Headshots for your social media profiles - do you need them?

Looking online I came across this sentence which I think sums it up perfectly – ‘In a matter of seconds, your profile image provides an instant impression of who you are and what you’re all about without saying a word.'

In a conversation with a marketing colleague recently she told me that the length of time spent on a profile without a photo was usually measured in seconds compared to minutes for those with a recognizable image of the profile owner and I understand that this is reflected with lots of research online.

As a photographer I am a very visual person and with all the forms of online and social media these days I do like it when I see a headshot and then when I meet the person I can recognize them from it.

Personally I like to use the same headshot on all my forms of social media and I do think it has helped me as I get comments from people saying they recognize me and I think it helps them connect with me. I believe that your image should reflect you on a day-to-day basis, so I prefer that you make an effort but not so much that people would not recognise you if they met you in the street.  I have a beautiful image of me that a fellow photographer took for me but decided not to use it as my headshot as it’s just not me on a day-to-day basis! As much as I wish I did unfortunately I do not have a hair and make-up expert to work on me each morning  J!. 

What type of headshot should you use? Ideally a professionally shot one – and yes I would say that! However a badly lit image will not show you off to your best and a holiday/partying snap is not necessarily the professional image you want to show to potential clients.  My aim for my clients is that they have a professional, relaxed, well-lit image that is them and that people are drawn to.  Ideally I love natural light inside or out as feel it’s more flattering but it’s always client choice.

What should you wear? Choosing a wardrobe is important and I always ask my clients if they have had their colours done. If you have not you should consider it as certain colours and tones really do work better for each of us. They make our skin look better and the whites of our eyes whiter – unless you see for yourself you will not believe it but rest assured it does work! If they have not then I always ask if there is a colour that they wear that they get complimented on – chances are if they do regularly then it’s one that suits them.

Depending on how professional you want to look I suggest a jacket and then to bring along a couple of scarves and a necklace. That way we can change the look quickly and you get good value from your shoot with a variety of looks.

If you are interested in getting a headshot then please do consider contacting me or another photographer. As a professional photographer I know what angles and light works best and my aim is to create you a profile shot that you and others relate to. A lovely image that you are proud to have on your social media pages.

Some recent headshots that I have done for fellow networking colleagues are below; or you can check out the headshot gallery page on my website 

And I can’t sign off without showing you my profile shot! Hopefully you recognize me and if our paths have not crossed yet they will soon.

take care Tracy.

 Tracy Williams

Email: info@twsp.co.uk

Phone: 07812 723103

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