5 REASONS EVERYONE NEEDS A PROFESSIONAL LINKEDIN HEADSHOT
Professional headshots are no longer just for actors and high-ranking executives. In today’s digital age, where you are likely to be seen online before meeting in person, every professional needs a photo that best shows them. According to a study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, first impressions from an individual’s photograph are likely to stick, even after meeting in person. If that is not enough reason for you to update your current Linkedin profile photo, we have compiled five reasons an up to date and professionally taken headshot is an absolute must all professionals on Linkedin.
1) High-quality photos convey your professionalism.
Think of professionally taken headshot is an investment in your brand. As mentioned above, your profile photo is often a potential customer or employer’s first introduction to you. Your photo must match the same quality of work that you, as a professional, embody. When we shoot headshots, we always create two or three looks, so professionals have a few options to use.
2) A professional photographer understands the key elements that make a great photo.
A professional photographer specializing in headshots knows how to position you so that your best features shine through. They also know how to choose the best angle, lighting and backdrop to showcase your brand and your personality in your photo.
3) Bad photography standouts, and that is not a good thing.
A bad photo goes further than just an unflattering angle or expression. Lousy photography can be dark and blurry, which always leaves someone with a wrong impression. On the other hand, professional photography stands out by evoking a feeling and message through the use of colour, light, composition, and angles. A professional photographer understands the science behind these four elements. They know how to use each to their advantage to create a feeling in the photo that will resonate with whoever may see it.
4) When you look good, you feel good.
Have you noticed that you are more comfortable socializing on the days when you look and feel your best? Well, this also applies to your social media. Having a flattering of yourself to share with your peers boosts your self-confidence, and it can even inspire you to be more active in engaging on LinkedIn with potential clients or job prospects.
5) An out of date photo conveys a message of inauthenticity or laziness.
If you are using a headshot that is over five years old, you need to update your photo. Using an old photo creates a discrepancy between what someone was expecting and who they meet in person, which comes across as inauthentic. Further, you wouldn’t show up to a meeting or interview with an out of date resume or portfolio. If you did, it would likely signal that you haven’t done any recent work or were too lazy to prepare for the meeting. Be sure that your headshot is an accurate representation of the work that you do.
The numbers don’t lie.
According to LinkedIn’s official blog, profiles with great looking photos receive, on average, 21 times more profile views and nine times more connection requests. An even more enticing statistic is that the right profile picture makes you 36 times more likely to receive a message on LinkedIn.
There is no denying the importance of a great LinkedIn headshot. If you don’t have already have an up to date professional photo, we encourage you to reach out to us and schedule a photoshoot. We specialize in creating great headshots that showcase your brand, your professionalism and your unique personality.
Is it time to update your Linkedin profile or team headshots?? We can help. Head over to our photography services for more info and book a complimentary consultation.
