A "head shot" is one of the most important pieces in your personal marketing arsenal but it is often taken for granted. As the SVP of marketing at my firm, I have been as guilty as anyone of not taking this piece of branding seriously.
But I have since changed my ways. That's why there is no picture of me on this blog. My most recent head-shot just doesn't cut the mustard. So, I'm having a new one done.
Take a minute to look at your head shot. Did you have it professionally done? Does it convey what you intend it to convey? Or did you allow someone to take a quick digital picture of you because "they have to have a picture"? Take a look at a couple of examples of very accomplished professionals who make their living advising clients frequently about high-dollar matters who allowed someone (alas, probably a professional marketer at their firm) to take a quick digital shot to accompany an article and a press release (these appeared in a professional journal).
Obviously, this is NOT recommended. If you remember nothing else, remember no picture is better than an unprofessional picture!
Below is an example of how we're using headshots as a branding tool. I use Chris Mercer, our CEO, as an example.
The first picture is his most recent "standard" headshot.
This is a typical pose that you'll get with many photographers who are told to produce a headshot. Instead, take it a step beyond and communicate with the photographer what image you are trying to project. Do some research on local photographers and view their portfolios (this can frequently be done via their website) and choose one with some artistic talent, a sense of color and lighting, an understanding of economics (i.e., this should not cost you the moon), and one who shoots digitally (a professional photographer shooting digitally is MUCH different than a co-worker). Here's one of Chris' newest headshots:
This is just one of many in different poses, with different backgrounds, and different clothes. (For another example, visit his "About Me" page on his blog). In none of the photos did Chris wear a tie. What do you think? I welcome your thoughts.
And if you need any hints on communicating with the photographer, don't hesitate to e-mail me.
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