How to decide which headshots to use for your business

October 08, 2016  •  Leave a Comment

A client of mine recently struggled with choosing his headshots from the gallery I delivered. He received about 15 photos total, and wanted to choose a few to keep. After requesting my input (and receiving my top 5 picks), talking to family and friends and thinking on them for a couple of weeks, he still wasn't sure of what he needed. Because he is in the early stages of setting up his business, it was hard for him to imagine and find a purpose for the different photos. Unable to decide, he reached out again with two great questions:

1. How would I use a close up photo?

2. In what type of situation would I want a black and white shot?

I wrote a blog post that covers a couple of things that helped answer his questions. Check out Must-Know Tips for a Profile Photo that Shines (see "How to choose good photos" and "Other tips").

I answered him directly, but thought this might help someone else out there as well, so read on.

The majority of internet users browse websites and make purchasing decisions while on their mobile devices, which are very small in comparison to computer screens. In those instances, a close up photo will show your face in more detail, making you stand out and more likely to be remembered.

Which photo of Elda do you think stands out the most on a small device?

Professional Photographer Laine Torres provides Corporate Headshots for Business Owners in Andover MN Professional Photographer Laine Torres provides Corporate Headshots for Business Owners in Andover MN

The same goes when your photo is used with several other people's:

Which photo catches your eye first?

Professional Photographer Laine Torres provides Corporate Headshots for Business Owners in Andover MN

JAMIE

Professional Photographer Laine Torres provides Corporate Headshots for Business Owners in Andover MN

PAT

Professional Photographer Laine Torres provides Corporate Headshots for Business Owners in Andover MN

MARIA

Professional Photographer Laine Torres provides Corporate Headshots for Business Owners in Andover MN

HEATHER

Close up photos also work great for social media platforms that limit the size of the photo (like LinkedIn, because even when you "zoom in" on the photo, it's still quite smaller than photos posted to Facebook, which can be viewed in fullscreen, for example).

Last but not least, a close up photo incites confidence and trustworthiness. When someone sees your face in detail, it gives them a sense of familiarity which directly enhances your online persona and may give you an advantage when potential clients are researching companies to hire:

This photo of Susan makes you feel like you have almost already met her

Regarding black and white photos, there are really no restrictions or downsides. Some people just prefer the "feel" of the black and white shots, because the focus becomes solely the subject (not the clothes, colors, etc.).

There are no distractions in Mike's headshot

Making decisions on your photos can be hard. Ultimately you should choose the photos that YOU love, and if you need a little help, always reach out to your photographer. They will be more than happy to assist you.

 

Laine Torres PhotographyLaine Torres Photography


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Professional photo sessionLaine Torres is a professional photographer who provides branding photography and headshot photos in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Laine works creatively to develop a unique concept for each of her clients that best matches their personality and business goals. Contact Laine now to book your session.

Laine Torres is a professional photographer who provides branding photography and headshot photos in the Twin Cities Metro Area, MN. Laine works creatively to develop a unique concept for each of her clients that best matches their personality and business goals. Click here to book your initial consultation.

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