Why you need a good headshot

We’re living in the great photographic age and everyone has a camera and millions of images. TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook- for the dinosaurs, no matter where- you need a decent photo. Even WhatsApp.

When you call a potential employer on WhatsApp and there’s a photo of you with a beer in your hand, it’s not that great a look. Equally on LinkedIn you need a good photo. People judge you, even if they say they don’t.

A business headshot isn’t a photo taken on your camera, nor is it a passport photo. It’s also not a photo from your holiday collection, or a photo your friend took.

Why a good headshot it important- at all times

As a journalist, I often have to get people to send me photos of themselves for articles and often they’re really not good- a group photo with a load of other people, a holiday snap, perhaps a photo taken in direct sunlight- I’ve even had photo with the person wearing a sombrero. This photo is accompanying an article about their life or career. Imagine your new business got asked to be featured in a local or national newspaper or and you don’t have an image to send them. Ouch.

If you don’t have a good headshot on your business page, website or any of your social media platforms, you just don’t look like you can be taken ‘seriously.’ By serious I mean important- if you look at Twitter all big players like Ricky Gervais, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Richard Branson, Elon Musk- any actor or sportsperson- has a good headshot.

In the modern era, these don’t need to be taken behind a black backdrop in a studio. They can also be taken in front of a brick wall, some greenery or at home in your living room- once the lighting is right, they are perfect for business profiles.

As you can see below. I have four headshots, all of which have a differing backgrounds, but work really well as corporate images.

Once you get one headshot done, you won’t need another one for ages.

What it’s like getting your headshot done with me?

Generally they won’t take more than 30 minutes. Pending on where you are, I come to you, or you come to me.

I have portable backdrop- in different colours.

If you have an outdoor area, we can do some photos there. The brick wall beside your office or home, may not look it, but it’s perfect for a headshot.

Once you call me- we can arrange a time and place. We will discuss what the headshot is for - how long your session will be. Do you want 5 simple shots with one backdrop or do you want 30 with different backdrops.

How to prepare for a headshot

Ok so you need a headshot and you’ve decided on the shoot. What do you wear?

A photographer can work magic, but you also need to bring a blazer, scarf or hat. Make sure you look presentable.

Generally black isn’t a good look, but I’ll be able to guide you on wardrobe, hair and make up.

After that, we meet and the rest is kind of fun. You smile, we get some lovely photos, we have a great rapport and you’re done. The next day, you’ll get photos where you look confident, dynamic, engaging, whatever. Even if you’re camera shy, you won’t need to worry. I’ll make you feel really great.

After that you’ll have edited photos- but not too much. I don’t like too much editing photos, but I’ll get rid of any blemishes and make you glow.

I look forward to working with you. Contact me here: