Why Even a Professional Photographer Needs New Headshots: A Lesson in Taking My Own Advice
As the organiser of the Small Business Co-Llab, I’m forever asking people for two things before they speak at one of our networking events:
*A professional bio
*A great headshot
Most people send them over without a second thought.
But then, the other day, the table turned, and I was asked for my headshot.
Although I love this image by Rebecca Price, it was taken eight years ago!
I had a bit of a problem. I realised that the personal branding images I had been using of myself were really very old. (I’m sure people were having a bit of a shock when they saw me in Real Life!) And I had barely any photos holding a camera, which seems a bit of an epic prop fail.
Photos with my camera are likewise taken a long time ago!
For someone who specialises in personal branding photography and professional headshots, that felt more than a little ironic. But I suppose it’s the ‘builder working on everyone’s home but his own’ syndrome!
This was just a holiday snap!
The Photographer Who Had Forgotten to Photograph Herself
I’m really good at remembering to take pictures of everyone else. But I’d not taken enough of myself. I had a few with others. But none that were really appropriate and relevant and recent.
I chose something that would do, but when I saw it published, I felt disappointed. The image did not quite tell the story I wanted to tell.
the picture I used, but this was taken before going Out - not a set branding shoot
Why hadn’t I prioritised the personal branding photo shoot to actually give myself some images? Why had I relied on old headshots and branding sessions that were pushing a decade old?
Then Came the Excuses...
Almost immediately, I caught myself saying exactly the same things I hear from clients every week.
"I’d like to lose a little weight first."
"Maybe after I’ve had a holiday and caught some sun."
"I need some new clothes."
"I’ll wait until my hair’s done."
"I’m just too busy at the moment."
Sound familiar?
The funny thing is, none of us ever feel completely ready. There will always be something we’d like to change before stepping in front of the camera. But if we keep waiting for the "perfect" moment, trust me, it doesn’t ever come.
Instead, you continue not having the pictures you want, and are scrabbling around to find an appropriate image every time you need to post or get asked to provide a bio photo.
Your Brand Deserves to Look Like You Today
As business owners, we spend so much time looking after everyone else’s needs that our own marketing often slips down the list.
What we need is a photo of ourselves now. Not 10 years ago. Clients want to recognise you when they meet you. And a photo is the first way they get to know you. If our photos are 10 years old (oops) then it looks duplicitous somehow…
A current, professional headshot and a set of branding images instantly build trust before you’ve even had a conversation and you don’t want to put any barriers up there.
So I’m Taking My Own Advice
I’ve put a date with myself to shoot my own personal branding photo shoot before the end of September.
It’s booked and non-negotiable. How healthy (or not) I look; whatever my hair is doing; however busy I am… Because my business deserves photographs that reflect who I am today, not who I was ten years ago.
Are You Waiting For the Perfect Time, Too?
If you’ve been putting off updating your headshots or branding photography because you’re waiting for the "right" time, perhaps this is your sign.
The right time probably isn’t when everything is perfect.
The right time is when your business deserves to show the real you.
If you’re ready to refresh your personal branding photography, professional headshots or business portraits, I’d love to help.
See my website https://www.charlottewebbphotography.com/photography-services-headshots-personal-branding
