OK … I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna start this blog post with the dreaded “in this post-pandemic world” phrase that has been BEATEN. TO. DEATH. To paraphrase Ser Davos of Seaworth (yes I’m re-watching Game of Thrones again), I apologize in advance for the next five words.
In this post-pandemic world, your need for a high quality, professionally produced headshot is (I would argue) more important now than it has ever been. The churn in the job market here in the US has resulted in millions of people looking for new work. Those that did work throughout the pandemic (and are still working), are finding themselves working remotely more than ever before; many of those people will never go back to the traditional commute-office-commute grind again. Many people have left the corporate world and have decided to follow their passions instead of simply “punching a clock” for a paycheck. These are all legitimate reasons why headshots are more important now than they arguably have ever been before.
But if you ALREADY have a headshot that you’re using for LinkedIn, on your business cards, or elsewhere, how do you know when it is time to UPDATE that headshot. Now … granted … as a headshot photographer, I have a vested interest in getting people to purchase my services. Aside from that however, there are legitimate and timely reasons and scenarios that should prompt you to get your headshot updated. Remember … in today’s fast-paced business environment, the new and fresh is currency that you can spend. That means that you should regularly update your headshot so that the you and that is new and current is being presented to the world.
Let’s explore.
Has Your Overall “Look” Changed Permanently (More or Less)?
Guys … have you grown facial hair in the time since your last headshot was taken? Have you significantly changed your hairstyle (shaved head, different hair color, etc)? Do you have new visible tattoos or body modifications? Ladies … have you dramatically changed your hairstyle or color? Regardless of your gender … have you lost (or gained) an appreciable amount of weight since your current headshot was taken? These are all valid reasons for updating your headshot.
Are You Looking for a New Job (or a Promotion at Your Current Job)?
Your face is your brand. If you’re in the market for a new job or a new position with your current employer, an updated headshot (along with an updated resume) is a key indicator to potential hires as to who you are. In today’s saturated job market, you’re selling an image intensive version of yourself that employers will closely scrutinize in order to determine if your “look” is attractive, approachable and trustworthy. If the position you're applying for is to visually represent the company with your personal appearance, employers are likely to judge you based upon what the public will think when they see you. You’ll do yourself a disservice if you walk into an interview (or log onto a Zoom call interview) looking completely different (for whatever reason) than you do on your LinkedIn profile. Don’t allow that jarring disconnect be the first hurdle you have to overcome as you’re being grilled by the talking heads on the other side of the table.
Is Your Current Headshot More than Two Years Old?
Lots of things can happen in a couple of years. Physicist Brian Green calls it the “entropic two-step.” We can’t avoid Father Time, so the person you were two years ago is NOT the person you are today. Get that headshot updated. ‘Nuff said.
Is Your Current Headshot of Poor Quality (or … Even Worse: a Selfie)?
This is (I would argue) THE cardinal sin in the headshot universe. If you’re serious about your career – and if you want (or expect) people to take you seriously, ditch the selfie and get a headshot done. Nothing screams amateur more than an obvious selfie or cell phone snapshot. If you make the minimum (or no) investment into your personal brand and presentation, that cell phone headshot will reward you similarly.
Do You Only Have One Headshot That You Use For Everything?
Actors, musicians, and other creatives have known this for years. If you make a concerted effort to “tailor” the headshot to the project you’re interested in getting hired for, that can make the difference between getting hired and simply seeing your submission get tossed into the “also ran bin.” Think of all of the approaches an actor can employ in a headshot. Moody and introspective? Light, airy, and engaging? Ominous and threatening? An actor who has professional headshots that incorporate these (and other) moods and associations can use those specific headshots to help a casting director envision them in a specific role. Now … no one is suggesting that, as an accountant, attorney, or human resources specialist that you take this approach to that extreme for your headshots. But if you are a person who occasionally (or maybe regulary) speaks at industry trade shows and conventions, a couple of different headshots (maybe even half- or full-body) shots might be a good approach to use when printing the banners that advertise you as the speaker for the next break-out session or keynote speech.
Here is what I suggest. Create a schedule of how often you are going to update your headshot, put it on your corporate calendar, and stick with it. Even if you CAN’T deduct the expenses, consider it a cost of doing business (where the business is YOUR brand).
Prior to setting that appointment, take some time to conduct some research into the current trends that will help ensure your photo look professional and modern. As an example, black and white headshots used to be the standard. They are not any longer, but a black and white headshot may (emphasis added) make your face stand out if everyone else’s headshot is in color. Give it a think.
Updating your headshot is a low risk, high reward process. Jump start the next phase of your professional career NOW with these thoughts in mind. The combination of a polished, professional headshot image to the world with the infectious energy and professionalism of a successful job interview is the one-two punch that will get you to that next step up the corporate ladder.
One last thing about updating your headshots; if you’re a freelancer, self-employed, own your own business, or are unemployed, professional headshots (along with any concurrent expenses such as hair and makeup) are likely tax deductible. Check with your tax attorney to be sure, but you may be able to deduct part – or all – of the expenses associated with keeping your headshots updated!
Are you ready to take the next step? If so, call me at 310.614.5119 and let’s discuss how I can help.