Your work—your samples in your print and online portfolios—are your biggest selling points. But there are other elements that impress prospective clients and sway them to choose you. One of them is your very own professional headshot.
Today we’re going to talk about what your photo needs to look like in order to speak to your own professionalism.
But first, I want to clear something up: The way you look will have nothing to do with your copywriting success. That is, copywriting is an entirely merit-based career. Your gender, age, weight, etc. doesn’t matter in the least. The only thing that matters is that you write great copy.
That said, however, people just naturally feel more comfortable when they can put a face with a name. You need to put a picture of yourself on your website—not so that people can judge how you look, but only so that they can see that you’re a real person.
So you need a picture. But what kind of picture?
What Your Professional Headshots Need to Include
1. Your Branding Photos Need to Be Clear
Grainy pictures look unprofessional and a little bit seedy. (Definitely not the message you’re looking to send.) People need to see that they’re dealing with a real human!
2. Your Headshot Needs to Send the Right Message About You
Your picture should give the impression that you’re competent and trustworthy.
Now, your own personal brand comes into play here a bit, too. If you’re a friendly/quirky/goofy/etc. person, or if you have hobbies or other pastimes that make you memorable, you might want to include a shot of you with that style or in that activity, too. However, that should be a secondary shot.
Your competent and trustworthy shot should be your first one, and any other personality shots (which you’re welcome to include) should be secondary.
3. Your Photos Should Be Well-Lit (To Present You at Your Best, Of Course!)
Even though the look on your face may convey consummate professionalism, if the shot isn’t taken well, it won’t look great.
Again, your level of attractiveness has nothing to do with your job prospects. However, you should use a picture that shows you at your best. Just as you’d want to put your best foot forward in person for a job interview, you want to put your best foot forward online for your portfolio.
It’s very challenging for non-photographers to get the lighting and look of a picture right. If your funds are low, I’d recommend Googling natural lighting photography to learn about light angles, and book an hour with a friend to take dozens and dozens of photos.
When to Invest in Hiring a Pro Photographer for Your Shots
Once you start landing clients and are making a bit of cash (and, of course, are onboard with making a modest investment in your career image), I’d strongly suggest seeking out a professional photographer and booking a headshot session.
A professional photographer will know how to light you correctly, and he/she will also be able to direct you to place your body and face at the best angles. He or she will also take dozens of photos and then work with you to find the best ones of the bunch.
What to Look for When Hiring a Photographer for Headshots
In general, you’ll want to find a photographer who specializes in professional headshots, or who, at least, has an impressive portfolio section of professional headshots. Just as people can judge your work from your portfolio, you can judge your photographer’s from theirs.
Remember, too, that—unless you get a drastic haircut or change your hair color—a good headshot should last you for several years.
And your headshot won’t just live on your portfolio site; you should use it on your LinkedIn profile, and possibly your other public-facing social media accounts as well.
Whether you decide to use a professional photographer or take the photos with a friend, you’ll often get the best results from shots in which you’re looking directly into the camera.
You’re welcome to test out several types of shots, of course, but you’ll find that shots where you’re looking directly into the camera catch people’s attention and make a natural connection—just the way your best samples will.
Watch More
Curious about learning more about when you should invest in branding shots for your website? Or have questions about what to wear for your headshots? Watch as Nicki shares when to get professional headshots and what types of photos to consider.
Your turn! How did you decide which pictures of yourself to put on your site? Let us know in the comments below!
Last Updated on October 30, 2024
I do agree, we need a headshot. A site without a picture is abstract, cold, it seems artificial.
A picture gets people engaged. They know that there is “a living being” behind.
A good picture and your contact info is the perfect CTA.
Thanks,
Alberto
Hi Carlos,
Agreed, except for one point: I’d say that a good picture, your contact info, a great portfolio, and a direct invitation to get in touch make for a compelling CTA. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
I’ve got a few collections of professionally done headshots from the past and my many acting experiences. The issue is that they are old now and not too recent. By the time I start my website portfolio I may want to get a more up to date recent shot, but does this matter much? Would a professional headshot from years ago still shine?
Hi Steve! If you look much different now than you did when your professional headshots were done, I recommend getting more up-to-date photos taken. That way what you’re putting out into the world is what people will get when they see you on a call or meet you in person. For instance, a great headshot from your 20s wouldn’t work if you’re in your 40s now—you want people to see the person you are today. 🙂 A good DIY headshot taken by a friend (or yourself, if you have a tripod/remote setup available) will do the trick in the interim. I hope that helps!