How Often Should You Update your Headshot

Your pictures reveal much more than what you look like. They capture your surroundings at the time the picture was taken. As the world changes rapidly, it is in photos that we can clearly mark the outdated differences.

Your headshot is your visual profile that must also move with the changing times. In the business or professional world, your image is the first glance into what kind of person you are.

Outdated headshots are not going to cut it. The general rule of thumb is getting your headshots redone every two years. However, there are other factors that should also be considered when making this decision.

Has your look changed significantly?

In online dating, the term catfish is used for people who look nothing like their profile picture. In the business world, this can have bad results. The people you’re meeting will be immediately put-off and probably wouldn’t want to engage in a business transaction.

Making small changes, such as a haircut or hair color, are easy to explain. However, a new headshot will be more professional if you have either stopped or started wearing glasses, gotten a nose job or other facial cosmetic surgery, have lost or gained a lot of weight or aged visibly.

Have the styles changed?

This is mostly to do with the clothes and accessories you were wearing in the photo. With one look, you can tell which era the headshot was taken from just from the attire ad background. A headshot taken in the 1990s will not work for a modern online profile.

Also, if your style in the old photos wasn’t professional, you need an update. You can’t have professional headshots taken when you’re dressed to the nine for a night of clubbing and social drinking.

Is our business the same?

Different professions demand a different headshot. If you had been an aspiring actor or model, your headshots won’t really be suitable for your new marketing firm. Similarly, very stoic headshots for a law firm won’t get you any interviews for a modeling job.

In college, your headshots will look way different than the ones after you’ve completed medical school. As your career changes, your headshots should reflect it.

Embrace the change. Whether you’re aging or have moved on to other professions, move forward. And as you do, make sure that your headshots reflect your new responsibilities and brand development.

If you’re located in the Greensboro area and are ready to take new headshots, Doug Burke stands ready to get the job done right. From choosing the right location to making sure you pose the right way, we can help capture your professionalism in your headshots. Call us at 336. 486.9932 to book your headshot photography session today.