Does the mere thought of having your headshots taken send shivers down your spine?
I hear you—there's something universally cringe-worthy about it, isn't there?
In the past few years, headshots have undergone a significant transformation. Clients are no longer satisfied with the traditional, stiff-in-front-of-a-white-screen portraits. They crave authenticity, a glimpse into the real person behind those eyes. Your potential clients want to trust you, understand that you're the one who can cater to their needs.
Consider your own behavior when navigating a website. Do you head straight to the 'About Me' page? Do images catch your eye before diving into the text?
Now, imagine stumbling upon a selfie or a blurry, clearly cropped photo from a party three years ago on a professional's website. Would you trust them with your business? Likely not! It's human nature to seek reassurance and trust, and a shaky first impression may leave you questioning their confidence.
Headshots, on the other hand, exude confidence and professionalism, fostering the trust and reassurance vital for any business. They serve as a visual testament to our self-assuredness and the expertise required for the job.
Let's take a brand photographer as an example. If you landed on my website and found a photo from when I was 20 (I'm now 40 😫) that's blurry or oddly cropped, wouldn't you second-guess my ability to capture stunning images? Sure, there are exceptions, but in most cases, a photographer should embody what they preach.
This principle holds true across industries. Imagine a website designer neglecting their own website—would you trust them with yours without seeing evidence of their work?
In the ever-evolving world of headshots, authenticity is the key to building trust and confidence. Because let's face it, your image speaks volumes before a single word is read or heard. 💼📷
So now I'd love to know - Which headshot do you prefer? Traditional with a professional feel? Or natural in relaxed like the second photo below?
I always think a bit of both is good! Depending on what platform you are posting to as each platform is different and each should not be treated the same and this is why I offer 3 headshots during my headshot sessions or corporate headshot photoshoots. There is no such thing as 'Just needing one photo.'
Now January is over it is a great time to look to the future and update your photos on your website and plan your social media so that it's consistent and on-brand. It may seem like the last thing you need to think about but it could be the thing that gives you that boost to the next level.
I hope you find this useful and any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Rachel
Personal Brand Photographer