A captivating professional headshot is a powerful tool for making a strong first impression. It can open doors and create opportunities in both your personal and professional life. Austen Hunter, a renowned headshot photographer with a wealth of experience, knows just how to make your headshot stand out. Let's explore five compelling reasons why you might find yourself in need of a new, striking headshot by an expert like Austen:
1. You don't already have a Professional Headshot
If you don't have a headshot or, worse, are using a selfie as one, it's high time to invest in a professional one. A top-notch professional headshot is important for numerous reasons, including enhancing perceptions of your competence and sociability, as well as creating a positive first impression online, where most networking takes place these days. According to a research study, people decide whether they trust you or not within just 100 milliseconds of seeing your face. This fact alone underscores the importance of a professional headshot and its ability to leave a lasting positive impression on others, making it well worth the investment.
2. There's been a Change in your Employment
A change in your employment, such as a new job or promotion, is an excellent reason to update your headshot. This new phase in your career should be reflected in your headshot. For instance, if you're moving into a leadership role, a more professional and formal headshot would be suitable. Conversely, if you're transitioning to a more creative field, a relaxed and approachable headshot might be more fitting. Different industries have their own nuances when it comes to headshots, so it's essential to research the headshot type appropriate for your field before getting a new one.
If you're about to start searching for a new job, updating your headshot to showcase you dressed for the position you desire (rather than the one you currently have) can help make a great first impression. While job hunting, be sure to include your headshot on LinkedIn. Studies reveal that 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to screen candidates, and profiles with professional headshots receive 14 times more views than those without one. So, investing in a new headshot can create a lasting impression that opens doors to exciting opportunities.
3. There's been a Change in your Appearance
Another essential reason to update your headshot is when you experience a significant change in your appearance. This could include a new haircut, new glasses, or a substantial loss or gain in weight. These changes can profoundly impact how others perceive you, and it's important that your headshot reflects your current appearance. A professional headshot should accurately represent how you look now, not how you used to look.
Additionally, you should consider updating your headshot if you have undergone a significant change in your appearance for personal reasons, such as a change in hairstyle or clothing preferences. Expert headshot photographers recommend aligning your headshot with your personal brand and desired image. By updating your headshot to reflect these changes, you ensure that it accurately represents how you want to be perceived, providing you with a better chance of making a positive impression on potential clients, employers, or business partners.
4. There's been a Change in your Branding
Another reason to update your headshot is when your personal or professional branding changes. This could involve a change in your company's logo or visual identity, or a shift in your personal brand messaging. Your headshot should align with and reflect your current branding. A often-overlooked element of this alignment involves considering headshot background colors that complement your brand's palette. A headshot that is out of sync with your branding can make you appear disconnected or out-of-touch. Over the course of a career, it's not uncommon to change your brand identity, and there are numerous examples of businesses and celebrities who have done exactly that. Just remember to keep your headshot in sync with those changes.
If your headshot does not align with your personal brand, it can be challenging for people to connect with you and understand what you represent. Expert headshot photographers like Austen Hunter advise that updating your headshot to align with your new branding can help you communicate your message more effectively and make a stronger impression on potential clients or employers. By ensuring your headshot is in harmony with your brand, you present a cohesive and professional image to the world.
5. It's been 3-5 years since your last Professional Headshot
Even if there haven't been any major changes in your appearance or branding, it's still important to update your headshot regularly. Time can have a big impact on how current your headshot appears. A headshot that is several years old may not accurately reflect your current appearance or personal brand. It's important to update your headshot every few years to ensure that it stays current and relevant. Generally, the 'rule' is once every 3-5 years. Updating your headshot regularly can help keep you competitive and ensure that your headshot is always a true representation of who you are today.
There you have it – the key reasons to update your headshot! Regularly updating your headshot ensures it accurately represents you. Choose a renowned headshot photographer like Austen Hunter, who captures the essence of clients and helps them put their best face forward. Invest in your personal brand and secure your next opportunity with a captivating, professional headshot by Austen Hunter. Book your session today:
Austen Hunter Photography is a Headshot Photographer operating out of Pensacola, Florida. With his team, he delivers high-quality headshot images to working professionals, creative entrepreneurs, and corporate clients from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Destin, Florida. Austen Hunter is an internationally published photographer and is known for creating headshots that leave a Great First Impression. Book your headshots with Austen Hunter today.
