Either if you are a professional working for a company or you are an entrepreneur, given a first good impression is a must. Therefore, Headshots and Branding are the most crucial marketing tools in a highly competitive business world.
More than ever, the impact of an image is significant, particularly if someone is looking for professionals or companies providing any service. A business image taken by an experienced photographer gives credibility to your CV or job board. Otherwise, there is a contradiction between the professionalism that you promise to deliver and your amateurish business image. It should be a correlation between what you say and what you show.
Remember, you are a brand by yourself. The professional profile photo must show that you take business seriously.
Linkedln has over 500 million professional profiles, however you probably ignore that a professional photo profile is 14 times more likely to be viewed, as their data revealed. It is the way to attract attention over your competitors. These people pass the first stage easier than the rest, then it comes the second step which is to make the final good impression with the CV.
Headshot or Branding?
Headshots are the traditional image business style, however social media is changing the way we communicate with our clients. To me, Branding reveals the spirit behind the business. It is what identify the customer with your product or service.
Personally, I give the opportunity to my clients to do both during the session.
business image: 5 tips
Now that it is fully understood that Headshot and Branding images done by a photographer is an investment for your career or business, let me give you 5 tips about this subjects:
1. Choosing the photographer
It must have experience taken headshots before. Check her/his website to see the portfolio. Do you like the style, poses, edition and overall expressions?
Contact the photographer to check how she/he works during the session. A truly professional can reply in a conclusive way, they know what they do and have complete control during the session.
Another important aspect is that you feel comfortable with your photographer because the result of the photo is about how you interact with her/him.
2. Your Look
Being impeccable for the session it is obvious for everyone. However, it is not recommended to have a headshot session the same week that you have had a haircut. It looks much better and natural to let the hair grow a little bit and settle down in order to look effortless perfect.
Wear your favourite professional clothes. The clothes that make you happy and confident when you work.
Take a tissue/towel with you to dry the sweat. Having a headshot is a fun and a sweaty job.
Bring your brush or comb to fix your hair during the session.
The make-up should be subtle. Bring it to the session if you need a retouch during the photo shoot.
3. The Style
Headshot and Branding vary the style depends on the profession and the location.
I design with my clients the image they would like to transmit. There are massive differences between a fashion designer who works in an artistic/boho neighbourhood, a blogger traveller or a corporative executive that works in the city. Therefore, it is important to clarify who you are and what you are looking for.
Expat blogger and traveller.
Your photographer is going to help you if you have any hesitation about the right style and mood for your photo session.
4. Being You
Keeping headshots up to date is important. When you have an interview, it is imperative that the headshot is coherent on how you look like close to the present. Professional photographers can make you look good independently of your age. Therefore, please don’t use a headshot where you look much younger or with a very different hair colour or style. Don’t give that kind of surprises to your interviewer/customer. Remember, you’re trying to show your real self and how you look in real life. Keep the business process smooth.
Another aspect about being you is related with the photo session. The result should be an image that shows you professional but also approachable. Having a good connection with your photographer helps you to deliver that.
When you choose your photographer, have in mind that common sense is crucial in the edition of the photo. You should be enhanced, but still you. It is absurd to see people looking like plastic dolls in their photos. The skin without pores is so unrealistically perfect! As in life, just be a good version of you.
5. Doing It Right
With the invention of the smartphones people forgot the process that takes to make a good picture. Believe me, there are many things to have in control and many details to look after and that takes time. Now add to that, directing you to look super confident, professional and approachable, yes all at once…can you give me that look in 10/15 minutes? really?
Unfortunately, none of us is a super model and we need to warm up and relax in front of a camera…and I said we, because I include myself in this statement. Therefore, realistically it takes 30 minutes at the minimum. Trust me, 30 minutes fly when you are having a good time.
I hope this information helps you to have a new point of view about your image as a professional or entrepreneur. As a photographer, I believe in working as a team to deliver what you need. I want to help you to improve and success in your business. I am in your side.