Your headshot is often the first thing potential clients, employers, and collaborators see, making it a powerful tool for personal branding. In just a few seconds, people form an impression of you based on your photo.
According to LinkedIn, profiles with professional headshots get 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages. Potential clients, employers, or partners might sift through countless profiles, so having a standout photo might be just the thing to get you noticed.
What is Your Headshot Saying About You?
Your headshot isn’t just showing people what you look like, it tells people a little about what it’s like to work with you. People often view your headshot to assess their compatibility with you. An outdated, blurry or poorly lit selfie can appear unprofessional, while a clear, appealing headshot can convey confidence, professionalism, approachability, and attention to detail.
Do you need a new headshot?
You should update your headshot every two to three years, or when you undergo a change in hairstyle, hair color, weight, or personal style, or for men, a change in facial hair. As you grow in your career, your headshot should also reflect any change in career or position. Someone you meet in person should be able to immediately identify you from your headshot.
How to Get a Great Headshot
1. Choose the Right Photographer
Look for a photographer with experience in branding photography, as they understand how to convey the right message through lighting, composition, and expression. Your photographer should be able to work with you to create visuals that tell your story.
2. Dress for Success
Dress for the job you want. Your clothing should align with your industry and the image you want to project. If you’re in a corporate role, opt for classic business attire such as a blazer or a button-down shirt. If you’re in a creative field, you may have more flexibility to showcase personality through color or style, but even in a corporate setting, you can find ways to express yourself through accessories, color, and clothing style.
People tend to trust those who appear well-put-together and confident. Avoid busy patterns or small stripes, and opt for solid colors that complement your skin tone. Make sure clothing is wrinkle-free.
3. Pay Attention to Grooming
Hair, makeup, and grooming should be polished but natural. Women may choose to have professional hair and makeup done for a refined look. Your look should align with your daily appearance, so don’t let your hair, makeup, or facial hair vary significantly from your day-to-day look.
4. Consider the Setting
Plain backdrops keep the focus on you, while a setting that reflects your work environment or industry can add depth to the story your headshot tells. Consider your office, the city skyline, urban settings, or a natural outdoor setting to tell your story.
5. Perfect Your Expressions and Poses
We all know the importance of body language in person, but it’s important in photos too. Your body language can convey openness and confidence. Your expression should be approachable, yet professional. A smile can make you appear friendly and confident, while a serious expression can convey authority. Regardless of which expression you choose, the key is for it to be natural, not forced. A genuine smile exudes friendliness and warmth, while a forced or stale smile can come off as inauthentic.
A great headshot is more than just a photo—it’s an investment in your professional success. By making a positive first impression, building credibility, and reinforcing your personal brand, a high-quality headshot can open doors and create new opportunities.
Take the time to invest in a professional photographer, dress the part, and present yourself in the best possible light. Your career deserves it!
For more information, visit janethowardstudio.com.