Top 5 Situations Where a Headshot is Essential!

Hi friends and Happy New Year! We’re in full swing into 2023, and you know what that means? Brand new headshots! It’s a great way to start the year. Sure, you might have a headshot from a couple years ago, but maybe you’ve hit the gym since then, got a new haircut, or you simply want to have a fresh start. Whatever the case may be, it’s never a bad idea to get some new shots in.

Now you might be asking yourself, “Self, I don’t see why I would need a headshot when I can just take a selfie with my phone!” Well, I hate to break it to you, but selfies won’t cut it in the professional world. Heck, it wouldn’t necessarily work well in the social world either. Yeah, camera phone technology is improving year by year. There are countless apps at your disposal that can do an okay-ish job in giving the appearance of flawless skin. Also, you might have your go-to IG filter that does all the heavy lifting for you.

However, phone selfies are ultimately lower in quality compared to headshots taken with a full frame camera. In today’s professional world, potential employers or scouts would almost always make snap judgments based on your first-look impression alone. Between a photo taken professionally and a selfie taken with your buddy’s iPhone 4S, which one would you pick over the other?

Where can a professional headshot be used?

Great question! Below is a non-exhaustive list of where a headshot is most certainly advantageous:

Professional or business purposes

Many professionals, such as actors, models, business executives, and politicians, use headshots for their professional websites, social media profiles, and resumes to promote themselves and their work. You simply don’t see a whole lot of these professionals using a selfie in official applications.

Online dating

Oftentimes, headshots are used on online dating platforms to help people make a good first impression and stand out from the competition. In a pinch, phone pics can do the job. However, you would want to maximize your chances of making that special connection with a photo taken by a professional photographer, like me!

Social media

Many people use headshots as their profile pictures on social media platforms to create a cohesive and professional online presence. It’s a great way to show off yourself to old classmates and that nosy relative who always has something to say (we all have one don’t we).

Marketing and advertising

Companies and organizations may use headshots of their employees or spokespeople in marketing and advertising materials to create a more personal connection with their audience. They wouldn’t take you seriously if your photo looks like a fuzzy blob on the welcome banner at your company’s dinner party.

Personal branding

Headshots can be used to establish a personal brand and create a specific image or identity for oneself. Selfies might work in a pinch, but to take yourself to the next level you’ll need a headshot that basically tells everyone that you are a professional that means business.

If you’re looking to have your professional headshot taken in the DC area, I would love to be of service! My rates start at $150 plus tax. Please visit the headshot page for more information or contact me today to learn more!