Why Not To Use a Selfie for a Headshot

August 28, 2018  •  Leave a Comment

Let me give you a little background about me:

I have been contracting marketing work since 1999 for every type of industry imaginable.  From industries like data analysis, engineering firms, designers, roofing companies, Farmers & agriculture businesses, international writers, insurance, real estate-- I've worked my way through most businesses!  I started my own marketing company, officially, in 2012, learning everything I could about marketing, website development, SEO, Google and I still read about what's new in social media, marketing and beyond.

The one thing I have learned in my many years of #marketing & photography is that companies want someone serious.  Serious about their job--  serious about themselves. 

Recently, I have been shooting unbelievable amounts of corporate headshots around Fort Worth.

Do you know the one thing I hear almost every session--  "I'm up for a promotion or a position became available, so I need to get a professional headshot."

What this tells me is upward movement is possible when someone has a professional picture of themselves.  Are people getting overlooked with the proverbial "selfie?"  Yes..  what looks clear and crisp on your cell phone doesn't always translate well to social media or other marketing material. 

Headshots are high resolution images that most phones can't provide, and they tell a story about you without using words.  You can tell a lot about someone by their smile, their eyes, their body language and that all gets communicated through your headshot!  I try to create a setting that's comfortable to give me your best, most approachable version of you.  This all comes alive in your pictures!

I provide a lot of consultations on resume editing and headshots, and I can tell you the profiles that have a professional headshot (even without substantial work experience) will get a look over every time compared to someone with extreme credibility and experience with a "selfie."  Every. Time.

 

A few things you need to know: 

All Headshots are not created equal.

Your industry gives me a lot of insight about the style of headshot your business warrants.

A Corporate headshot on an office wall gallery is not the same headshot used in #LinkedIn or #Facebook.  All different social media platforms require different types of headshots based upon the audience.  

 

The Wardrobe:

"Dark" is classic, but it's dated.  In every consult I have before a headshot, we discuss wardrobe and the fears surrounding, "WHAT TO WEAR!"

First, wear what you are comfortable in!  If you wear something too tight, you'll get bulges in your pictures.  You won't feel comfortable, so you won't look comfortable!

For women, my best suggestion is something v-neck to elongate your upper body and I love the way jewel tones look in photos.  I can change the background in Photoshop to any possible color you prefer, so GO BOLD!  With my shading and editing, bold colors make you look 3D and pop off the page.  Your photo becomes memorable.

For men, the times are changing--  what once was the navy or black suit and tie is now more relaxed and casual-- to a point.  A professional studio headshot should always call for a collared shirt, tie (if applicable) and bring a coat for some variance.  BUT, it's becoming more common for men to wear slacks or jeans, a buttoned top with no coat in an outdoor setting to look more approachable, friendly and engaging.  A 180 from the stuffy suite tie and white background we're used to!  Gentlemen now take pictures with their office surroundings, outside their buildings or around architecturally inspiring buildings.

 

I try to give my clients a variation of photos to use throughout different media platforms.  If you are marketing to clients, the typical studio headshot isn't going to make them see your personality.  These types of shots are reserved for outdoor photography, less posed images and bright, engaging colors to get your clients interested!  

If you are looking for more help on your business exposure, headshots or help with your marketing, I'm your girl!  Text or call (979) 218-7921 or email [email protected].

 


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