Reasons to Update Your Headshot
We’ve all been there. You’re waiting to meet a new person, and you don’t recognize them until they introduce themselves. Why? Their headshot is 5 to 15 years old. This is just one of the reasons to update your headshot consistently.
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For many, a headshot isn’t a priority; it’s something you have to get because you’re looking for a new job or doing something for a publication. If you’re an actor, it’s like doing laundry. It should be a continuously refreshed fixture.
Work 9 to 5? I’ll bet you don’t think a headshot needs to be updated often, and you’re mostly right. You’ve got more leeway than actors, but you still should update your headshot every few years.
Psychology of a Headshot
Why should you update your headshot? Because a headshot is your first impression when meeting someone. And with everyone doing a routine Facebook or LinkedIn stalking session before meeting you in person, it’s all the more reason to be authentic.
There’s nothing worse than having one image in mind of a person and then having them step in front of you and look different. It creates an imbalance in our brains and lowers our initial trust factor.
Establishing trust and likability are significant factors in getting hired or landing that date. If your headshot isn’t the real you, then you’re immediately putting yourself at a disadvantage. Give yourself every edge possible and maintain an up-to-date headshot.
So, when should you get a new headshot?
Here Are 4 Reasons to Update Your Headshot
Headshots are a Tax Write-Off
Yeah, pretty straightforward. One of the benefits of updating your headshot is that, even though getting a new headshot isn’t free, luckily, it counts as a marketing and advertising expense for work. So remember to include it when submitting for your next tax return.
You’ve Changed Your Look
This one is crucial for actors. When auditioning for a role, part of getting that gig is if you fit the director’s vision. So if you’ve changed your hair (cut or color), lost some weight, been hitting the gym for the past six months, or acquired a scar, you need to update your headshot.
These factors also apply to corporate types but not as crucial. Significant changes warrant an update, but minor ones aren’t as big a deal.
Aging is the hardest factor to accept, but it is one of the signs you need a new headshot. As we grow older, our bodies change, even if not all of us like those changes. However, you need a headshot refresh if your current headshot could attend Kindergarten.
Booked for the Wrong Role
This is another key item about the importance of fresh headshots for professionals, especially for actors. Many people have just one headshot that they apply to any and every job. That’s like saying there’s only one way to fight crime — being Batman.
Sorry, but there’s a reason Bruce Wayne also makes appearances: because his look gets him farther than his mask and cape do in certain situations. If you walk into every audition looking like Batman, you’re only going to land jobs for masked vigilantes. You’ll never get the Ryan Gosling role in The Notebook.
Walking into an audition for a comedic role with a dramatic headshot creates that imbalance issue I mentioned earlier. Don’t create barriers or obstacles to getting your part. And don’t count wearing the proper clothing out — it can affect your audition, too.
For corporate types, this isn’t as crucial. You can implement a one-size-fits-all approach, but only if your current headshot is working in your favor. If your LinkedIn profile picture has you with a mean mug or a sad expression, it will affect your job offers. People are visual creatures, and we make judgments based on first impressions. Make it count.
Headshots to Show off all Your Possible Looks
Hey, actors. I’m not trying to pick on you, but once again, pay attention. This ties into the previous point — you need to have multiple headshot looks handy. So the next time you get your headshots taken, get your comedic, commercial, and dramatic headshots done all in one sitting. You don’t want to be rushing to get an appropriate headshot days before an audition.
9-5’ers, again, it’s not crucial to have more than one, but you may consider it so that your LinkedIn, team page of a website, and side hustle don’t all use the same image.
Wrap Up
I hope all of this information was helpful and you have a better idea of how often to refresh your headshots.
If you’re ready to get your next headshots and like my style of photography, please check out my headshot services page. I’d be happy to help you.
You can also contact me with any questions.