Are you wondering whether getting a professional photo headshot is worth the investment? Maybe you’re thinking of using your old, outdated headshot because it still looks like you, just a version of you from 5-10 years ago. Or perhaps you’re relying on your mobile phone to capture the perfect headshot, which often results in less-than-ideal photos.
While these are all possible options, investing in a professional branding photography session can make a significant difference and impact on your career. Our headshot photographer Courtney Criddle wouldn’t have founded this business if she didn’t believe she could bring value to her clients.
In this blog, we look at some of the top reasons why you should invest in a professional photo headshot. Remember, it’s a small investment that can yield big returns in how you are perceived and the opportunities that come your way.
Your Old Headshot Isn’t Doing You Any Favors
Many of our clients come to us because they want to update their outdated headshots. Imagine the many ways things could go wrong every time a prospective employer or client comes across a 10-year-old or even older headshot of yours.
You are likely being left behind by others thanks to your outdated, poor-quality headshot.
Who do you think has a competitive edge? Someone with an old headshot? Or someone with an updated, professional sleek headshot? No prizes for guessing!
Without professional photo headshots that establish your professionalism and credibility, it’s impossible to attract new clients.
Thin Slicing is Real
Even if you don’t know what the phrase means, it’s enough to understand that it has a lasting impact on each of our lives.
Thin slicing is the process of making quick judgments about a situation or a person from very little information. Although we’ve used psychological jargon here, the process is very much a part of our daily lives. That’s how we decide whether we want to talk to someone, date someone, hire someone, or do business with someone.
We are talking about first impressions here. And this holds true for even a picture of someone. In short, within moments of meeting someone or seeing their picture, people begin to make judgments about their personality, intelligence, and more!
This has a huge impact on your online presence, no matter your industry. Now think about the pictures you are currently using as part of your professional profile. And think about the kind of impression it’s creating on prospective clients or employers.
So, if you knew people would see you in a favorable light when they come across a professional photo headshot of yours, would you still stick to using your blurry, old headshot?
Your Online Presence is Linked to Your Job Prospects
We are not kidding.
In fact, 77% of recruitment executives rely on search engines to profile job applicants.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to climb up the career ladder, your online presence plays a crucial role in helping you land your next job.
How?
Imagine you are a recruiter screening job applicants from Chester County, PA. The first thing you do is look up each applicant online. You’d try to find as much information as you can about them from their social profiles, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram.
Even if a profile is private, the applicant’s pictures will still show up.
Now how would you decide whether an applicant is worth considering with something as simple as their profile picture?
That’s right: you look at whether their personality and professionalism show through in their business headshots.
Now imagine you are a prospective job applicant. How would you control the way the recruiter perceives your image? Easy –simply hire a corporate photographer and invest in professional photo headshots.
Your Personality Shows Through in Your Professional Photo Headshots
If you are thinking that you’d have to be blessed with extremely good looks for your corporate headshots to make an impact, you couldn’t be more wrong!
The objective of your headshot is to showcase your personality, professionalism, and your personal brand. A well-crafted headshot demonstrates your attention to detail and work ethic, reinforcing your professional image.
Your professional photo headshot taken by a professional photographer near Media, PA, brings your best qualities to the forefront and conveys the right tone for your brand.
A corporate headshot is a great way to show your target audience on social media or prospective employers looking you up on Google who you really are without saying much. This is the simplest, most effective way to attract prospective employers or target customers.
When you have a professional business portrait taken, you will have a consistent image across all platforms, which has its own set of benefits.
Professional Photo Headshots Versus Poor-Quality Photos
Taking a poor-quality headshot is easy. However, taking a good-quality photo headshot is easier said than done. It calls for professional headshot services of an experienced photographer who knows what it takes to help you stand out.
A professional photo headshot can:
- Produce crisp, high-resolution images with excellent lighting, color, contrast, and clarity.
- Use posing and angles that are intentionally done in a flattering, confident way.
- Convey an image of competence, trustworthiness, credibility, and authority.
- Align with and enhance your desired personal brand image and messaging.
- Help you stand out and get noticed in a crowded market.
- Create a powerful first impression of confidence and likeability right from the start.
- Look thoughtful and intentional in portraying your personal brand.
- Appear professional and appropriate for websites, social media, email signatures, and more.
- Maintain a polished, high-quality, and timeless look for years.
- Demonstrate commitment to cultivating your personal brand and professional image.
Your One-Stop Shop for Professional Business Portraits
A professional photo headshot session is an investment in yourself and your career that pays dividends by establishing confidence, credibility, and a powerful first impression everywhere you go online.
At Courtney Criddle Photography, we specialize in creating personal branding headshots that blend photographic artistry and your unique personal brand. We leverage years of training in photography, headshot studio lighting, posing, and editing to capture you in the absolute best light (literally and figuratively).
A headshot from our team will instantly elevate your personal brand and ensure you make a lasting impression everywhere you go online. We proudly service clients all over Montgomery County, PA, Delaware County, PA, Chester County, PA, Lehigh County, PA, Lancaster County, PA, and beyond.
Contact us today to book your session!