When Is It Time to Update Your Professional Headshot?
Most people don't think about their headshot until someone asks for one. A new employer needs a photo for the staff page. A conference wants your speaker bio by Friday. A client asks for a picture to go with a press release. So you send whatever photo you have, even if it's five years old or cropped out of a wedding picture.
That photo does more work than you might think. People often see your headshot before they meet you. It's on your LinkedIn profile, your company website, your email signature, your speaker bio and your directory listings. People see it before they call you, before they reply to you and before they walk into a meeting with you.
If your photo still looks like you and fits the work you do, great. If it doesn't, it's worth fixing. Below are six signs it's time for new Professional Headshots in Kelowna, plus a few ways to make the session easy.
Why your headshot matters more than you think
A headshot is a small image, but it answers a few quick questions for anyone who sees it. Is this person who they say they are? Do they take their work seriously? Would I feel comfortable reaching out? A clear, current photo answers those questions before you say a word.
It also helps people recognize you. Once someone has seen your photo online, it's easier for them to spot you in a lobby, on a video call or at a networking event. That only works if the photo matches the person who shows up.
Six signs it's time for new Professional Headshots
1. It doesn't look like you anymore
Maybe you've changed your hair, started wearing glasses, grown a beard or just gotten a few years older. That's normal. But if someone would need a second look to recognize you in a meeting, your photo is working against you. A headshot should show you on a good day, as you look now.
2. You changed roles or industries
A photo that suited your last job may not suit this one. A realtor, a lawyer, a contractor and a creative director usually need different looks. One might call for a suit and a clean background. Another might call for something warmer and more relaxed. If your work has changed, update your headshot to fit the work you do now and the people you want to reach.
3. You're using a cropped or casual photo
Most people can spot a cropped group shot, a vacation photo or a selfie right away. You'll often see a stray shoulder at the edge, odd lighting or a background that doesn't fit. Those photos are great memories. They just aren't made for a business profile. A professional headshot tells people you take your work seriously.
4. Your team's photos don't match
On a company website, a team page with mixed backgrounds, lighting and crops can look disorganized, even if the team is excellent. One person has a studio photo. Another has a phone photo taken in their kitchen. A third has no photo at all. If you update the whole team at once, you get a matching set. It also makes it easier to photograph new hires in the same style later.
5. You're about to meet a lot of new people
A job search, a new business, a promotion, a conference talk, a website launch or a new marketing push are all good times to refresh your photo. Plan ahead. Book your session a few weeks before you need the images, not the day before a deadline.
6. You can't remember when it was taken
If you have to stop and think about when your headshot was taken, it's probably time for a new one.
How to make the session easy on yourself
You don't need to be comfortable on camera to get a good headshot. Most people aren't. A little preparation helps a lot and takes the pressure off the day of the shoot.
Choose your clothing ahead of time. Solid colours and simple fits usually work well because they keep the attention on your face. If you're not sure, bring a second option so you can try both.
Think about where the photo will be used. A LinkedIn profile, a law firm website and a real estate sign each have different needs. If you know where the photos will go, you can plan your clothing, expression and background before you arrive.
Get a good night's sleep, drink water and leave yourself extra time to get there. Stress from rushing tends to show in your shoulders and your expression.
For a full checklist, read our guide on how to prepare for a headshot photo session.
Pick the right style for your work
Not every headshot needs to look the same. A corporate headshot, a personal branding photo and a relaxed portrait taken where you work each send a different message. Think about who you want to reach and what they expect to see. A financial advisor and a yoga instructor are talking to different audiences, and their photos should reflect that.
Not sure which style fits? Our post on the 5 types of professional headshots walks through the options.
Planning photos for your whole team?
If you're updating a staff page, team headshots work best when everyone is photographed with the same setup. That way the photos match and your website looks consistent from one profile to the next. Team sessions can happen in our studio or at your business.
Team photos take a bit more planning. Consider how many people need photos, whether anyone is joining later and where the images will be used. To talk through what your team needs, contact us and tell us a little about your group.
Need more than headshots?
Headshots are often just one part of how a business shows up online. If you also need images of your products, your space or your team at work, take a look at our Commercial Photography services.
Book your Professional Headshots session
If any of these signs sound familiar, don't wait for the next deadline. Book your Professional Headshots session online, pick a time that works for you and arrive ready.
Want to learn more first? Visit our Professional Headshots page for details on headshot sessions at our downtown Kelowna studio. You can also start at the Hiilite Photography home page to see our other services.
Have a question before you book? Get in touch with our team and we'll help you figure out the right session.
