Let's talk headshots! When being a professional, small business owner or a recent college graduate looking for the right position; it is important to put your best foot forward. An easy way to do this is by having a great headshot. Many people avoid getting a professional headshot. There are lots of reasons professionals might do this . . . finding the time to schedule can be hard and google-ing a photographer near me can be intimidating. Some professionals are apprehensive about being in front of the camera, or maybe wanting to wait until they loose those last five pounds. But it is important to put those reasons aside and look at the benefits of having a professional headshot.
Having a professional headshot shows potential clients and employers you bring your A game when it comes to business. It shows your personality giving them an idea of what to expect when they meet you. A great headshot on LinkedIn gives an essence of professionalism in your ability to get the job done right.
Being a professional photographer myself, I often have clients in the studio ready to update their headshot. Let me give you 5 great tips for getting a great headshot.
#1 - Don't be afraid to show your personality! When potential customers are googling your service one thing they are looking for is someone they will mesh well with. They might be looking for someone fun, serious, hard working, professional, artsy, creative or a multitude of other traits. So be sure to let your true self shine. If you like working with people who think outside the box then get creative in the studio. Show your clients you can be a visionary. If you are in a serious business such as law or medicine, you will want to show an image of yourself that looks professional, accomplished and qualified.
#2 - Bring a couple different looks to your portrait session. When going through your closets or shopping at your local clothier be sure to pick a couple different looks. What you may think you like may look a bit different when lit under studio lighting. Having a few different looks to choose from once your receive your proofs will give you flexibility and options. You may want to wear something more traditional as your first outfit and then liven it up by adding in a pop of color for option two.
#3 - Hire a professional Photographer! Taking a selfie is great for your personal social media page, but when showcasing your professional skills be sure you hire a photographer with headshot experience and expertise. They will have the skills to light you just right, to pose you in a pleasing position and the dad jokes to get that real smile from of you. When googling a photographer in Kansas City be sure to look at their gallery of professional headshot images. Some photographers specialize in babies, weddings or headshots. And other professional photographers have experience in several different faucets of portrait photography. Be sure you take a look at the photographer's work before you reach out to them. This will allow you to decide if their style of photography fits your needs and likes.
#4 - Dress the part. Art you a painter selling your creations online? Wear something you paint it that possibly has past paint spills all over it, bring a canvas, paints and brushes to your session. Are you a beautician? Bring some hair products to liven it up. Are you a doctor? Wear your lab coat. If your business is something more laid back and creative, you could wear jeans and a fun top. If your business is something more serious like a loan manager or lawyer wear a suit jacket.
#5 - Be sure your headshot is recent. Your headshot should have been taken with in the last 5 years. As adults we do not change nearly as quickly as children. But we do age, change our hair style, fads change and what not. It is important to have your headshot reflect who you are today. Have you ever met up with someone new and could barely recognize them from the image they have online? It can be surprising and off pudding to meet with someone when they look 10-20 years older in person than they do in their online profile. Yes we all age, but it's important to be confident with who you are now and have your best foot forward by having an up to date headshot in your online presence.
When thinking of updating your headshots keep in mind these great tips: Show your personality, bring different looks, hire a professional, dress the part and be sure your current headshot has been taken with in the last five years. And don't forget to have fun!
Check out Energy Solution Professionals team! We had so much fun creating these personalized headshots showcasing how the ESP team is made up of real life human beings who work hard and play hard. CLICK HERE
Click HERE for ideas on what to wear to your headshot session
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