIn Profile is a networking tool. Our online profiles help build trust and relationships with others well before we ever shake hands in person. Your profile picture should be welcoming and engaging and a professional image also shows you take your career seriously.
3. You connect with folks virtually before in person so they rely on your profile picture. This one comes from personal experience. I once traveled with my sister for a work conference and watched countless people take meetings relying on the conference profile photos to find each other. Imagine trying to meet someone who’s picture has blonde hair but they dyed their hair brown 4 months ago. You’ll be looking for the wrong person wasting your short meeting timeframe.
4. You want to level up your brand image even if your brand is simply YOU. Maybe you run your own business, are creating another stream of income, or have your career path laid out with your company, an updated headshot helps you represent yourself online.

What should your headshot look like?
This will vary depending on your line of work and what you plan to use the images for. In general, everyone should have one greatly lit direct photograph of you looking at the camera. I recommend you smile (at least for a few of them). Typically the shot you need will be from your torso and up but don’t plan to sneak in basketball shorts, a fuller shot can also be helpful in your gallery. After capturing the necessary, other shots can include a bit of your personality, you at work, or showing off a part of your accomplishment. Examples include: your favorite books, a notebook & pen, your laptop, the award you are being recognized for, or your favorite sports team jersey.
What should you wear for your headshot?
Choose neutral colors or your signature color. If you choose to wear colors that aren’t signature to you / your brand, stay in the earthy or jewel tones like dark green, teal, burnt orange, gray, black, or white. If you choose to wear a pattern choose smaller patterns like ditsy florals or check instead of large patterns like tropical florals or plaid. Add complimentary jewelry and accessories. Leave the smart watches and hair ties off of your wrist during your session.

Where should you have your headshots taken?
This is completely up to you and how your photo might be used. If it is likely just to represent yourself online or in features, you have some play. You can choose indoor or outdoor. The background doesn’t need to be neutral. If this photo may be used on a about page alonside other headshots or for a bio somewhere, I recommend at least one photo be taken indoors with a neutral backdrop. This can be accomplished in an indoor photography studio or simply a space with a blank wall that has some breathing room for you and the photographer to stand in front of without either of you being pushed against a wall.

When should you update your headshots?
How often should you update your headshot? I recommend a minimum of every 2 years but ideally once a year to keep your image up to date with real life. There’s nothing worse than looking for that person you are meeting with only to find out their profile picture is 15 years old and a full head of hair ago. You should also update your headshot if you have recently change your appearance (drastic change in hair length, hair color, weight loss or gain, etc.). You want the photograph representing you to look like YOU.

Why should you invest in photographs instead of using your phone?
I know that our phones can do some impressive work these days but I also believe working with a professional photographer is the best option regardless. A professional photographer will know the best posing and positioning. Not only have we invested in our camera, we have also invested in high quality lenses, off camera lighting, editing software and most importantly, education. How to use light, background, body positioning, and post-process editing to create the most flattering images is what we do best. You may like your phone picture but you’ll love the final images your photographer delivers to you.

Bonus Question: How do you book a headshot session with me?
Fill out my inquiry form linked at the top of this webpage. We’ll discuss what you need and the best way to capture it. Sessions begin at $200 and include a downloadable digital gallery.