Why headshots may be more helpful to you than you think!
MYTH #1: "I'm not an actor nor a model - I don't need a headshot!"
Gone are the days when headshots were reserved to professions needing a portfolio. I am pretty sure that every single one of you has been asked for or has needed a profile photo for at least one of the reasons below:
If you are employed by a company, you've likely needed a profile photo for...
Your company directory
Your email / internal messaging system (with your photo popping out every time someone receives a message from you)
Your LinkedIn profile and/or your CV
If you run your own business, I'm pretty sure you've scrambled before trying to find pictures of yourself to use for:
Your business social media profiles & content
Your website
Press releases
Your blog
Your marketing materials
Guest blog posts
Interview features
Am I right?
MYTH #2: "I use an old picture, it does the job"
If you already have a photo you love, that looks professional and represents you and your personality, then it might be true. But let's check a few basics and raise your hand if your answer to any of the questions below is YES!
Was your photo was taken by a colleague / friend / family member / company receptionist on a mobile phone in ugly light, and potentially caught you at the wrong time?
If yes, ask yourself if it looks professional enough and if it does you justice. If you've cringed when someone has used this pixelated, grumpy-looking mugshot of yours on a powerpoint slide, then it may be time to change it!
Does it still look like you?
It sounds silly but we've all met people who we've seen "online" before and struggled to recognise them! If you've got a completely different haircut, you now wear glasses, or you've lost a lot of weight - then it's best that your headshot is up-to-date!
Does it make the impression you want?
Maybe you're looking for the next step in your career but your LinkedIn profile is a crop from a wedding photo showing your friend's arm over your shoulder... Or maybe you're building you brand and you'd like your customers to see you as approachable but the only photo of yourself on your website is an old corporate headshot of yours in a black suit, arms crossed, looking severe...
You've guessed it, if you recognise yourself in any of the points above (that's OK, we've all been there!), then it may be time to think about a new headshot!
MYTH #3: "I'm not photogenic, so what's the point?"
I know, I know, that big black camera pointed at you can seem scary at first; but let me tell you, a good professional photographer will be able to take control and share many tricks to help you relax and look natural!
I'll write more about this in a future post, but for now all I would say is I encourage you to look for a photographer whose portfolio is full of people looking happy and comfortable - that's a good sign that this photographer can put anyone at ease and capture them at their best. And if you like the look of their portfolio I would also recommend that you to have a chat with them to get a feel for how they will interact with you during your session.
Something else I like to do with my headshot clients, is that I don't set strict time limits on my sessions, so that they don't feel pressured to "get it first time" and we can carry on making adjustments and trying new things until we get photos they LOVE!
Have you recognised a bit of yourself in these misconceptions? Don't worry, many of us do! If you would like to find out more about my headshot sessions, schedule your free 15 min consultation now.