Your personal brand is what people expect from you before they’ve worked with you. Your headshot is the visual part of it, and often the part people see first: next to your name on LinkedIn, on a conference program, beside an article you wrote, on your own website.
What your headshot should say
Before your session, think about how you want people to feel when they see your photo. Most professionals want some mix of two messages: confidence (I know what I’m doing) and approachability (I’m easy to work with). The balance depends on your role. A trial attorney, a startup founder and a wellness coach will each lean differently, and I coach your expression to match.
Consistency builds recognition
A personal brand works through repetition. Using the same headshot, or images from the same session, across LinkedIn, your website, your email signature and your speaker profiles helps people recognize you. Mixing a ten-year-old photo on one platform with a selfie on another sends the opposite message.
When one image isn’t enough
If you speak, publish, consult or run your own business, you’ll likely need more than one image:
- A classic headshot for bios and directories.
- A warmer, more relaxed version for social media.
- A different outfit or background for your website or a book jacket.
- A horizontal image for banners and press.
That’s what the Premium Session is for: a full hour, up to six outfit changes and six retouched images, so you leave with a complete set of portraits. See the rates page.
Speakers and authors
Event organizers and publishers usually ask for a high-resolution headshot on short notice. Having a professional set ready, in color and in black and white, saves you from sending whatever photo you can find. Under my terms, you may convert your photos to black and white yourself.
Keep it current
A personal brand evolves with your career. When your role, your look or your audience changes, update your images. Returning clients can book a refresh session whenever their headshot no longer looks like them.
Frequently asked questions
Should my headshot be formal or casual?
Match what your clients expect when they meet you. A consultant who always wears a suit should wear one; a creative director might not.
Can I use my photos commercially?
Yes. Delivered photos include the right to use and distribute them on all media, worldwide, for 10 years, renewable on request. See the terms and conditions.
My approach to personal branding portraits is described on my headshot photographer in Indianapolis page.
Ready for a headshot that looks like you on your best day?
Every session includes expression coaching and professional retouching, in my studio in Indianapolis or at your office. See sessions and rates, or tell us what you need and we’ll help you plan it.