Professional headshots? What!? Most people hate having their picture taken. That’s a fact. It can make my job very interesting at times. However, you need at least one solid professional headshot in this day and age more than ever. Why? Well, professional headshots not only make you look like you take yourself that much more seriously but it puts a face to a potential hire, colleague, or client. That being your best face. We live in the digital age, which is a very visual age, it’s a very tap/swipe/snap age. How many apps do you have that let you scroll through photos? In those apps you have the ability to judge those photos if you like them or not. Think about that when you start your LinkedIn profile and decide to use the photo you took last summer at the keg party. The photo is  a bit blurry, maybe grainy, and doesn’t show you in a professional light. Most folks go with THAT picture. That random party picture, a cropped group photo with your face as the center, or photos so old that you aren’t even recognizable. You can stand apart from the pack with a nice image. Professional headshots are a window into your personal brand, who you are, and what potential connections can expect. An engaging photo makes all the difference.

When you hear the word “headshot” you automatically think about actors, actresses, and models. The word “headshot” is closely associated with agents, agencies, and entertainment, which makes the average person think “Why do I need a professional photo? I’m not an actor!” That’s where you’re wrong. Everyone needs professional photos taken because this is a professional age. There is a renaissance of entrepreneurship, self starting, small businesses, crowd funded companies, and global personal projects. And because of social media we are all interconnected. Why not show whoever is looking for you a face to attach to your brand? You will get a few great photos to show people and that never hurts either. It doesn’t mean you’re self absorbed.

Of course I want you to get new photos because more business never hurts! But do them for yourself. It doesn’t matter where you work or what you do for a living. That profile photo speaks volumes of who you are. When you see someone’s professional headshots you automatically think to yourself that this individual means business and that means you WANT to do business with that person. I encourage you to book a shoot with me and make an impact with a great image as part of your personal branding.

As always you can catch me on Twitter @nyphotony