In this article I explore and answer the question…
Will a Professional Headshot Make a Difference in Your Career or Business?
As a professional photographer I think there is no greater reward than hearing my clients success stories. Maybe you landed your dream job, or perhaps your small or large business just started attracting the kind of attention you’ve always envisioned. At the core of everything I do is the desire to make a real difference in your professional journey.
I completely understand that taking the step to booking a photographer is a decision driven by a desire for change. You feel you want to elevate your image, project confidence, and take your career or business to the next level.
I quite often get messages from clients regarding their successes. Recently I received a text message from a client who came in to the studio about seven or eight months prior. I clearly remember discussing his objectives and how he felt his existing headshots were holding him back, here’s what he said:
“Chris, I Finally landed that big promotion we were talking about! SR. Director, now with a much larger company. I know the headshot was an integral part in cultivating the image online which matched my experience and opened up doors for a big role. Thank you for your time , guidance, and skills which helped me take that leap! Still love the photos, I use all of them!
No doubt you’ve heard the saying “first impressions matter”. In today’s digital age, that first impression often comes online, through your LinkedIn or other social media profiles, professional and business websites and even online job applications. A high-quality, professional headshot can be the difference between getting noticed and getting passed over. As my client mentioned above he had been over looked for many years until coming to Cottrell Photographers. Then, after getting the right look in his new headshots and the doors opened for a big opportunity – his dream job.
Being on the front line everyday helping my clients succeed I’ve seen firsthand the power of great business portraits, individual and team headshots. My clients consistently rave about the positive impact their professional photos have had on their careers (just check out my 80+ 5-star Google Reviews!). But is there any data to back this up? Absolutely.
“The moment that you are invited into Chris’s studio you are immediately put at ease. He takes the time to discuss your personal endeavors, dress choices, and career goals to create the perfect narrative for your headshot. He individualizes the process to ensure he meets the client’s expectations and pays very close attention to details highlighting your best features. I cannot recommend him enough.”
TJ.
The Science Behind Scroll Stopping Professional Headshots
Studies by Princeton University and the University of California, Santa Barbara have shown that it takes just a tenth of a second to form an impression of someone. That’s right, in the blink of an eye, someone is making judgments about you based on your appearance. A professional headshot allows you to control that narrative and present your best self to the world.
Give Your Career or Brand a Boost!
Increased Credibility and Trust: A polished, professionally shot, lit and retouched headshot will convey confidence, competence, and professionalism. Viewers are more likely to trust and do business with someone who appears approachable and put-together.
Standing Out From the Crowd: In a competitive job market, both from the point of hiring the right people for your business and getting opportunities for your dream job. Great professional headshots can help you stand out from an ocean of poorly photographed, often outdated or generic selfies that decision makers see online.
Boosting Your Online Presence: Professional headshots elevate your entire online presence! Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, company website bio, resume, model or actor portfolio or social media channels, putting out the best version of you or your team will get you noticed.
“Chris is a fantastic photographer. I am usually quite shy in front of the camera and not photogenic, yet he really put me at ease and I was able to get some stunning shots. I would definitely recommend him, he is very knowledgeable about his trade and quick to return photos!
What Makes a Cottrell Photographers Professional Headshot Different?
For me it’s not just about snapping a quick picture and emailing it to you. Aside of all of the hundreds and hundreds of people I have helped advance their careers with new, outstanding professional headshots. I bring my abilities to really help people feel comfortable in front of the camera. My precision driven, detail oriented, creative approach born from years of experience and expertise are some of the things I bring to the table. Here’s what sets me apart:
Expert Guidance: I’ll work with you to choose the right outfit, overall look and backdrop to complement your personal brand and professional goals.
Technical Expertise: As a Professional Photographer with a thirst for knowledge I know how to set up and use lighting, angles, and the right composition to create flattering and impactful portraits.
Editing Magic: I believe that subtle retouching will keep your photos looking authentic while removing blemishes and other imperfections, ensuring your headshot looks polished and professional.
