How often do you update your profile photo? Are you too busy focusing on spending money on advertising to drive traffic to a website in order to promote your business? Let’s face it, to any outsider your website looks the same as a million others. There are no photographs of real people, and everything else is just product shots and bland stock photography. Have you ever considered professional headshot photography?
OK. I hear ya saying to yourself saying, 'I don't like photographs of myself and I really don’t want anybody else seeing them!’ Well, maybe it’s time to hire a professional photographer and get some decent photographs of yourself and your colleagues. High quality images which show you looking confident, professional and friendly. Photographs that you’d be proud to show off to your friends and family! of my colleagues and me?'
You see the thing is you can't understate the importance of good headshots if you're hoping to make a positive and lasting first impression. The way you represent yourself and your company speaks volumes about both you and your brand. It’s something you shouldn't really take for granted.
You are your brand!
So, if you're currently on the fence about hiring a professional photographer for your photos, here are five reasons why it will be hugely beneficial to you and your business.
1] First impressions are everything.
You only get one chance to make an excellent first impression. A high-quality, professional headshot brings life to your online profile and website. While many of us are highly adept at taking selfies on our smartphones, it's impossible to get the benefits afforded by a professional headshot.
Not only the help with posing, expression, and clever use of flattering lighting, but there is also the high- end post-production that will produce results that will blow you off your web! Your new profile photo will make an excellent first impression with your clients and potential business partners.
2] A good profile photo will set you apart from the competition.
Since the unfortunate arrival of COVID-19 in our lives and the subsequent restrictions enforced by the government, more business than ever is now being conducted online. We're scheduling online meetings via Zoom or Skype.
We’re searching Google for almost every product and service imaginable. If we don’t see an Amazon van in our street at least once a day, then we start to think that something is wrong!
As there are fewer face to face meetings, it is now more important than ever that our professional online appearance must be on point. It’s convenient to hire a professional photographer who can create headshots for you and your colleagues in your own offices or at home. Leaving you in a position to update your website, Zoom profile, LinkedIn pages, and social media platforms.
You can use it consistently across your communication channels, even show it off in your email signature! It conveys a true sense of you and shows professionalism to your prospective clients. In the online world of business, transparency and professionalism are two vital traits.
3] Capture a headshot that is in line with your branding goals.
There isn't only one form of appropriate headshot. What is suitable for a solicitor, for instance, won't necessarily be the best fit for a tattoo artist. The best headshots and profile pictures are those that are appropriate for your industry and, equally necessary, are in line with your branding goals.
For example, if you work for a creative media agency, you might want to portray yourself in a way that suggests you're quirky, easy going and working for a dynamic company. On the other hand, an accountant will most probably want to showcase their professionalism and ability to get your work done.
These crucial nuances are difficult to capture in a selfie. However, a professional photographer knows exactly what to look for. So, whether you inform your photographer of exactly how you want to be portrayed or allow them to utilise their creative freedom, the results will be the same – a polished, professional, portrait of you that is in keeping with your branding and ethos.
4] A good professional headshot will present you in a confident and approachable light.
Capturing the appropriate energy in a headshot is an art form. As highlighted above, everyone wants to present themselves in a professional and approachable light.
Regardless of your industry, you want your clients to think of you as someone who can be taken seriously, yet is friendly and approachable at the same time.
It's often said that a picture paints a thousand words. You will be amazed at how much someone can deduce simply from looking at your photo. Make sure that they consider you to be professional and approachable. It is so important and will make you stand out from the rest when it comes to winning their business.
5] A professional headshot means that you will be taken seriously.
Deciding to use professional headshots on your profile and website says a lot about your attention to detail. It proves to people that you take pride in your work and appearance, and, therefore, you should be taken seriously.
Because so many people and organisations have an online presence, it's tough to truly stand out from the crowd. However, using professionally captured headshots will help you to achieve this. It doesn't matter what industry or niche you work in; the fact that you've gone the extra mile to get a professional headshot photographer, shows your professionalism and commitment to quality. The last thing you want to do is to jeopardise your online presence with poorly posed photos or selfies.
Final thoughts – Why do you need a professional profile photo and headshot in 2021.
There are multiple reasons why you should consider adding a professional headshot photo to your online portfolio or website. It helps you to make a positive and lasting first impression.
At Dermot Murphy Photography, we have worked with countless individuals and teams from various industries to provide them with unique photos that help them stand out from the crowd. After a quick pre-shoot styling consultation, we can come to your home or workplace and set up our portable professional studio.
You don't need to worry about taking too much time out of your busy work schedule to accommodate the experience. We offer a range of packages, including our popular personal branding and corporate packages, which are tailored to your own requirements and have been designed to give you excellent value for money.
To check my availability, please click here or for more information about our headshot photography service or to get in touch to request more information, please click here.
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