It’s no secret that headshots are important for professionals. They help people put a face to your name and can be used in a variety of marketing materials. In fact, there’s often no bigger fail than a stale headshot or one that misrepresents you.
But how often should you update them? That answer depends on a few factors, such as your industry and the age of your current headshots. This guide discusses the best times to update your headshots and offers some tips for choosing the right photographer.
Who Needs a Professional Headshot?
A corporate headshot is not only for actors and models. If you are in any type of business where you meet with clients or colleagues, it is important to have a professional headshot. This is especially true if you are trying to build relationships or establish yourself as an expert in your field. A good headshot can open doors and help you make a great first impression.
Benefits of Professional Headshots
While it’s a necessity for business professionals to have the right headshot, it also brings many benefits to them, too. For instance, it can also help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs.
In addition, if you’re in a creative field, your headshot is an opportunity to show off your personality. More importantly, if you’re not comfortable in front of the camera, a professional photographer can help you relax and look your best.
Other benefits that a well-done headshot brings include:
- Making a great first impression
- Helping you stand out online
- Building trust and credibility
- Creating a sense of professionalism
- Showing you are serious about your career
- Can be used in a variety of marketing materials
- Making you look more approachable
How Often Should You Update Your Headshots?
How often you should update your headshots depends on how quickly your appearance changes and the type of industry you are in; we recommend as a general policy that our clients update their professional headshot about every two years, although it can greatly depend on the person.
If you have a job that requires a lot of public speaking or networking, it’s a good idea to update your headshots every one to two years.
If you work in a more creative field, such as modeling or acting, you’ll need to update your headshots more frequently. And if you’re just starting out in your career, it’s a good idea to have new headshots taken every few years as you grow and change.
Lastly, if your style changes significantly, or you get a new haircut or glasses, it’s a good idea to update your headshots. You want your headshot to represent the real you, so make sure it’s always current.
Although we’ve discussed how often to get new headshots, there are many different factors that can contribute to how often you should update your headshots and the reasons differ between us all.
Meanwhile, though, if your appearance has changed quite a bit, or you want to promote your professional headshot to a different audience, you don’t want to take a risk of starting off on the wrong foot. Therefore, it’s probably time for an update!
The Case for Multiple Headshots
While you may only need one solid headshot, some professionals opt to have multiple headshots taken. This gives you a variety of looks to choose from and can be helpful if you’re targeting different markets or industries. For example, if you’re an actor who also does voice-over work, you may want two separate headshots— one that shows your smile and one that shows a more serious expression.
A professional photographer can help you capture a variety of looks in one session, so you have plenty of options to choose from. And if you’re not sure what look you’re going for, they can offer guidance and suggestions.
Tips for Choosing the Right Photographer
When it’s time to update your headshots, it’s important to choose the right photographer. Look for someone who specializes in business headshots and has experience working with professionals in your industry.
You should also look at their portfolio to get an idea of their style and see if it’s a good fit for you. And be sure to read reviews from past clients to get an idea of their experience and level of customer service.
Once you’ve found a photographer you’re comfortable with, it’s time to schedule your session. Most photographers offer headshot sessions that last about an hour, and you should plan on getting at least a few different looks.
Be sure to communicate your vision for the shoot, and trust that your photographer will help you capture the perfect headshot.
Book a Session at Gary Sheer Photography Today
We hope you enjoyed this post, and you can use these guidelines to help you decide when it’s time for new headshots. If you have any questions or would like to book a session, please contact us. We’re here to help you make the right impression and help you land that dream job!
