Let's talk headshots, because visual imagery sells and tells your story long before a potential customer or client speaks directly to you. Is it really THAT important to have a professional headshot? You bet your bottom dollar!
I describe it like this...if I am looking to book a vacation rental or purchase a home, and the first displayed photo (my first impression) is dark, out of focus, has poor composition, looks like all the others on repeat, not in alignment with the property's best qualities, includes clutter, or shows a sunset/the neighborhood instead of the actual home, I'm not clicking. I'm not going any further.
Why? You just lost my trust. It doesn't show the best attributes, which makes me think you are hiding something. It makes me wonder if these photos are truly the best this place has to offer. It feels like even the seller devalues the home. What if the upkeep on the home is just as neglected as the photo quality? It might seem heavy-handed, but truly, your headshot tells the same kinds of stories.
Everything from composition, the way the image is cropped, the clothing you choose, the angle of your shoulders (as well as a million other micro movements in the face and body), and how you hold your body tells a story in less than a second to the viewer. And you should never underestimate the power of a first impression, because humans have been using this mechanism to create a snap judgement since the beginning of time. Our brains are hot wired to take in all the information and assess qualities such as likeability, friendliness, safety, competence, etc… Let’s face it, this is how we survived each other. It’s engrained and it’s automatic.
My business has shifted beautifully into a space where personal branding, headshots, and product photography is a very large piece of the creative work I was receiving this summer. More and more colleges, internship opportunities, and post-collegiate careers (not to mention online platforms you show up on with a professional portfolio) are looking for visual imagery that showcases, in a snapshot, who you are and what qualities you possess. And depending on what field you are in, the style headshot you choose can vary widely. This is why it is important to hire a photographer who asks all the right questions and can guide you towards an image that represents you and your venture the best.
Has it been a while since you updated your headshot or gotten one at all? Does it make you a bit nervous (because there really is a lot more to it than most people realize)? It shouldn't. I've got you! When we design your session during our pre-consultation, we talk about the characteristics you want to portray and how your headshots will be used. A theater major is looking for a very different set of headshots than, let's say, an elected official would be. Subtle differences like lighting, coloring, posing, and composition make all the difference in the world. As someone who has studied Art since I was in elementary school, I know the subtle nuances like the back of my hand. A picture is worth a thousand words...it's about eliciting the right kind of connection and response from the viewer, and I can make this happen for you- stress free.
…Not to mention what an incredible image of yourself will do for your own confidence and self-esteem. Photography is just another form of self-care, and it’s the perfect gift of showing up for yourself!