It's just a pic, right? but what is your image saying about you?
In our digital world, more people will see your image on a social profile that
will see you in person. If fact, before a first meeting many people are looking you up online to learn as much about you as they can before your first encounter. After meeting you, most people will look you up online (if you’re interesting enough). I happen to be one of those profile peepers. When I meet new people, I like to follow up with them on social media and get to know them better.
I think most would agree that dogs are great and all, but your dog doesn’t tell me much else about you other than you love your dog. By all means, have plenty of pictures of your dog on your social media, but save your profile picture for what it was intended to be: a picture of you! In the same frame, let's add your baby/children, favorite sports team, and favorite cartoons to that list. This is a good rule for everyone to follow, especially if you are a working professional. Yeah, I said it.
Cameras are super accessible, most people keep one with them at all times. You can watch videos on them, peep on people’s social media, you can email them, and occasionally you might even talk about it! Besides more cat videos than there are hours in the day, cell phones have cameras specially designed to take a picture of your face. This is a good place to start, but for those of you who want to stand out from the crowd, here are some reasons why you may want to get professional help with your image.
A current headshot lets people know if it’s really you on social media. We aren’t all named Cinnamon, most people will share the same name with others. Do people a favor and let them know it’s you by putting your face on it. If you’ve changed your look, it’s time to get a new picture.
A professional headshot makes you look more professional. It’s a good way to tell that you’re serious about what you do and what you portray. With photography, you get what you pay for and it shows in your image.
A professional and current headshot on Linked In can enhance your skills and ability. When you look more professional people will feel like you are more professional. When it matches the rest of your profile it makes you look good for good planning.
Seeing your face makes it easier for people to remember you. When you put a headshot on your business card people are far more likely to remember you after a first encounter. Name, what you do, and your face, all right there together. Sometimes getting that big break comes down to just being remembered.
When you look good you feel good, when you look professional you feel professional. Confidence goes a long way and could be the difference between walking up to talk to that person who is waiting for you to and not. I cannot speak enough about the power of confidence and a good photographer will leave you feeling confident.
Headshots aren’t what they used to be. We are no longer locked into the “stuffy school picture” or “overly excited guy in front of a bookshelf” looks. Your headshot should be a clean, well-lit photograph of your face, depending on your profession, can have a personal touch. Your posture and expression tell people how to receive you. Consider how you want to be perceived. Do you want to look powerful? tough? or would you prefer to look accepting? honest? Your background colors and lighting can also change the mood of your image. Dress for the part: if you’re a chef, wear the uniform, if you’re a lawyer, wear a suit that makes you feel powerful.
Take the time to find a good photographer with a working portfolio of images you like. Then take the time to talk with them about what kind of mood and feel you want to be portrayed in your image. A good photographer will work with you to give you confidence that you’re going to look good and will help you create the image you want. You’ll be so glad you did it.
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