The Number One Mistake People Make With Their Headshot
What's the one mistake most people make with their professional headshots, even more than having an AI photo?
Make Sure You’re Recognizable
An old or highly edited photo that doesn’t look like you erodes trust. You want to look like “you” on your best day, not like the best you from your early 20s. It’s not about being photogenic; it’s about connection.
This is the most important! Nothing erodes trust faster than people feeling misled. I get it! We all have that one great-looking photo from 15 years ago that we love, but the client or boss hiring you for your next job won’t appreciate your sentimentality, in fact it may give them the opposite feeling that you get when you see the photo. Especially if it’s immediately noticeable like a receding/disappearing hairline, weight loss/gain, significant age difference.
Storytime:
I was at a conference a couple of years ago when the speaker had a great photo during the introduction; we were excited to hear him speak, and then he walked out, he looked shockingly different. He was still a handsome and confident man, but the fact that he used such an obviously old photo gave us mixed feelings about his confidence and trustworthiness.
The person next to me immediately remarked on it, and for the first couple of minutes- maybe the most important for a speaker- we were thinking and commenting about how different he looked and the story he told with his choices instead of the value of his ideas. Trust was broken before he started talking. 5 years later, I still remember him standing in front of his photo every time I see him on LinkedIn. And I can't remember the topic he spoke on that day.
Was it the end of the world? No.
Could it be the difference in someone listening to his podcast or buying his book afterwards? Maybe.
Is this meant to shame him? Of course not! I love photographing people for who they are now! And most of the time, I can make them look cooler than they thought!
Think of it this way, we didn't know you before, so don’t remind us. You're on stage for a reason, let's make that statement in your headshots.
A really nice, modern headshot with some cool shadows and an interesting expression would have reiterated the story he was telling, and we would never have thought twice about his hairline.
The takeaway is this, Real Is Better,AND authenticity is more powerful than perfection.
The Same logic applies to AI photos...good enough is not a winning strategy.
Humans are extremely good at reading faces, our survival depends on it! It may seem like it's "good enough" but and AI generated headshot or an over edited photo will stand out...in the wrong way. We may to even know we are doing it, but our brains will recognize and categorize that something isn't right.
That doesn't mean you just pay anyone who has a camera and it's already better than AI...someone who doesn't understand professional headshots can give you the same outcomes. Awkward expression, eyes are connecting with person looking at the photo and the lighting an skin color look blown out and that weird pale yellow sickly feel.
A good photo is the product of expertise and process! We work through multiple outfits and expressions to get photos that feel like you and look like you at your best. Sometimes we will look at 5 photos where the difference is a millimeter in a smile to get just the right expression. Or look at three versions of how your shoulders are positioned and the tilt of your head. The culmination of details can make a huge difference.
Of course it's an investment, but this is the type of investment that you will be glad you made for years! Imagine feeling proud when someone asks you for your profile photo and you look great!
If you're still reading let's book your session in Madrid!
What my clients say from my 5- Star Google Reviews:
“Aaron - The photos look amazing! I think you captured just what I was looking for. For your information- we did these shoots in 2 other countries. One country the client hated, and the other one they didn't love. But they are raving about your images. So very nicely done and a pleasure working with you.”
“Hi Aaron - I never thought I would actually be looking forward to seeing my pictures, but what an absolutely incredible job you have done! I am so grateful-these came out so much better than I ever thought possible!!”
“I highly recommend Aaron for professional headshot photography. Aaron recently took headshots for our global management team, and the entire experience was above expectations.”
“He made what could have been an awkward or uncomfortable process feel fun and effortless, helping to ease any embarrassment or hesitation. Aaron was incredibly responsive, kind, and sensitive to everyone's needs, ensuring that every individual felt confident and comfortable in front of the camera.”
“The results were fantastic, high-quality photos that truly captured the professionalism and personality of our team. If you're looking for a photographer who combines talent, professionalism, and a great attitude, Aaron is the perfect choice!”