How an Old Headshot Can Hurt Your Brand
Krissy Fadley made sure to have her Headshot Updated.
Having your picture taken probably isn’t one of your favorite things to do. Having a professional photo shoot can feel even more daunting. It’s probably right up there with “going to the dentist” on your list of things you should get done.
For that reason, it also probably continually slips to the bottom of your “to-do” list. Besides, you may rationalize, that photo you’ve been using for the past five (or even ten) years is such a great photo of you. You’ll probably never get another one that good again.
Here’s the thing. If it’s been more than a few years since you’ve had professional photos taken, that’s a big problem. If you have a business with a personal brand, your credibility depends upon your image. If you’re marketing yourself and your business online, your virtual image is the first thing people see.
“You only get one chance to make a 1st impression online, and your image is your 1st impression!”
— Kim Brundage
Since, with a personal brand, people are, in large part, buying you and your image, if you don’t look like the images you’re sharing online, on your website, or on One Sheet, you’re starting a business relationship with a potential client with a lie.
That may be hard to hear but think about it. If they’re expecting the person in the photo and you show up on a Zoom call or in-person and look nothing like that person, it instantly erodes their confidence in your integrity. The first thing they’ll think (after they get over the fact that the person they hired is NOT the person they’re looking at) is that you aren’t willing to invest in yourself or your business enough to make sure your images are up to date and professional.
Anne Simmons, Resumes by Anne was only using caricatures for her website. By using her actual face with her favorite typewriter, she’s had higher engagement to her services.
Key Reasons to Keep Your Headshots Updated
Here are some recommendations and reasons to make sure your headshots are always updated and on point for your brand:
Ideally, you should update your professional images every one to three years. NEVER use a photo for your business that’s more than three years old
Professional photos are a must if you’re doing business online. No matter how great you look in a candid, amateur shot, there is no substitute for professional-looking images when it comes to your business brand.
Not only do your looks change over time, but so does your life experience. A good photographer will make sure your personality and interests shine through in your headshots. The only way to ensure these reflect who you are NOW (and not who you were ten years ago), is to have updated professional photos taken.
An up-to-date anchor image (or headshot) that you love and are proud of builds your confidence, which is also a huge business asset. I've seen my clients put themselves out there more often once they’ve gotten images they’re proud of.
Photos that are updated regularly are a clear indication that you’re active and engaged with your business, something potential clients want to know and is looking for.
Behind the scenes with my talented team empowering you look and feel your best.
If you dread the thought of having your photo taken during a professional photoshoot, I can help! My professional team is dedicated to making sure that you look your absolute best for your session, with hairstyling, makeup, and wardrobe styling services. The better you look, the more confident you’ll feel, and that makes for some awesome final images.
My job, as your photographer, is to ensure that you feel comfortable with me before you ever step in front of my camera in the studio. That’s why I spend time meeting with you prior to your session to get to know you and help you decide what you’ll wear and the overall feeling you’ll want your final images to evoke in your clients. I do this by helping you get clear about your “5 words” (the adjectives you’ll choose and share with me and my team to make sure your images portray you as you want to be perceived). All of this ensures that you’ll look forward to our time together and you’ll show up in a much easy, relaxed state (which your photos will reflect).
Are you ready to stop hiding behind your old photos? Let’s update your images so that they reflect who you are now and attract your ideal clients. Click here to get on my calendar for a no-obligation, 15-minute chat. I can’t wait to make “Schedule updated headshot photoshoot” something you’re enthusiastic about adding to your “to-do” list!
