Do Headshots Need To Be Professionally Taken?

Headshots are an essential aspect of personal branding. Whether you’re an actor, model, or a business professional, you need to have a headshot, and they make your first impression to a potential client. But do headshots need to be professionally taken? The answer is, it depends.

Why Should Headshots Be Professionally Taken?

Everyone has a camera now, and even your phone cameras take good quality photos. Plenty of people use a selfie as their profile pic, and it’s good enough for many.

However a professional headshot takes it to the next level. A photo shows what you look like, but a headshot shows who you are. Its job is to capture attention of the viewer and draw them to your profile.

When someone does a search online and 20 people show up on the first page, how do you ensure your profile will be clicked on?

A professional photographer will not only set up the environment for the headshot, but help you pose to create the greatest impact. They will coach you on expression so that you show off the right qualities that will attract your target audience. After your session, careful editing and retouching of your headshot will enhance your best features while keeping you looking natural and genuine.

However it is an investment and it should be taken only if you can reap the benefits.

People Who Don’t Need Professional Headshots

Some people don’t need professional headshots. In essence, headshots are here to get you business and make you money. In some lines of work, a good headshot won’t make you extra money. Here are some examples:

Headshots are used to sell you to clients. They are important to service providers such as lawyers, accountants, coaches, real estate agents. However if you sell commodities, the only thing your client cares about is the price, not who sells it to them. If you own a supermarket for example, you can go without a headshot.
If you are not in a customer facing role, such as a laboratory or factory worker, a professional headshot may not be necessary.
If you are happy in your current role, have no need for networking and no interest in career advancement, then a headshot will not be a useful investment.
If you have no online presence for whatever reason, and are not concerned about building an online presence, then you neither need nor have a place to put a headshot.
If you work a desk job and your company will not pay for your professional headshot, then you have no need of one if you intend to stay there.

It’s worth noting that even if you fall into one of the above categories, having a professional headshot could still be beneficial for you. For example, even if you are not actively seeking a new job, you might be headhunted for a special opportunity.

People Who Need Professional Headshots

It is generally advisable to have a professional take your headshot, especially if it will be used for business or professional purposes. A professional photographer has the skills and experience to create a high-quality headshot that accurately represents you and captures your unique personality and appearance.

Here are the industries that most benefit from a professional headshot:

Business Professionals such as entrepreneurs, executives, and salespeople often need a professional headshot for their website, social media, and networking events. It builds trust and serves as a platform for selling their wares.
Service professionals are selling who they are as much as what they do. A headshot can show their competence and knowledge in a split second and set them apart from competitors.
Politicians and Public Figures need professional headshots for campaign materials, press releases, and other public-facing materials. However they are often taken
Actors, Models, Entertainers need to showcase their looks and talent to casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals. Actor Headshots and portraits need to be taken with the end result in mind.
Health and Medical professionals, such as doctors and dentists, can really build trust with a headshot. Because many clinics do not have head shots, it is very easy to stand out from the crowd here.
While all Real Estate Agents use headshots, many of them are not professional. When someone is spending millions on a house, it’s really a no-brainer that will go to someone who looks trustworthy and professional.

Benefits of a Professional Headshot

Here are a few reasons why it is important to have a professionally taken headshot:

Quality: A professional photographer has access to high-quality equipment and lighting, which can make a big difference in the final image. A professional headshot should be sharp, well-lit, and properly composed.
Expertise: A professional photographer knows how to pose and direct subjects to get the best possible shot. They can help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, which can result in a more natural and authentic headshot.
Professionalism: A professional headshot conveys a level of professionalism and attention to detail that can be important in business or other professional settings. It shows that you take your image and reputation seriously.

Overall, a professionally taken headshot can make a big difference in how you are perceived by others, and it is worth investing in one if you need a high-quality headshot for business or professional purposes.