It’s imperative these days for an executive or manager to have a great headshot at the ready. They’re used everywhere and often. The exec may need the image for a redesign of the company website. The exec may have written an opinion piece for an industry publication and it must be accompanied with a photo. The list goes on and on.
Each and every time your headshot is used it sends out a message of who you are and how you approach business. A poor quality headshot quietly says you don’t take yourself seriously. A great headshot emits positivity, competence and approachability. With a high-quality headshot, you can create a strong first impression that can open doors to new opportunities.
You can take the first step in getting a great headshot by simply doing a Google search on “headshot photographers near me.” The search results will show plenty of photographers but you need to go a step further in order to select a good one.
Choose a photographer for an initial get-to-know-you call by:
- Making sure that the samples photos on their website are evenly lit with minimal shadow areas on the face (see the photos accompanying this post)
- Looking for simple backgrounds in the photos that make the viewer concentrate of the subject’s face and not the background
- Most importantly, making sure that the expressions on the subject’s faces look natural, authentic and upbeat
If you’re looking for a new job, seeking investors, or trying to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry, a good headshot can help you stand out from the competition.