Value of a Good Headshot Photo
All too often we get the call from a business executive, and the first question asked is “How much for a headshot photo?” Honestly, the best answer is that no matter what price I give it, it’s value will far exceed it. A great headshot photo will continue to pay dividends long after you start using it. Here’s a few good – no, GREAT – reasons why the “price” should be the least of your concerns.
1. Professionalism
No matter what kind of business you’re in, you need to project a certain degree of professionalism. The more the merrier. The difference between a cell phone selfie taken under bad lighting conditions, and a well lit, well composed headshot taken by a professional photographer is night and day. Do you think your potential clients don’t notice the difference? Think again. That image tells them in an instant whether or not you take yourself – and your desire to do business with THEM – seriously. Lack of professionalism in your bio photo will destroy that first impression.
2. Branding
With the right amount of thought and input from from a professional photographer, an ad designer, or an art director, your headshot photo can instantly link you to what you do for a living. Whether you’re a trial lawyer, a financial planner, a real estate agent, or an appliance repairman, the environment or color in the background of your image can help promote you as an expert in your field. You’re going to want to promote yourself as Top Dog and help build confidence in the mind of the viewer. Think that image through, and do it right the first time.
3. Relatability
This is often misunderstood as “dumbing down” yourself so you don’t come off as an elitist. In reality, it simply means “Look like someone they WANT to do business with!” It may mean “make eye contact, and have a warm, inviting, approachable smile.” Even a stern trial lawyer who deals with hardened criminals, must appeal to that criminal’s MOTHER who is likely footing the bill!
4. Attract vs Repel
Have you ever really considered “the cost” of a BAD headshot photo? Think about this for a second… Your client’s first impression of you may very well be your bio photo on your web site. If they like what they see, they pick up the phone and call. The rest is up to you. If they DON’T like what they see, they scroll on down their Google results and call one of your competitors. The sad part is, you really have no idea how many times that may have happened because you can’t track “non-calls.” You simply sit there twiddling your thumbs. So a BAD headshot photo might actually be REPELLING good clients, costing you FAR more than the price of a GOOD headshot photo.
5. Multiple Uses
Done well, by a professional photographer with plenty of experience in the executive portrait or business headshot field, you’ll leave with a fully retouched, very high resolution image, capable of being used in print media ranging from business cards to billboards. A lower resolution should accompany that when necessary, so it’s available for all social media needs and Internet bio photos for your “about me” page on your web site. A print release for the image will allow you the chance to have a print made for Mothers Day, and you KNOW how much mileage THAT can give you!
Bottom line…
Choose wisely when it comes to what you put out there to represent you and your business. The price is minimal when done correctly. But extremely high when not. It boils down to how much your photo can help ATTRACT new business verses how often it’s actually REPELLING those clients.
For more information on having a great headshot photo, visit our Executive Headshots page. Newsome’s Studio of Photography is located at 10012 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 219, Tampa, FL in Carrollwood.
