4 Headshot Photography Myths You Can Discard Today
Aisha is a leader in her field of physician recruitment. She wants to show up strong, friendly, and professional. This clean white background with Aisha’s red power dress makes her headshots pop. This brings the right type of attention she’s looking for. Aisha works in Richmond, VA but can do her job nationally.
Let’s talk about your headshots.
I know, this probably isn’t one of your favorite topics, because having your picture taken probably isn’t in your top 10 (or even 25) list of things you love to do.
The hard truth is, though, if your current photos are more than two years old, they’re out of date and need to be updated (especially if you are a professional of any kind).
Whether you’re thinking about taking headshots for the first time or you want to refresh your current photos there are some common myths about headshots I’d like to debunk so you can book your next photoshoot with confidence and peace of mind.
#1 - There is No Need to Hire a Professional
Even as a professional photographer, I’m the first to admit that cell phone cameras have come a long way in the past ten years. The camera on your phone is head and shoulders above the professional camera I was using a decade ago and the photos it’s capable of taking are amazing.
You may even know someone (a family member, friend, or your neighbor’s college kid) who has professional camera equipment capable of taking amazing photos. So why not just have someone take your photo instead of investing in professional headshots? That would be a great option if it were the camera that actually took the photo. But it’s not. It’s the person holding the camera who actually takes the photo.
If you want to put your best, most professional self forward online, it’s best to invest in a headshot session with a brand photographer who understands lighting, posing, angles, and all of the other details that go into a great photo. Plus when you work with me, I have an amazing team to support you. My hair and makeup artist and stylist are dedicated to making sure you look your absolute best for your photoshoot.
I work with a lot of corporate clients to provide a consistent brand look for their corporate websites like Ferguson in Newport News, VA
#2 - Headshots Don’t Need Personality
Contrary to what you’ve heard or read, headshots do need to tell a story and showcase your personality. In most instances, someone who’s looking at your profile will notice your photo before they start reading about your skills and experience. We’ve all seen the same boring, generic smiling pose a bazillion times, and after a while, everyone begins to look the same.
There are thousands of profiles and portfolios online, so you need to find a way to stand out. The best way to do that is to find a way to bring your unique personality into your headshot. Let people get to know you before they meet you simply by the message you convey with your profile photo!
People tell them even though they don’t the person in the photograph, they get a good sense of who they are.
#3 - You’re Not Photogenic
Unfortunately, far too many professionals shy away from scheduling a professional photo session because they believe they aren’t photogenic. I hear this fear from my clients a lot. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met ANYONE who starts out thinking they’re photogenic! It’s just not human nature. I completely understand because I didn’t think I was photogenic either. I didn’t see my beauty until I photographed myself.
I see your beauty just like you see everyone else’s beauty. We are conditioned by society’s impossible standards of beauty to be hyper-critical of our own looks. Let’s put a stop to that! I’ve made it my personal mission to help you see your beauty through a great portrait of yourself. I do everything I can to support you to have a successful session with support services like:
Camera-ready makeup
Hairstyling
Wardrobe Styling
Tips on how to reduce your nervousness and prepare you for a successful Headshot session
Optional if you want to grab a quick call with me to make sure we’re a good fit.
So let go of the belief that you’re not photogenic, even if you’ve had professional portraits taken in the past and still feel that way. It’s not you! You’ve just been using the wrong photographer.
I believe I’m the right photographer and that, if we work together, we can create headshots that make you feel confident and beautiful and ensure that you stand out in your industry.
#4 - My Existing Headshots are Fine
As I said at the beginning of this post, this might be the case if you took them within the last 2 years. If not, it’s time to update them. If you’re a professional, this isn’t my opinion. It’s a fact. Not only do headshot styles change, but you’ve changed too. And your headshots should always be a clear representation of who you are today.
Hopefully, I’ve changed your mind about at least considering updating your headshots. If you have any other concerns about whether a headshot session is right for you, schedule a free 15-minute consult
“Kim and her team were punctual and worked with each of our lawyers and paralegals in a thoughtful, classy, and organized way. We HIGHLY recommend Kim to anyone looking for first-class service and amazing photos.”
— Brian Greene, Greene Hurlocker Law Firm, Richmond, VA
I have more than 120 5-star Google reviews. My team and I know exactly how to make your photo shoot the best you’ve ever experienced and I’m confident that you’ll be my next raving Google Review once you experience our professionalism.
Are you ready to create your best headshot with your own personal branding photographer? I’m booking executive headshot sessions and personal branding sessions in the Phoenix area through March 2022. I’m also heading to Richmond, VA in March 2022. If you’re not in one of these areas, I am available to travel to your area.
If you’re still unsure about having a professional photoshoot, that’s totally okay. Ioffer a free 15-minute consultation so we can get to know each other and you can determine whether or not you feel comfortable working with me.
Let’s chat about what you want out of your professional photos!