Your headshot is the first thing that people see before you even speak. You have it on your LinkedIn, your company website, in your speaker bio, and maybe on your real estate signs. People look at it and make up their minds quickly. Really fast.
So, who you trust to take it is more important than most people know.
Why the Photographer Matters More Than the Camera
Researchers at Princeton found that people make judgments about how trustworthy and skilled a face looks after seeing it for only a tenth of a second. Giving someone more time to look at the faces did not change these feelings much. A lot depends on just one photo. That's why choosing a headshot photographer in Fort Lauderdale should not only be about who shows up first or costs the least. The camera gear is part of it, but the person taking the photo, and the way they help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, is much more important.
What to Look For
A collection of photos containing images of real people and not models. It takes no time to make a model appear good. Find some ordinary people such as accountants, nurses, real estate agents, and chief executive officers. Do they appear calm and real?
Looking similar in all the pictures. Review 30 or 40 photographs. Evaluate the lighting, feel, and clarity of the images. Are they good in all the photographs or do you see only three or four nice ones with the rest looking like filling the empty space?
Expression coaching. Ask how they help nervous clients show natural expressions. A good photographer will use talk, direction, and patience to get good results. A bad answer is just “smile.”
Clear pricing. You need to know what is there before you come in. This means the time for your session, how many clothes you can bring, how many pictures you will get at the end, and the rights you have for the images.
Turnaround time. If you have to get images for a conference in the next week, make sure to ask first.
Retouching style. You want to look like yourself on a good day, not like someone who has been changed too much.
What to Skip
Some things look impressive but don't matter much:
• Huge, fancy studios are nice to have, but they do not show skill.
• Endless filter options. Cool edits can go out of style fast.
• Package upsells you don't need. Ten outfit changes may seem fun, but in the end, most people use only one or two pictures.
• Star ratings alone. A rating of 4.9 means people were happy with it. But, it does not show if the photos are right for your work field.
Prep on Your End
Even a top photographer can’t change what happens during a rushed morning. Make sure you get a good night’s rest. Bring a few solid-color tops with you. Try to avoid big logos or very busy patterns. Plan to get there a little early. For a quick read on the most common mistakes, this article on business headshot mistakes to avoid is worth your five minutes.
The Bottom Line
A great headshot is something good to have because you get something back every time people check you out. Make sure to view real client photos, get help with facial expressions, have clear pricing, and select a retouching method which keeps you recognizable. In case you need headshot photography in Fort Lauderdale, set up a brief phone call with your two favorite options first. You can be assured that the right photographer will put you at ease in front of the camera, and it will be reflected in your photo.
FAQ
What is the price of a professional headshot?
The price varies depending on the location and chosen package. Make sure to clarify the number of images you will receive and the session duration.
What should I wear for a headshot?
Solid colors look good. Clothes that fit well are important. Wear nothing that takes people’s eyes away from your face.
How often should I update my headshot?
Get a new photo every two or three years. You should do it sooner if the way you look changes a lot.