Michelle Villalobos Headshot With SharpiesPeople make judgments about us within the first 3 seconds of meeting us. Right or wrong, how we are perceived visually is just as important as what we can do - at least at first. Online is no exception.

I'm blown away by how much my headshot has done to boost my business online. And it's more than just having the headshot, it's strategically placing it in the right places online to maximize my presence.

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Below are 10 tips for boosting your online visibility using a great headshot.

You can follow the steps yourself, or if you want, we can help you at the Headshot Workshop on September 29th, in Miami.

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1.
Use a current photo.
Mike's Custom Electric
A photo that looks old screams "stuck in the past." Not only is it unprofessional, but you're missing the opportunity to keep your brand as current and as relevant as you are.

Even if you were more "beautiful" 10 years ago, chances are these last 10 years have given you experience, character and depth. Don't hide that.


2. Pick the right pose (and maybe even a prop).

Your pose should be right for your brand. No generic, cheezy glamour shots! Your picture should reflect who you are and, if possible, what you do.

Also, consider whether having a "prop" will help convey who you are and what you do (like this photo of Mike Thomas with the lightbulb).

If you're a woman, consider avoiding the ever-popular "head tilt." It's a "little girl" pose that can diminish your credibility. See below...

head tilt 2Head tilt 1head tilt 3


3. Don't edit while you're shooting, edit once you're done.
Michelle Villalobos Headshot With Sharpies

Example: I always have Sharpies and a sketchbook with me - they help me release creative thinking. So during my photo shoot I just pulled out a handful of Sharpies and played around. There were about 100 bad pictures, and one magical one.

When you do a photo shoot, be open-minded, try everything. You can always trash the photos later. The creative process and the editing process are opposites, don't confuse them! One requires open-mindedness, the other critical thinking.


4. Quality.

Anyone can pick up a camera and shoot a picture. Only a professional can really do your portrait justice. Enough said.


Marla Acosta
5. Eye contact. While some situations/personal brands require something different, by and large, making eye contact engenders trust. And we all know trust is the basis of every relationship - business or otherwise.


6. Use a variety of shots in different places - but keep them looking consistent. One idea: take lots of pictures in the same outfit in several different poses. Afterward, pull a handful of images: close-up, medium and full body. You can even use the same photo cropped several ways.


7. Be professional. If you're looking for a job, or are self-employed, your online pics should be professional and align with your brand.

Why? Because it's likely the first image that many people will ever see of you. If you're using a crop of yourself at the beach, or a picture of you kissing your mate, you may be sending the wrong message.

Tricia Bannister
Tatiana HSWS




8.
Notwithstanding the above, be authentic and show personality! Just because you're getting a professional headshot, doesn't mean that the photo has to be generic, stiff or boring.


9. Try to get an image that captures what you do somehow - perhaps use a prop or props (but be careful you don't cross the line into "cheez" territory...)

In fact, whether your brand is "Earth Mother," "Badass Exec," "Girl-Next-Door Entrepreneur," "Marketing Queen," "Trustworthy Financial Planner," "Kooky Artist" or something completely different, a portrait can and should project your unique brand.



10. Retouch (and crop). Take a look at these before & after, below. What a difference!!

original  headshot unretouchednew sharpies headshot

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Not sure if your pictures are quite right? Ask a trusted friend to tell you honestly - and don't get defensive if you don't like her feedback!

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If you do nothing else, right now, at the very least make sure that your profile images are attractive and represent your unique brand. And if you decide that they don't, and you're not sure what to do about it, consider our Headshot Workshop.

Contact Jessica Lurie (305) 608-9455, [email protected], to find out about availability.

Ciao for now!

Michelle