During the process of developing a new website, I recommended that my client hire a photographer to update all the professional’s headshots. I suggested that updated photos would not only increase the aesthetics of the site, but a consistent background and camera perspective would communicate a unified message to all who visited.
As part of the exercise, each professional was scheduled at a specific time, and emailed “best practices” regarding what to wear to ensure the resulting headshot would be as flattering as possible.
On the day of the shoot, I was perplexed by the scenarios presented me. One female arrived with a face as red as ground beef. When I inquired as to what had happened, she mentioned she had undergone a chemical peel earlier that day in hopes of appearing younger. A male showed up in a dress shirt that was too small to button at the neck and with a jacket that arguably would have fit him 30 pounds ago. Another female was irritated to learn we hadn’t rented a fan in order to give her the Hollywood “windblown hair” look she desired.
Having overseen many photo shoots for professional services firms since then, I have learned two things. First, assume nothing. Even the brightest of professionals require direction in areas outside their expertise. Second, an updated headshot is a powerful marketing tool that should not be taken for granted.
In an Internet era when most professionals utilize online tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and their organization’s website to connect with clients, prospects, and referral sources, it’s critical that one’s online presentation appropriately reflects their personal brand, and positions them as the “go to” person within their field.
Below are my recommendations when it comes to professional headshots:
- Have a professional headshot taken every two years or whenever your appearance changes substantially, whichever comes first; a “dated” headshot communicates your inability to evolve and stay current
- Utilize the services of a professional photographer as they can position you in the best light possible–pun intended; they can also ensure the resolution of the picture is sufficient for a myriad of marketing and promotional purposes
- For professional use, avoid pictures of you on the phone (as often sported by realtors on bus benches), of you with your pets (we get it…you’re popular), or with your kids/grandkids
- Focus on your face as that is what you want people to remember most; everything else (clothing, makeup, hair, accessories, eyewear, etc.) should take second chair and appear professional and conservative as to not draw attention away from your face
- Ultimately, present the best you possible. It’s not necessary to have Cher’s cheekbones or Brad Pitt’s smile to make a professional impression.
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. What is your headshot saying about you?
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Jonathan,
I jut got around to reading this post and, as usual, you hit the nail on the head. However, if we think attorneys are bad at getting their pictures updated – the folks most guilty of of this offense are real estate agents!
Great summary and excellent tips. Hard to believe professionals can be so dense! But you’re right, they may be really good at what they do, experts in their field, but have no idea about what seems basic to those of us in marketing.
Jonathan,
This such a fabulous topic to post about. I cannot tell you how many times I coach my clients on their professional photos. Some refuse to post one on their social media profiles such as Linked In (immediately causing mistrust or ignoring of their profile) and some post the most poorly merchandised shots.
Too many people are unaware that EVERYTHING counts in that first photo impression: hair, makeup, wardrobe, body language, eye contact, smile, no smile, teeth showing, teeth not showing.
I underscore every bit of advice you’ve given and also particularly emphasize how important good lighting is in this process. A well-lit, well-angled photo with you positioned correctly can be your most magnetic advertisement.
Thanks for these tips – they should be tweeted and RT’d repeatedly.
Great tips! And I might add that a professional make up artist can do wonders for headshots, even if it’s just a little powder to take down the shine on gentlemen. Also, a photographer that can easlily coerce a natural smile or expression out of the subject will result in a photo that truly represents them.
Jonathan, your post resonated with me and also reminded me of a photo shoot that my team had set up for some newly announced partners for an ad. After providing them with guidelines around what to wear, one of them said at the shoot that they didn’t want to wear their jacket – which led to the others wanting to copy that person. It can be a battle… it still amazes me how some people just don’t understand how image reflects on their personal brand.
As a professional photographer I face this issue daily. I recently photographed a professional whom after the shoot wanted me to slim her face arms and upper body of her favorite image. I suggested that it would be best to use the image as is (with a little retouching) to represent a true image of how she looks at the present time. She sternly said this picture is not who she was and she recently gained and extra 50 pounds. I mentioned as tactfully as I could use this picture and come back in six months after losing the weight and retake the image. She insisted I do the work or she would find a retoucher on her own.
I agree with you that the image of and executive should as good as possible. It should radiate their individual spirit in a professional way, but not be altered in an extreme photoshop interpretation of who they where or would like to be.
Great subject an image is like you calling card before meeting a prospective client. Don’t confuses them by showing up as someone different.
Hi Jonathan,
I read recently that with a variety of social media platforms, it is important to have the same or similar photos on each profile so that your brand or image is consistent. I experienced something similar recently when I landed on a website that had a touched-up “glamour” head shot of the business owner. Underneath the touched up photo was a still photo from a video featuring the same person. The images were like night and day. The effect on me was instant distrust – my thought was, “That person is not who they ‘say’ they are!”
Jonathan, I agreed with everything you said, having just been through a major website/photos revamp for my firm. Some of my experiences were just as incredible as the ones in your blog post.
I always get a laugh out of people who use a 40 year old picture on their website – Jonathan, I think you know who I mean. And when you meet the guy you think you’re meeting his grandfather! Great post.
Ha! Yes, further proof that some things never change. If only people realized that they are not doing themselves any favors by holding on (for dear life) to the past!
Jonathan,
Great reminder — assume nothing — and on-target tips on getting great shots.