Why get professional headshots when you can essentially learn how to do one yourself on your phone? My kid thinks a headshot is just a picture of your head, so why is it so important?
With so much social media moving towards images and video, getting a great headshot is vital for your professional image.
We’re still not going out and meeting people or attending networking events, and the only way to put your best self forward is by making sure the first picture people see of you is exactly how you want to be perceived.
The selfie of you on the slopes is great if you want to convey the fun-loving side of your personal life, but does that instill confidence in your ability to listen attentively to your client? Does it tell them how good you are at finding the best piece of real estate for their family?
Not really. It may show that you might be fun to work with, but the seriousness of your accounting side isn’t adding up for someone wanting to be sure you’re detail-oriented enough to manage their money.
Much to the dismay of many, image plays a significant role in people’s decisions to work with you or not. This assessment can happen anywhere from one-tenth of a second to possibly 30 seconds, depending on which study you read.
Your headshot is typically the first image people will see of you, or at least the most common one.
What do you want people to believe about you in those first few seconds?
This is critical because everything that comes after your brain’s initial assessment will be filtered through the compilation of those judgments.
If you’re a fun-loving accountant, then show that with your smile and the light in your eyes. Tell a joke to your photographer before they take the shot and see how it turns out.
And why use a professional photographer?
Because they’re trained to capture the best of you. They know lighting, processing, angles, and how to get those moments that tell your story and connect you to your target audience.
It helps to know what your target audience values too. Again, with the fun-loving accountant. If this is you and you cater to baby boomers that want confidence in the payout of their 401k and being able to live comfortably as they age, you partying is not something that will build their confidence.
Having your headshot done with a neutral background removes distractions, focuses entirely on you, your knowledgeable eyes, and warm smile. Your picture could also be done at a desk giving your audience an idea of what you do without taking away from their ability to relate to your expression.
Make sure that whatever your background is, if it doesn’t enhance or bring value to your audience’s ability to relate to you, then it doesn’t belong.
Your professional headshot is all about building trust in your ability to execute your job or bring value to the client experience. You don’t have long to make that impression, and when you use a headshot appropriately, it will be on all of your social media platforms, video meeting platforms, etc… This is your brand, even if you’re employed by someone else.
Your image is your brand and your first impression, make the best of it.
Choosing the right photographer is also important. Make sure to look at what they’ve done for others and if they’re able to capture the look and feel that you want to have conveyed.
Knowing if they can take pictures in your office or an outdoor environment; if that’s applicable to your focus, is a valuable question to ask. Or, do you want a neutral background? Do they have that as well in a studio setting?
Working with KW Designs Photography, you can choose from on-location headshots, outdoor locations which are great for realtors, as well as a more professional studio option with well-lit light or dark grey backgrounds.
Your professional headshots come with 3-5 hand-edited digital images. Your skin is smoothed out and a few wrinkles are lightly taken away, teeth lightly whitened, and some eye pop for a sharp image to use in business cards, brochures, social media, and your webpage.
If you don’t want anything edited, your images will still look great and show off your talents. Everything is done so people can connect with your headshot, with the authentic “you” they meet in public or on your first video conference.
Which brings up a great point! If your headshot is more than three years old, it’s time for a new one. Hair changes, smiles get deeper, eyes get more experience, and you do change.
Keep your image fresh. We’ve all heard the horror stories of online dating!! Don’t let your professional image be the next shock of reality for your prospective client.
To book your professional headshot, you can contact me here or send me an email with “Headshot” in the subject line.
I look forward to supporting you in creating the best images of you in business!! To view my latest headshot work, click here to see some examples of professionals in the Denver area.
~Cheers, Kim
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This peek into Kim’s life was brought to you by Emily Kamala. Emily is a freelance writer who loves to share stories, write blogs, and experience life so fully she has to bring it to life on the page. If you’re interested in reading more of her work, you can visit: ConsciousLivingLLC.com
Kim Morgan has brought her passion for connecting and telling stories through photography to life. Her ability to put you and your family at ease is so palpable you don’t even realize she’s behind the camera getting those precious moments for you to carry with you many years later. She lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and dog, where they enjoy exploring the mountains and laughing at every opportunity. Her website is KWDesignsPhotography.com to see her amazing work and set up your session!