Have you updated your professional head shot?
If your head shot is more than two to three years old, I urge you to gift yourself some new business pictures! This is doubly true if you are the image of your business, such as is the case for professional speakers.
Above I have the 4 main head shots I have used since starting my speaking business. What if I still had the 5 year-old headshot? Even the 2 year old head shot? They don’t portray what I look like now, or the image I want to have for my business, but they were the best I could do at the time.
Just for Fun–My Head Shot History:
2009: This was a free head shot that was part of a Toastmaster’s directory. It wasn’t a bad picture and it had the huge advantage of being free. The red jacket and black mock turtle neck were the finest from Salvation Army. Yes, I had a Salvation Army Signature Look.
2010: Still rockin’ my Salvation Army Signature Look, but now with Really Bad Hair. I went to the photo studio 6 blocks from where I lived and dropped about $40 on a cd of several pictures. Really Bad Hair in every one.
2012: I dress up the Salvation Army Signature Look with a Salvation Army necklace. But, I did spring for some new glasses and a really good haircut. Plus I learned how to use a flat iron. I also spent significantly more on photos. Maybe $350–and they turned out a bit too “warm.” My skin has never quite been that color.
2014: I finally donated my Salvation Army Signature Look back to the Salvation Army. I had lost almost 50 lbs the year before and bought new clothes, after consulting with image consultant Dawn Stebbing. I also changed my hairstyle slightly. I actually spent less on photos than on my previous photo shoot. About $250. Head shot by FeatherBlue Studios.
If you don’t like your current head shot, or if it doesn’t represent who you are now, get a new one!