Are You Making These 7 Mistakes With Your Professional Headshot Photo?

Your headshot is often the first impression you make in the professional online world, so it’s important to get it right. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid to make sure your headshot leaves an authentic and positive impact:

1. Using an outdated photo: Your headshot should reflect how you look now, not how you looked X amount of years ago. Using old photos can cause confusion, undermine your credibility and damage trust, so make sure your photo is recent and an authentic depiction of how you look now.
2. Choosing photos you ‘love’: It’s a big thing putting yourself out there for the whole world to see, so I know you want to make sure the photo you use is one where you look great. It’s just that the one of you spruced up on a night out, glass of wine/beer in hand is probably not going to portray the image you want for your business/work life. If you don’t have any decent photos, then it’s time to change that. (PS – a group photo where you’ve cropped out other people isn’t a great look either!)
3. Over-editing: While a little touch-up here and there to get rid of blemishes might be acceptable, going over the top with editing or adding filters to your headshot can make it look unnatural and unprofessional. Go for a natural look that showcases the real you.
4. Poor lighting and background: Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, and poor lighting can result in really unflattering headshots. Make sure your face is well lit and that your background isn’t so bright or cluttered that it draws attention away from you.
5. Badly composed: With online platforms all having different image formats, it’s easy for your photo to end up looking different to how you wanted it. Pay attention to how your photos are uploaded and adjust the crop if needed to centralise your face within your profile photo, or choose a pleasing composition when fitting into other formats.
6. Inappropriate attire: Your clothing choice should reflect your professional image and you may want to consider industry norms (PS I’m not saying you have to follow them!). Avoid wearing distracting patterns or slogans, and go for clothes that you know you look and feel good in. If you need help with that, consider a style/colour consultation – they’re a great investment in your own brand and confidence!
7. Lack of expression: A blank or stiff expression can make your headshot seem lifeless and unengaging. If you want to come across as confident and approachable, a natural smile and eye contact goes a long way. I know this might seem easier said than done, however any quality professional photographer will be able to achieve this for you.

Go away and take a critical look at your current headshot – are you making any of these mistakes? If you are, consider booking in for a professional headshot photoshoot to update your image and make sure you’re making the right first impression.