5 Signs It’s Time For A New Eye-catching Headshot

Do you remember the last time you updated your headshot? If you can’t, then it is one of the 5 signs you need a new professional headshot. 

Whether you work in marketing, management, medicine, engineering, or any other field; your professional image online is crucial to your career's success. Sometimes, we are not aware of something glaringly obvious to everyone around us. Don’t wait for your boss or colleagues to comment on your aged headshot.

Many people do not get a professional headshot until quite late in life and keep the same headshot for many years. Before social media, headshots were meant mainly for actors and models. It was more important than a resume for them. These days, the socially hyper-connected world demands that anyone looking to project or market themselves professionally has a professional headshot in their profile. If you already have a headshot, it is great, but you need to make sure that it is a recent one. Some things are clear signs that your headshot needs an update asap. 

Are headshots and portraits the same? 

The terms headshot and portrait are often used interchangeably. Though they are similar in many ways, there are differences too. Understanding the differences between the two will help you to let the photographer know exactly the kind of look you want for your work, business, or even your dating life.

 The basic difference between the two is that where a headshot mainly identifies a subject i.e., a person, a portrait tells something more about the subject. The other differences between a portrait and a headshot are:

• Headshots will usually have just a single subject, while a portrait may have more than one subject.
• As the name suggests, a headshot is a tight shot of the head and shoulders. On the other hand, portraits can be just the head and shoulders or even the entire body.
• The mood of the headshot also differs from that of a portrait. Headshots are well-lit and convey a professional feel. Portraits evoke more emotions and are lit according to the mood the subject or the photograph wants to convey. 
• The background remains generic, with the emphasis on the subject in headshots. The environment is critical in a portrait and is carefully arranged. 
• Portraits offer the photographer a chance to be more creative. Unlike headshots, there is an opportunity to play with light, color, props, background, etc. 

Signs that you need to update your headshot

The main aim of a headshot is to convey professionalism and personality. A professional headshot shows that you care. It is an opportunity for you to stand out. Look for these signs to know that it is time to update your headshot.

1. Old headshot

Most of us change from year to year, some drastically and some slowly. More than a 2-year-old headshot needs to be updated. Just because you see yourself daily, you may not see the changes. Keeping the headshot fresh is necessary to present yourself accurately. 

2. Changed your style

This is more applicable to women because if they change their hairstyle or hair color, a new headshot is a must. Even changing makeup or dressing style can make a difference in how a person looks. Men going bald or growing facial hair may look very different from their headshot. It can be jarring for people to meet someone who does not look like their picture online. 

3. Unhappy with the headshot

There is no reason why you should stick to a bad headshot just because you paid a lot for it. If you don't like your headshot, then you will hesitate before sharing it and ultimately defeat the purpose of a headshot. When we chat about your next headshot, mention the aspects of your previous headshot that you didn’t like and want to be improved. This is extremely helpful in helping you achieve the style, look, and brand you are looking for when creating your new headshot photo.  

4. New Opportunities, new job

If you are looking to switch jobs or looking for newer opportunities, then the current headshot that you are using in the present job may not be suitable or ethical. Headshots are in line with a company’s look, so it is best to have a set of extra headshots for different opportunities and applications.

5. Professional headshot

Many people think that a selfie can work as a headshot. In the overwhelming majority of cases, they are wrong. A professional headshot creates a good first impression. Even if you can edit a good picture of yourself from a family get-together, avoid it. An experienced eye will see that you cut the corner, and it could be a point against you. A professional headshot says that you care about your career and invest in yourself. 

Can you capture your headshot? 

With so many gadgets at our disposal, it is not impossible to create a good headshot. Here are a few tips that can help you save some money too. 

• Ask a friend or family member to be the photographer. A selfie may not result in a great headshot. Choose a person as the photographer who can be patient and bring out the best in you. 
• Use natural light when possible and try with a few angles. Turn off the lights in the room; otherwise, you will get patchy results. You can even try outside if the light is good. 
• Use a little makeup to make your skin look even and not shiny in certain areas.
• It is great if you have a good camera, but don't worry, even with a basic camera, you can get decent results.

Final Thoughts

A professional headshot is necessary for job seekers at any level. Most job advertisements are placed and applied through online sites where your headshot is as important as your resume. Always keep your headshot current and choose to get it done professionally when possible. What makes a good headshot is what it can convey. Your headshot should show you as a confident person with a positive attitude. The way you carry yourself should be reflected in the headshot. A professional headshot is the first step in setting the stage for building trust and relationships. The saying ‘never judge a book by its cover may seem like a good thing to say, but we are all judged and perceived by the way we look in the real world. A good headshot is a way to go. 

If you are interested in having Jonathan L Golden visually tell the story of your next event, Contact him (click here) to book your session today!

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