Just a "Quick" Headshot, Please
Michelle Loufman
Humanizing Businesses to Build Social Impact and Grow Sales | Brand Storytelling | Brand Strategist | Photographer
How to approach images that stop the scroll and actually have ROI.
Have you been the victim of an emotionally stunted photographer? Someone who lashed out when you asked for “just a quick headshot”.
As creatives, we’re not great at self-regulating our emotions and get overly sensitive about pricing and process. What I really think clients are asking is not to overthink a headshot. Or, more likely, “I need this on a budget.”
What clients don’t realize is that very same sentiment implies that we as photographers overthink what we’re doing and therefore charge more as a result. Let’s put the cost of running a business aside.
Realistically, we understand the insecurities and fears our clients experience, but our goal, ALWAYS, is to deliver an image that boosts your confidence and ultimately lands you that next job or client.
There’s a fine line between overthinking a project vs. taking the necessary steps to deliver an excellent experience with excellent images.
Notice I didn’t say perfectionistic images. But even an excellent image involves a process. This checklist shares insights on what really goes into a “quick” headshot:
- Prepare client with session information, outfit ideas, etc.
- Coordinate payment
- Clear + format memory cards
- Wipe lenses and camera sensor clean
- Charge batteries
- Pack up gear, lighting, etc.
- Travel to the studio or an onsite location
- Set up lighting
- Set up backdrop
- Pose + photograph client
- Travel back from the studio or an onsite location
- Review, cull, transfer images
- Send unretouched images to client to make selections
- Follow-up on selections
- Edit selected images
- Create/provide crop variations
- Export images
- Load to gallery
- Deliver gallery with instructions
And I haven't even gotten into CODB:
Where the ROI Comes In
Gosh, this seems like it's all about me, so let me present you with a case study of a client who invested in her personal brand and why this matters for YOU.
She saw a HUGE jump in her accounts after posting more professional photos on her Instagram feed.
BEFORE: Tera Sumpter, owner of Seeds of Learning, LLC was using a filter on her selfie photos, but it was time to level-up her game as she plans to launch her new book.
AFTER: The results are compelling -- a 1900% increase in exposure! Not to mention more shares, saves, comments, likes, etc. Are there multiple elements involved here? Absolutely.
The goal is to stop the scroll.
What does this mean? More parents, more kids, and more practitioners are aligned in the same community to solve learning disabilities that were otherwise.
If you think photography can't change the world, think again.
Invest in your mission.
Invest in you.
The stats will show you that you and your work need to be seen!
I realize you might be bootstrapping your business in the early stages. I get it. I am a photographer and I'm the WORST at investing in my own brand. But once I did, I stopped regretting it. I've easily made sales that more than cover the expense of a photo shoot.
To help the startups and budget-conscious, I included a tip on how you CAN get a decent headshot with an iPhone, provided you understand the principles of good light.
If you’ve had a bad experience with other photographers, I’m sorry. And shame on them. I guarantee every session and my goal is always to educate -- even to the point where you can take photos on your own if you need to.
So what's the conclusion?
Keep tuning in for more tips on how to get what you want out of your photo sessions and what to ask for to ensure you’re getting a worthy experience.
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Michelle Loufman is a photographer, writer, and storyteller located in Cleveland, OH. She develops compelling visual and written narratives for businesses, people, and causes to evoke emotion and motivate action.