Headshots. The word probably makes you think boring, stiff, plain, and quick–but not so painless. You might believe they represent what people look like, but not who they truly are.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Brand Recognition

Making a great headshot involves scrutinizing your brand and managing how potential clients understand you. Once you have a hold on that, you must incorporate wardrobe, colors, lighting, background, props, and posing choices to make your brand distinguishable. Changing any one of these elements potentially alters the feel and message of the headshot.

Planning your headshot session often takes more time than the shoot itself. You must answer the questions about why you want headshots made, how you want to be recognized, and (with the help of your photographer) how your vision comes to life. You may or may not spend much actual time in front of the camera because most of the work is done behind the scenes.

Finally, you should know and understand how you would like to use your headshots. How many different looks would you like to have? Where do you intend to share them–in print or online, website or social media, or all of the above? Do you want to have several choices so that you can change your images periodically?

It’s Personal

Remember also that, like any meaningful photograph, a headshot mirrors who you are at a specific time. As time passes, you will change and your ideas will evolve–which means your brand likely will change too.

An added bonus: If your headshots reflect who you are and how you want to be remembered, they will be photographs that your family treasures for years to come. Your loved ones will keep them in a special place and hand them down to future generations. They will outlive you and tell your story again and again.

Headshots do not have to be boring. In fact, they should make your image come to life. Contact me and we’ll make your next one speak for you.