Your Headshot Is Sending a Message - Is It the Right One?
I’ve lost count of how many times someone has said this to me, standing nervously in front of the camera:
“I just need a photo that makes me look… like I know what I’m doing.”
And I get it.
Most people don’t wake up in the morning excited for a headshot session.
But here’s the thing - your headshot is already doing some talking.
Even when you’re not.
It’s showing up on LinkedIn, Zoom calls, websites, and proposals. It’s whispering to potential clients before you’ve even had a chance to say a word.
The only question in my mind: Is it saying what you want it to say?
People read photos like they read faces
We’re hardwired to make quick judgments based on how someone looks. Not in a superficial, swipe-left kind of way but in a “Do I trust this person?” or “Do they seem like a good fit?” kind of way.
Your headshot doesn’t need to be flashy.
But it does need to feel like you.
Confident. Approachable. Professional.
Whatever message your business needs to send - your photo should support that.
The wrong photo tells the wrong story
Outdated photos say you’re behind the times.
Heavily filtered ones make people question what else you’re glossing over.
And blurry selfies?
Well, they usually just say, “I didn’t think this was important.”
A good headshot doesn’t just show what you look like.
It shows how you work, who you are, and why you’re worth remembering.
Here’s what I’ve noticed
Some of my favorite shoots have been with people who were camera-shy at first.
We take our time. We chat. We find the moment when their guard drops and their real energy comes through.
And that’s the photo that gets used.
On their homepage. On pitch decks. On podcast guest pages.
The one that opens doors because it says:
“I know who I am, and I know how to help you.”
If your headshot isn’t working as hard as you are...
...maybe it’s time for an update.
Not just for the sake of a new photo - but to match where you’re headed now.
Let’s connect.