We have all been there: sorting through mailers and coming across an advertisement from a real estate agent or a personal injury attorney with a photograph that looks like it was taken in 2001 – because, it was taken in – 2001. Whether you are a performer trying to promote yourself in the Austin music scene, an attorney who needs photos for your firm’s Facebook page, or a struggling actor hoping to be discovered by just the right agent, having good-looking, professional, and up-to-date headshots is absolutely essential.
Just like a scalpel for a surgeon or a pastry bag for a baker, headshots are the tools that performers and business people use in order to be noticed and to get the jobs that they need to practice their respective crafts. Headshots are what brand you in your particular line of work; so obviously, you want the very best headshots that you can get.
In Austin, headshots are what set you apart from the rest of the pack. In the performing arts, corporate America, and the legal world, there is more than enough talent to go around. When it comes to landing the dream role, making the big deal, or getting a multi-million dollar client, there are usually more than enough qualified persons to do the job. Having a headshot that grabs the viewer’s attention could very well make the difference between your getting called back or snagging that client and the person who is left to try again another day.
Your headshots will represent to an agent, director, or potential client, the amount of effort you are willing to put into selling yourself. Often it is your first chance to make a good first impression. This is why those headshots from 2001 are so unfortunate. What they tell the viewer is that the best the person could do was to produce a headshot that was taken over 10 years ago. At that point it does not matter how good the shots were then, now they are nothing more than caricatures of themselves.
Aside from being current, headshots should be indicative of how you actually look today. If you drastically changed your hair color last week or you shaved off the beard that you have had for the past three years, it is time for a new set of headshots. In addition, headshots should be a head-and-shoulders view of you in a natural and relaxed pose. Finally, your headshots should reveal your friendliest expressions and make you appear warm, likeable, and easy to approach.
If you are in the Austin area, and it is time to update your headshots, contact a photographer who specializes in headshots today in order to inquire about headshot packages and to schedule a session. Remember, you’ve changed since 2001. Your headshots should change right along with you.
