You have only one chance for first impression. In person you can use your language and smiles to improve the first sight effect but in the online world you have only one single option - your profile headshot.

Would you be careful about any spelling or grammar mistakes in your cover letter? To portray the right image of you as a person, you need to carefully thought out your profile portrait too. It is vital in the world of business and professional networks. 

There are only 2 reasons people may look into your profile. If they are interested in the company/service, you represent or second is your photo.  And they will come to all sort of conclusions about you within the first seconds of seeing your picture. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression so make sure your one-shot counts! 

Professional PortraitProfessional Portrait

Right, you got the message. But why hire a professional photographer and not really get your friend to do so for free. You are frankly your own brand and your portrait is your logo. You put enormous efforts creating this brand and evoking trust in your clients and partners. You don't do this with a selfie or a chef friend taking a photo of you with his camera. You had an injury and you need a physiotherapy to get back on your feet. Would you look out for a therapist or call your friend who is attending the gym every day? You are buying a home. Would you hire a surveyor or ask your teacher friend who happen to have a house for advice?

The reason to hire a professional photographer (like me) is ever so simple. We know our lighting, posing, composition, editing and so on to create the best image of you. Professionals seek other professionals because they are good at it and know all aspects of their job. And because as The LAB guys say: “A portrait is shaped more by the person behind the camera than by what is in front of it”. And you want this shaped perfectly.  So, don't underestimate the impact of your headshot photo and cut yourself short.

Man Headshot portraitMan Headshot portrait

LinkedIn's own research found that having a profile picture makes your profile 18 times more likely to be viewed by other professionals. So, what do you do apart from hiring a photographer? The important things to bear in mind when you plan your professional portraits photo session:

* SIMPLE - Less is more. Keep everything simple unless you are an artist and need a specific character portrait

* BACKGROUND - clean and non-distractive. You need the focus on yourself

* SLEEP - get a good sleep the night before your session 

* HAIR - get a haircut or style it to represent your best. Don't overdo with fancy hairdos. 

* OUTFIT - consider the industry you are representing, choose flattering clothing and If you are comfortable to go to an interview in this attire than go for it. 

* PERSONALITY - smile is fantastic but if you can't do this make yourself look approachable and friendly

* MAKE UP - book an artist to do a professional make up. They can accentuate your best features and hide flaws. (I work with a specialist too)

* DISCUSS with your photographer all details and what message would you like to convey with your portrait.

There are over 500 million users on LinkedIn alone. People are making deals and get hired through the network and it all begins with your own picture that creates great first impression and paves the path to achieve your goals.

I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure to work with fabulous people trusting me to deliver their best virtual self. Get in touch now to book yours and shine bright.

To book you headshot session contact me here