With AI exploding around us, one of the most-asked questions I get as a portrait photographer is:
“do I still need a professional headshot?”
My answer? A resounding yes! While AI may seem like an easy fix – especially if you are camera-shy – a good photographer knows how to work with you to bring out your personality and guide you to the best results from your photo session.
While I was researching for this post, I started typing ‘are headshots…’ into Google, and here’s what the 4th and 5th search options were:
While I’m pretty sure that these search requests are related to sports-induced injuries, for many of us having our portraits taken isn’t top on our to-do list. For some, the thought of a photo shoot where you are quite literally front and centre is painful! If you find the right team however, the benefits will far outweigh the fear.
So let’s get into two of those benefits.
A professional headshot increases your credibility
I came across a great study from a US-based photography company called Headshots Inc. They ran their own extensive study into how competent you are perceived to be. In a digital world, your headshot is often the very first impression someone will have of you. In the study, 243 participants were asked to upload 6 images to a photo review platform where their images were reviewed and rated according to three key metrics:
- Competence – how successful or effective that person appeared
- Likeability – how likeable or friendly that person appeared
- Influence – how influential that person appeared to be on others
In addition to seeing the images, the reviewers only had access to the participants’ job title.
And the results? A huge swing in favour of the professional portraits: a 76% increase in perceived competence, a 9.7% increase in perceived likeability and a 62% increase in perceived influence.
To see a few images from the study and read the full post, I’ve linked it out here.
Recruiters, potential clients, potential business partners – all are making split second decisions as to whether or not they want to work with you. That polished portrait can make all the difference. In fact, LinkedIn profiles with photos get 21x more views so maximise your profile with a great portrait that speaks to your audience.
A professional headshot can help boost your confidence
Let’s get back to my screenshot and ‘are headshots painful’. With a good photographer, they shouldn’t be! A headshot these days isn’t just a headshot in the traditional sense of the image being cropped at your collarbones and your face filling the frame. Headshot sessions will often include some dynamic posing. Your photographer should be able to guide you through the posing, and help you bring out your personality and the message you want to portray.
Although I have a standard set of poses that I run through with all my clients, the magic lies is seeing what works for you. It’s tweaking every hand position, changing the angle of your chin and shoulders, being mindful of your ‘preferred side’. You’ll instantly resonate with the poses that feel more naturally you and ultimately that’s the goal: to give you images that are both natural and relaxed while still being professional and polished.
Knowing that you can look confident in an image goes a long way to helping you feel more confident. Think of it as investing in your personal growth, and not just in your professional growth.
Ready for a refresh? I’ve spent the last 15+ years working with individuals and companies to help them put their best face forward. If you are still on the fence about whether or not a headshot is important, I offer a no-obligation consult where we can chat about your session and what you are hoping to convey with your images.
I offer tiered headshots and branding packages, from quick 15 minute Express Headshots all the way up to full day content creation sessions.
You can get in touch here for more information.
