I’ve worked on editorial and commercial photoshoots for local, international, small, and large businesses for close to ten years now. Those are just fancy words for, I take photos that authentically represent businesses. Photos you see on websites, in magazines, emails, ads, marketing brochures, and more. As convenient as it is for you to use portrait mode iPhone photos, they’re not professional and, yes, people notice. Investing in headshot and branding photos is a commitment to showing off your business in a cohesive and professional way, even if your role or company is laid back.
Bring in your ideal customers
Representing your business authentically through professional branding photos brings in your ideal customers. How? Well, if you’re a restaurant owner, people want to check out the vibe of the place and what’s on the menu before they arrive. Having a set of photos that captures the essence of the place (from detailed decor and special menu items) creates a cohesive and professional digital presence that your ideal customers will trust. Restaurants should share branding photos on OpenSeat, GrubHub, and Yelp profiles to make a positive first impression and curb customers’ expectations before their visits.
Getting ready for your headshot
If your LinkedIn profile photo is a photo taken at graduation or is more than five years old, read on. In times like these, it’s important for clients to be able to put a (maskless) face to a name. Maybe you’ve been emailing and playing phone tag for months, but you haven’t been able to meet in person. That’s where your headshot comes in. A professional photo of you in the setting you feel most business-like, whether that’s outdoors or indoors.
Headshots aren’t just for featuring on your company website, either–use them as your social media profile photo (especially if your current photo is more than five years old), like LinkedIn, and on your email accounts. Updating your headshot is the easiest way to level-up your sense of professionalism.
There are no rules for how you should look in your headshot, but here are some things I recommend:
- Don’t try a new hairdo on the day of your headshot session. Curls look great in photos and new hair products are fun, but if you haven’t even picked up a brush in a week (this is a no-judgment zone), now’s not the time to try to teach yourself how to do your hair via YouTube tutorials. Go with how you normally wear your hair, how people would expect to see you in person. The same goes for makeup and accessories.
- Equally as important, wear an outfit that’s comfortable and appropriate for your line of work. I don’t recommend buying a new suit for your headshot unless you can get it express tailored. By wearing what work attire you’re most comfortable in, you’ll naturally feel more confident and at ease in front of the camera.
Thinking about giving your business a makeover with new headshot and branding photos? Let’s work together to show off your business the way it deserves. Reach out to me, and we’ll talk about key shots and planning your branding and headshot photo session. My clients include Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe, The End of Nowhere, The Station House Inn, Frankie Marketing, and many more!
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