Why do you need a pro?

You have a great camera with a timer and a tripod or even an iPhone, so why do you need a professional to take your headshot?  I get it, getting in to a new business such as real estate is overwhelming, time consuming and expensive.  Every time you turn around you are purchasing or paying for something else like marketing materials and signage.  These items are essential for your business, so why spend the money to go to a professional photographer for your headshot when you can just snap one yourself?

A few good reasons for hiring a pro!

• You want to attract your most desired clients!
• You want your branding to portray you as a professional, not someone who is a Do It Yourselfer.
• You are spending a lot of money on marketing materials and signs which every potential client will see.  You need them to represent your best professional image.
• People recognize an iPhone or unprofessional photograph and it registers in their minds as cheap.  No one wants to work with cheap people.
• A professional photographer will discuss what to wear for your session to help you portray yourself in the best possible way.
• A professional photographer will photograph you in the best light and pose to bring out your best self.
• A professional photographer will retouch your images to help you look your very best.
• A professional photographer will help you select the best image according to your marketing message to represent your business.

It’s not as easy as you think!

I’m a photographer who can take a pretty good selfie.  I can even set up my studio and create an honest to goodness professional headshot, but without someone behind the camera, my expression lacks the sincerity and warmth that I like to portray.

Selfie

This is a pretty image for my friends and social media, however I would not want to use this image as my headshot to  represent my business.  I’m not dressed appropriately, the background has distractions at the upper and lower corners and even though the lighting isn’t horrible, it isn’t flattering.

Self Portrait

This is a good headshot of me that I took in my studio.  It looks like me, I am wearing appropriate clothing, the lighting is pretty flattering.  However, I am not posed well, my hair is messy and if you look at my eyes, you can see they lack a bit of interest.  This is because I am staring into a camera on my tripod.  There is no one chatting with me and making me feel comfortable.  No one making sure my hair is perfect and helping me pose for the shot.  There is no spontaneity, no sparkle.

Professional Headshot

This headshot was taken by a professional photographer.  This image is perfect for representing my business.  I am dressed appropriately, my pose is beautiful, the lighting is very flattering and most importantly, I am engaged with the viewer through the interest in my eyes.  Some people think because I’m a photographer all photos of me are good.  That is not the case!  I don’t like being in front of the camera and it took work on my photographers part to get this perfect image!  She posed me down to the last detail and talked with me throughout the session to get that smile and interest in my eyes.  These are the reasons why you need a professional photographer when you are being photographed!

Not everyone likes being photographed

Not many people enjoy being photographed, but when you are promoting yourself as a professional, you need to LOOK like a professional!  Don’t waste time starting out your business or revamping your business without a professional headshot.  It will cost you more in the end!

What will a professional headshot do for you?

Having a professional image tells your clients you are serious about being a professional, it puts you in your best light and makes a good first impression.  It relays that you take your business seriously and you don’t cut corners.  Oftentimes, your potential clients make decisions based on an ad, social media post or article which includes your photo.  You want that decision to be to work with you!  No one wants to do business with someone they think doesn’t take themselves or their business seriously.  If you want your potential clients to take you and your business seriously, you need to project that in every way possible, starting with a professional headshot!

Read Clair Boyles’ article Why Do You Need a Professional Headshot for a perspective from a business coach about her journey to get the perfect headshot.  Don’t waste your time and months of attracting the wrong clients to save a few dollars.  Professional headshot sessions range from $150 to $300 and it is worth every penny!