Why Get A Good Headshot For Business?

By David Green, Headshot Photographer, Shoot Me Now

There was a  fascinating study in 2006, where Princeton psychologists discovered that it takes a 10^th of a second for us to form lasting impressions of strangers just from looking at their faces – making snap judgements about characteristics as diverse as intelligence, integrity and trustworthiness.

That has huge implications in a business context today, where our first encounters with anyone from potential clients and employees to future colleagues are often with their digital profiles; on LinkedIn alone, research shows that profiles with professional headshots get 14 times more profile views and make it 36 times more likely that you will receive business related enquiries.

And, as Oscar Wilde once said: “You will never get a second chance to make a good first impression”.

What are your 5 top tips for a great headshot?

1. It might sound blindingly obvious, but smile! It’s by far the most impactful characteristic that makes people want to engage with us.
2. Keep it simple. avoid backgrounds that are too busy, and which are not relevant to your business (holidays and weddings are a no no!)
3. Dress as you would if you were meeting a new client, but avoid the latest trends; they might make you look like a hotshot today but dated and out of touch by next year.
4. Keep it current. Don’t be seduced into using that favourite photo of yourself that’s 10 years old; authenticity in business is everything.
5. And please, no selfies! At worst, they imply you don’t take yourself seriously as a professional. Your headshot isn’t ‘just a photo’, it’s a marketing tool – use it wisely!

For more information, visit www.shootmenow.co.uk or call David  on 07810 805 332.