Why do you need a professional headshot?

As a portrait and headshot photographer, I really hear this question quite often: "Why do I even need a professional headshot?" It makes sense, we live in a world where a quick mirror check takes more time than it does to snap a selfie on our phones. So really, why invest in a professional headshot?

When it comes down to it - and hopefully you can see this if you're really honest with yourself - a professional headshot is more than just a nice photo of your wonderful face. It can be an important tool for representing yourself in the professional world and can have a huge impact on how others see you. Here are just a few of the many benefits of having a professional headshot:

Setting yourself apart in a crowded market: Whether a business owner, job seeker, or creative, having a high-quality headshot can help you stand out amongst your peers. In today's competitive job market, a great headshot can help you make the perfect first impression on potential employers and clients, an impression that lasts!

Showing credibility and trustworthiness: A strong headshot can help establish trust and credibility. It shows that you take your career seriously and invest in your professional image. Not that we all need to be like them, but take a look at just about any CEO or major influencer's LinkedIn photo and you'll see what I mean.

Supporting your personal brand: An important part of building a strong personal brand is having an image that represents you well. It can help you project the image and personality you want to be known for!

Hopefully, I've convinced you that you need a headshot. But a good follow up question might be "How often should I update my headshot?"

There really isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to that question. It really depends on a number of factors, including industry, your brand, and significant changes to your appearance. Here's a few guidelines to think about:

If you are in an industry where appearance is an important part of your personal brand, you should update a lot more frequently. Actors, models, and other performers would probably want new shots every six months to a year.

In a corporate setting, you may not need to update as frequently. Every two to three years, or whenever you make a significant appearance change, should be just fine.

If you're building a personal brand, you might want to think about updating your headshot a lot more frequently. Especially if you're using this image for social media profiles and other platforms with a large audience. You're going to want to be recognizable and look very similar to how you do in your other forms of content, generally.

So why is it important to keep your headshot up to date? Here are a few reasons:

A current headshot reflects your current appearance: If you've made significant changes to your appearance, such as a new haircut or a significant weight loss or gain, it's important to update your headshot to reflect those changes. This can help you present a consistent and accurate image to your audience.

A current headshot reflects your current personal brand: As you evolve and grow in your career, your personal brand may change as well. Updating your headshot can help you keep your personal brand fresh and current, and it can help you project the image and personality you want to be known for in your industry.

A current headshot can help you stand out in a crowded market: In today's competitive job market, having a high-quality, current headshot can help you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on potential employers and clients.

A professional headshot is much more than just a pretty picture – it's an important tool for representing yourself in a professional setting and building your personal brand. By investing in a high-quality headshot, you can make a positive first impression, establish trust and credibility, and stand out in a crowded market. So don't underestimate the power of a professional headshot – it could make all the difference in your career!