These days, everyone is linked to the world wide web, it's not just millennials who are web and social media savvy anymore. Chief Executive Officers (CEO), corporations and their personnel, advertisers, ad agencies and more are going online to capture those consumers and viewers. However, an online presence means the faces of these companies are more important than ever. Everyone wants to know about the CEO and what he/she looks like. Everyone wants to know who you are in your LinkedIn profile. Real Estate Agents are getting better profile photos because customers want that friendly face when they are purchasing their new home. Your financial agent has to look friendly as well because customers are entrusting them with their retirement or their finances. Medical professionals are in the same boat, because if you are entrusting them with your life, they better have those friendly eyes that show they do care about you.
These are just a few reasons why headshots are not just for actors, dancers, entertainers and musicians anymore. Professional headshots are a must for every professional, whether or not you're part of a company, an actor, dancer, musician, or someone looking for a job and need a headshot for your LinkedIn profile, Facebook, or any other social media. It has is imperative to get the right look for your profile. You cannot just have a friend with a camera take your headshot. A selfie taken with your iPhone, Galaxy, or tablet is definitely not what you should be posting! You need professional headshots because you want people to see that you care about the quality of your image enough to make sure it is taken by a professional who knows how to capture that friendly and confident look in your eyes and bring out the best expressions. Photographers who know lighting and can coach you is important. If your photo looks amateur, then that next client, agent, viewer, or follower, will go choose someone else.
Take this excerpt from an article written by Backstage.com and their #1 word of advice regarding headshots:
"1. Go pro. Spend the money. It’s worth it. Go to a professional, who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not some friend who happens to have a decent camera who “sorta knows a little about photography.” Save those pictures for Instagram, and leave the headshots to the pros. Good headshots range from $400-$1200, and to get them professionally duplicated (not at CVS) will cost you another $100. Anything less is just a glorified passport photo. If the headshots look cheap, they probably are. And you look like you don’t care about your career."
Backstage may be speaking to an audience of actors and entertainers, but the above holds true for other individuals as well. Make sure you show quality in your headshot, because your audience only wants the best to follow, hire, and trust. Why cut corners when you'll only acquire customers, followers and audiences that are NOT your ideal clientele?
So go get your headshot. Go to a professional who will do it right. It's not that easy to take a photo of someone. You just don't say "smile!" and expect magic to happen. Professionals coach you extensively in addition to just having a conversation with you during your session so they can get the right shot that says "I am confident, trustworthy, and friendly." Trust me, I'm a professional.
New York and Tri-State headshot photographer capturing faces and events since 2008. Studio and on-location photo shoot available.