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Here you’ll find some more interesting info about professional headshot.

 

What You Need to Know About Professional Headshots

According to a popular trade publication, the headshot is “the single most important marketing tool,” yet most people don’t do it correctly and don’t take it seriously. A headshot is a professional calling card that in today’s digital world, supersedes your business card. Your headshot needs to say “I‘m a professional” by showing a high-quality photograph and that requires a high-quality process: interacting with a professional photographer, a discussion about the purpose of the headshot, use of professional equipment, and a level of post processing that maintains your true appearance and identity.

A professional headshot is not:

  • Taken on a mobile device

  • Developed from candids via an app

  • Taken at a cookie-cutter photo service in the mall

  • Taken by a friend in their bedroom with a recently upgraded phone

Here are some guidelines for taking your headshot:

  • Take a deep breath and try to relax.

    • If you’re interacting with a professional photographer, the foundation has been set for the best outcome from your photoshoot. You and your photographer have aligning goals: Great headshot photos of you.

  • Your emotions show in your eyes. Make sure that leading up to the headshot session, you’re well rested and that your eyes reflect your interest and show authenticity.

  • Your professional photographer will pay attention to all the details minimizing how much you will have to do. Remember to pay attention to the directions you’re given. Your photographer should provide incremental small directions to help you achieve the most flattering headshots and should demonstrate what they would like you to do.

  • Keep to the basics when it comes to jewelry and other accessories. This is about you, not the fancy earrings, chains, or the new colorful scarf.

  • If you’re wearing makeup, make sure it is professionally applied or looks professional if you’re applying it yourself. If you’re utilizing the services of a makeup artist, let them know the makeup is for a professional headshot photoshoot.

    • Your photographer may or may not have an in-studio makeup artist. If they do, this service will likely be added to your headshot session fee.

Headshots for Actors

Professional headshots are an investment. According to an article by Backstage, a leading publication for actors, a professional headshot can cost between $400 and $1200. Another source for actors gives a range of $150-$1500. This is understandable because of the role of headshots for casting calls: The headshot and the actor’s resume are often the only things a casting director has at an audition or casting call. This allows professional photographers who only photograph actors to demand higher prices.

Headshots for Business

For other professionals, including business individuals, professional service providers (e.g., realtors, attorneys, healthcare professionals), artists, etc., the cost of headshots is often not as steep. Some photographers charge on an hourly basis ranging from $100 to $250 per hour. Keep in mind that some photographers charge for both the session time and for post-production time.

I suggest that if you select a photographer who charges an hourly rate, request a detailed quote that should include any possible additional expenses.

Some photography services, including HeadshotNJ, offer standard packages that include one retouched photograph. For most professionals that’s all that’s needed. Additional photos may be purchased for those who would like some variation in their photos based on different platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, etc., or their personal or professional website.

Branding

For those who require more than one or a few headshots, personal and business branding is an option. In case you’re not familiar, branding means establishing authority and influence in a particular field. Terms associated with branding include: credibility, public perception, and influence, among others. While a headshot shows you are serious about your business, branding extends beyond business and speaks to the relationship between you and the client. The client relates to you as an expert and authority by seeing you in different facets of your business( e.g., behind a desk, interacting with clients, giving a presentation) or in different facets of your life. For the potential client, branding is more personal and more relatable.

Photography prices for personal branding vary significantly and come with a range of scheduling and delivery options. Costs typically range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on location, number of images desired, and scheduling (some individuals require photos monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually).

Summary

When it comes to headshots, go with a professional. Your professional photograph is your digital business card. An error on your physical card represents a potential loss of business. The same is true of your headshot. Give yourself the best possibility of gaining clients, leads, and business by treating your headshot like your most valued asset because it represents you and it represents your business.