7 Tips For Choosing a Headshot & Personal Branding Photographer
How Do You Go About Choosing a Headshot & Personal Branding Photographer?
Your Headshot or Personal Branding Photos are often your very first introduction to potential clients or employers. In today’s lightning-fast world of first impressions, the right Headshot or Branding photographer is critical for ensuring that you present a professional and polished image on your website, social media and/or in your marketing collateral. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to make a great choice with the plethora of photographers out there. Here are some common things to think about when choosing a Headshot or Branding Photographer:
- Don’t Choose a Photographer Based on Price Alone
It is often said, “You get what you pay for.” Often budget is an important factor—but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Many times, cheap photographers are just starting out. As such, they may lack the technical skills or equipment necessary to produce high-quality images. Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten. And if you need to re-do your images because the first set were “meh,” have you saved money in the long run? Invest in quality at the beginning to avoid disappointment. In fact, dollar for dollar, investing in great Headshots is one of the most cost-effective line items in your marketing budget. It can also be a tax write off.
- Always Review Their Portfolio
Every well-established photographer has a unique style and way of photographing their clients. It’s important that anyone you are considering produces work that aligns with your vision and the look you want for your photos. Therefore, be sure to look through their portfolio with a critical eye. It is very important to look for consistency in the quality of the photos. Do all the images in their portfolio reflect a high standard? More importantly, can you see yourself in the images?
- Do Not Overlook the Photographer’s Niche
Not all photographers specialize in photographing people. Some may focus on product photography or landscapes. A photographer who specializes in photographing people/portraits will understand the nuances of lighting, framing, and positioning that are so very important for producing a high-quality result.
- Be Sure to Check Out Client Reviews and Testimonials
Don’t overlook this step! If you want some important insight into how a photographer relates to clients both from behind the camera and after, reviews are critical. Customer Service, professionalism, and client relations are just as important as pretty pictures. Perhaps even more so.
- Clearly Communicate Your Goals and Expectations
Clear communication with your Photographer will make all the difference in your Headshots and Personal Branding Photos. Time spent carefully planning your session ahead of time will yield the best results. Be sure to discuss where and how you plan to use your images. Share your vision of what you are looking for. Ask when you can expect to view and receive your professional Headshots and Personal Branding Photos. If the person you are considering does not seem to want to do this step or does not have time for it, they may not be a good fit for you.
- Discuss Retouching and Post-Production Services
Post-production is a huge part of professional headshot photography—and something that is often overlooked when choosing a professional photographer. Be sure to discuss the extent of retouching services they will provide. Some lower end photographers only offer the most basic edits like color correction. Higher end Photographers may offer more extensive retouching for things like skin tone adjustments, blemish removal, and background modifications. Be clear about what you want and confirm if those services are included in the package or come at an additional cost.
Conclusion
Professional Headshot and Personal Branding Photos can significantly impact how potential clients, employers, or your audience perceive and evaluate you. If you are looking for high-quality, professional photography that aligns with your vision and brand, take time to carefully research photographers and clearly communicate your needs. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Hiring a photographer who can make your look your best will ensure that first impression is the right impression.
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