My Take on Headshots

Before I go deep with the ins and outs of how I approach headshots, I first need to get something out of the way. 

I hate the word headshot.

I actually can’t stand it and I cringe every time I need to use it. It sounds so impersonal and oh so bland. It’s just too close to “mugshot” for my liking. 

I’d much rather use professional portrait or personal brand shot, but the term headshot has become so commonplace it’s simple to use because everyone has an idea of what the word refers to. 

And maybe that’s why I balk at the term. Headshots conjure up this idea of boring pictures with deer-in-the-headlight stares of people who clearly don’t want their picture taken. 

And isn’t that the opposite of what you want? 

Headshots can be bright and joyful, while sitting on the artistic side.

The real goal that underlies everyone's need for a headshot is credibility. You need to look credible because you are on a mission with your professional goals. 

These pictures are meant to score that interview. That pitch meeting. That job offer. 

When someone looks at your headshot they should automatically feel a sense of “Oh yeah that makes sense”, meaning, “of course they claim to be the best. Look at them.” And the only next logical action is to pick up the phone and call you to schedule that meeting. 

Because whether we want to admit it or not, so much of human interaction is based on looks. Even the most open, loving person has initial, subconscious gut reactions to someone’s appearance. 

And the reactions you want your headshot to invoke are completely specific to you. 

Credibility and stature wrapped up in one image. 2024.

Business executives want to look credible and authoritative. Creatives - well they want to be fun, energetic, and trendy. Real Estate agents want to look approachable and friendly. Mental health professionals want to look like a trusted advisor. Doctors want competence. Musicians and artists want to show creativity and authenticity true of their own personality. 

It’s not hard to see why the word headshot can turn the stomach because in practice these images hold so many keys to your professional work. 

So what do you need? What persona are you trying to portray? And does your current profile picture accomplish that?

If not, let’s make it better. Here’s my process.

Initial Consult: A headshot session is so much more than a session you parachute into. The shoot itself is quick, but I want to know lots of information about you beforehand. I’m going to ask you about your goals and how you want to use your images, and most importantly what you want people to think about you when they see you.

Shoot Day: On the day of your shoot it’s best to plan for a 1 hour for the session and here’s why. Most people arrive with a few outfits because they can’t decide which one they want to wear. So we start by spending a few mins deciding which outfit best portrays what you want your image to show. So while I finalize lighting, you’ll adjust your wardrobe and touch up makeup and hair. We’ll shoot for 15-20 mins. Then we sit down and review all your unedited images. We can talk about which ones actually accomplish the goals we set out to achieve. Once you choose your final images, I’ll retouch them with simple editing to make sure you shine your best. 

Delivery: Depending on the turn around that we agree on, your images will be on their way to you generally in under a week.