Does the idea of a corporate headshot conjure up a haunting memory of being rolled into a meeting room for a quick snap like you were on a conveyor belt in a headshot factory?
I had not even considered a business headshot for myself before I moved to Sydney 8 years ago. I couldn’t think of anything worse. Awkward posing. Smiling to order. And what are you supposed to do with your hands?
It’s time to reassess that old headshot mentality. Here are five reasons why.
1. Headshot Photography Has Changed.
Maybe it’s a Sydney thing, but more and more professionals are opting for a lifestyle portrait. People want to show genuine personality in their profile pictures.
Dayna Stewart, Nudge Group – Photography Mark Bond
Portraits on location are replacing stiff, posed studio shots.
Headshot Photography has become much more relaxed. Even lawyers and accountants are beginning to ditch the tie!
2. This is an opportunity to start building trust.
Gone are the days of making your first impression in person.
Your Linkedin profile picture gets seen every day. Your business headshot appears alongside any article or post you write. Guess what, people are googling you!
A recent article in Forbes suggests “a tenth of a second is all it takes to start determining traits like trustworthiness.” In the digital world, it could be as fast as a fiftieth of a second. (really? I don’t think I blink that fast)
A professional profile portrait is the chance to make a fantastic first impression, and fast!
3. People do Business With People They Like.
It seems so simple, people warm to people who smile.
In a study in Harvard Magazine, Amy Cuddy says that,
‘Warmth and competence account for about 80 percent of our overall evaluations of people’
Having a warm, confident smile in your portrait could easily make the difference between someone choosing you or your competitor.
Daniel Breese, ASW Global – Photography Mark Bond
So crack a smile! It can’t hurt. But remember, you have to keep it up in person. It is also essential to be authentic.
4. You Need to Take Control of Your Brand Image.
If you are an entrepreneur or in the leadership team of an S.M.E., your business profile image is critical. Your portrait will be featured in the press, in company reports or a featured image on your website.
Vanessa Gavan, Maximus – Photography Mark Bond
For larger organisations, great portraits of your founders, managers and C.E.O.’s will humanise your brand. Your headshot photos can then be used across all media to give your brand consistently.
5. It’s time to own the new you!
A few years ago, I had an impromptu portrait taken by my assistant. It was a fun picture. I still used it as my profile picture for nearly five years! That’s five years ageing in the Australian Sun! People were beginning to ask if it was me!
So if you are looking like your younger self in your profile photo, it’s time to own the new you.
There are no rules as to how often you should update your headshot. However, if you have changed your appearance significantly, or if you are making changes in your business, that is an ideal time.
Are you ready to get rid of that old headshot?
If you use pictures in your business, then your headshots are just the beginning of building your business profile.
Choose a photographer who will take the time to understand your business. Someone who will consider your audience and be able to create brand imagery that represents your business brand.
Creative brand photography will show who you are as a brand.
Show what you do.
Show why you do what you do.
And, most important, show your customers why they should choose to do business with you.
Let’s have a chat about how we can do that together.
Mark Bond
www.MARKBOND.com
Show Your Customers Who You Are