Confidence Coaching: Let’s face it and I’m the first one to admit, not everyone loves being in front of the camera! Time and time again my clients talk about my knack of making them feel totally at ease in front of the lens. Nervousness, camera-shyness and apprehension will show in the final images. Helping my clients relax while I photograph them helps project a confident, intelligent and approachability individual.
“I can’t express my gratitude for how Chris made my headshot experience memorable. He was so personable and went far beyond my expectations. It’s clear he cares about you as an individual and providing an exceptional experience. He invested in my future through his passion of photography and I am grateful beyond words.” JR –
What are the Different Headshot Types?
Business Formal Headshots: Classic portraits aimed at projecting professionalism, expertise and authority. Think solid colors, tailored suits, ties for men, and a clean background often with a slight texture. Perfect for job applications, CV’s, resumes, LinkedIn profiles, executive profiles, company websites, and conveying a strong and lasting first impression that quickly connects with the viewer.
Business Casual Headshots: Work side by side or stand alone with the formal look above. Business Casual Headshots showcase a more relaxed, approachable and friendly demeanor while not taking away from your looks of confidence, intelligence and expertise. Think about no ties, collared shirts, sweaters, or long sleeved blouses and tops. Often a casual look in addition to the business formal headshot can work well for team profiles, social media, website staff photos as they show a little more of a persons personality creating a sense of friendliness and approachability. More on casual look headshots…
Corporate Headshots: It’s all in the name! Capturing the individuals that make up your team, department or organization! Group headshots featuring the team should be consistent, on-brand, scroll stopping team headshots highlighting each member of your group. A must have for company websites, social media posts, marketing material, annual reports, and any public facing or internal imagery. In most cases these executive headshots will portray a sense of customer or client focused collaboration.
Corporate Environmental Photography: On-location at your workspace and is a step beyond professional headshots. Capturing your team within their workspace, highlighting the culture, team dynamic and what you are all about – your brand! Think meeting rooms, collaborative areas, individuals and employees interacting. In our online world authentic, corporate environmental portraits are essential to gaining trust and connecting with new clients. This type of corporate lifestyle and branding photography is an ideal for showcasing your work environment and attracting the best new talent as well as your dream clients.
I highly recommend hiring Chris for your professional portrait. I made the mistake of going to another local photography studio first because she was promising an edited photo by the end of the appointment for only $200 – the photo was terrible and so was my experience with the photographer who rushed the appointment and didn’t offer a single hint as to how I should pose or stand (even when I asked).
It was a world of difference when I went to Chris. He puts in the time and effort to make sure everything is perfect. I have received lots of compliments on my new portraits and wish I would have went to him first!
DS –
Beyond the Headshot
A new professional headshot is a great first step, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Consider your headshot as an investment in your personal or business brand. Here are some additional tips to take your career image to the next level:
Develop a Consistent Visual Style: Maintain a consistent visual style across all your online platforms, from your headshot to your website banners and social media posts.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t just rely on your headshot to tell your story. Share content that demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in your field. Ask me about creating additional business portraits to create depth to your brand.
Network and Build Relationships: Connect with other professionals in your industry online and offline. Building strong relationships can open doors to new opportunities.
Taking the time and effort to invest in new professional headshots is an investment in yourself and your career that, from my experience, will have a very positive impact on you and an amazing return on your investment. When you think about it, professional portraits are a way to take control of your brand and make a positive and lasting first impression that can lead to new business opportunities and career advancement.
I’m passionate about helping my clients achieve their career or business objectives. Contact me today to schedule a complimentary call or book your photo session and let’s take the first step in attracting new opportunities and taking your business or career to the next level. With my 100% money back guarantee, I promise you will not regret it!
Chris Cottrell, Photographer
Bristol, England born Chris Cottrell is a Jacksonville, Florida-based professional portrait photographer. He’s been practicing the art of photography professionally for over 20 years. His experience ensures you receive the beautiful images you are seeking.
He is a Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Certified photographer, a hard-earned accolade ensuring high standards of work for his clients.
