Business headshots - what are they, how are they used and why have one?

What is a headshot?

Most people know that a business headshot is a form of portrait photograph, where the subject is aware that the photo is being taken, and it is intended for commercial use.?

It is a camera captured photo, close up and focussed on the eyes, looking directly into the camera. Typically the whole head of the person is shown, along with their shoulders. The background, whilst important, is not the main feature.?It is not a graphic or an AI generated/altered image of a person.

Often it is the first thing someone will see of you, as people search the web in advance of face to face meetings or to find out who they will be dealing with.?

The intention is to show an authentic depiction of the business person. It forms part of your personal or business brand.

What are headshots used for?

Business headshots are used to engage with your audience and form part of your marketing material.

This is often the first impression people get of you, whether it is potential clients, employers or peers.?As they say, you never get a second chance to make a great first impression!

Use of a headshot can range from profile pictures on LinkedIn, to the about section of a website, annual reports, PR, author profiles to acting or modelling portfolios.?

It is relatively obvious that business leaders need photos for their personal brand. They may be more prominent on their business website, be featured in the company report and accounts, and build their reputation through press releases.

Articles and posts on LinkedIn are an ideal way to position them as thought leaders, and business headshots go alongside these things. Aspiring business leaders will also be using these tools to build their brand and therefore require headshots.?

LinkedIn posts with photos of people get way more engagement than those with just text or graphics.

Additionally, more and more businesses want their staff to have increased visibility. After all, 'people buy from people' and when searching websites having photos of employees can make the difference between making contact or scrolling on.?

Knowing how you will use the headshots can inform how they are taken, what you wear and ultimately how you want to come across.

The intended purpose of a headshot is to show the business side of you. That could be anything ranging from serious and professional to quirky and fun. Whatever it is, the headshot will reflect your or the business brand.

That is why a selfie or a holiday snap as a business headshot just won't do.?

A professional photographer will be able to quickly construct a photo that is high quality and portrays the best version of you at that time.?

Why have an up to date headshot?

All the uses considered here are live and current so having up to date images make sense.

The whole point of a headshot is for people to be able to recognise you (in real life or on a Zoom call), and to get a feel for who you are. That's why having a current one is so important.

If you've lost weight or change hair or grown a beard, it's important to update your headshots. Equally, none of us can stop ageing so having a current photo is important...no matter how much we might like to look ten years younger!

There is nothing worse or more embarrassing than not recognising the person when you meet in real life, after taking the trouble to look them up on line first.

Feeling confident for your headshot

Preparing for your headshots and choosing a professional photographer needs careful consideration and are probably the subject of another newsletter.

However, it's worth saying that even though it is just head and shoulders, clothes are important. Colours, pattern and style all combine to build the impression. Think about taking a selection to try, and see how you like the different outfits in the photos, and whether you want to be formal or informal. Either way, being authentically you in your headshot is important.?

Your photographer should direct you on posing and help you to show a range of expressions for you to choose from when you receive the selection of photographs. They may also be able to provide you with a guide on how to prepare for your headshots. This will give you the confidence to relax and obtain the best photos possible.

For business headshots in the London area, and in Berkshire, Surrey and the Home Counties, do get in touch.

?About the author

Jo Scott is a Professional Corporate Photographer with a background in Fine Art Photography. Based near Windsor in Berkshire, she primarily works in London and the adjacent Home Counties including Surrey and Hampshire with businesses, creating photos for all their marketing needs.

More information about Jo Scott can be found on her website Jo Scott Images

And if you've liked this, please do subscribe to her LinkedIn Newsletters.