The Importance of a professional headshot
Alicyn, a recent visitor to my studio.
A good amount of the photography I do is Business Portraits. It makes sense, given over the years when I was getting started I was a member both of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (or WESK as they are known now) as well as the Regina Women’s Network (RWN). It was a good way to get out and meet people who are also in business and to learn from the wisdom of others on how to develop your business and clientele. And when I’ve had the chance I’ve used those networking opportunities to also help and educate those I meet on the importance of a good headshot.
Michael Kram, Member of Parliament.
I have entrepreneurs of all types come to me - from corporate staff headshots where I will go to a location, lights and backgrounds in tow to take photos of all the staff, to local, provincial and federal political candidates, start-ups and long-standing CEOs. The process is the same for all, and I try to encourage people to bring a couple of outfits. As a business person, you always want one image that shows you as professional; if you’re working with others, they want to know that you take your business seriously, and a business portrait is often a client’s first impression of you (along with a good website. Total transparency here, I did not design this website, I paid someone really good money to do it and create the functional sweetness you’ve seen here!) and depending on what sort of business you’re in, it could be what makes them pick up the phone or email you. So why should you get two images? Let’s look at Gord here, as an example.
Either of these portraits show Gord as a professional. He looks confident, he’s well dressed, he takes his business seriously and he will take you seriously too. The second image, however, looks just a bit more approachable. With an easy smile, and a button down shirt, Gord is the CEO of his company, but he’s also the sort of CEO that people can talk to, to bring questions or concerns, especially if it’s in the best interest of the company.
But keep in mind, if you have one really good outfit that you feel makes you look (and feel!) your best, something similar can be achieved with posing too.
Obviously, a good head and shoulders shot is a good go-to for most people. Especially if you have any desire to write a book and have an author portrait in there! But as you can see in these images I did of Corinne back when I did my business blitz in January, a variety of poses with even subtle changes can change the feel of your image. All of them say professional, some say I’m in charge, and a little wider shot is just a bit cooler, again, it kinda adds to the whole approachability.
So, if you run a business that is automated, machines do all your work and you never interact with people, you might not need a headshot (though you might, just, have a mother or loved one who would like a nice image of you to put on their mantle). But if you do work with people as part of your business and you know for a fact they will be finding you online, it’s always a good idea to have a current (within two years) professional photo of yourself. You never know when it’ll come in handy! And even if it literally just lives on your website, in your email signature, or your LinkedIn page, a nice professional portrait of you looking confident and approachable could really help your client decide if they want to work with you or not.