Career Reinvention &
Personal Brand Strategist

A professional headshot is a key component of your personal brand

December 09, 2009
By: Randi Bussin-Career Coach, Personal Branding Specialist

Your headshot: A critical component to your brand message

 

 

Whether you are embarking on a new business or looking for a job in today’s competitive market, you might want to consider having a professional headshot taken. A good headshot is a business and job search essential. It gives you a leg up when it comes to publicity, a professional web/social media presence, or a potential speaking contract. Potential hiring managers or clients can see who you are and are more likely to want to work with you.

 

It's important to choose a seasoned photographer who will be proficient in lighting, composition, and posing, and who will work with you to understand the nuances of your business and the message you want to send. Here are some questions you might want to ask before booking a photographer:

 

• How long will the photo shoot last?
• Will I have an opportunity to be photographed in more than one outfit, and with a variety of expressions?
• How do you elicit different moods?
• How are the proofs presented? As digital files? As contact sheets? As prints?
• Are the images available in print, as a digital file, or both?
• Will my chosen images be retouched?
• Will I have unlimited use of the images, or will I need to pay more for additional usage?
• Is there a makeup artist or hair stylist available at the studio?

 

 

Here are some tips for the session itself: If you wear a jacket, choose one that fits you well, in a solid color that is somewhat darker than your natural skin tone. During the shoot, imagine you are greeting a favorite client as he or she walks through the door. This exercise keeps you from worrying about how you look and brings out your warmth and accessibility.

 

Your headshot is part of your brand. Be sure it is sending a message compatible with your professionalism.

 

This article was contributed by Gretje Ferguson, 781-461-9202, gretje@gfergphoto.com, http://www.gfergphoto.com.

 

 

 

 

©2010, Randi Bussin, Aspire!

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