Being seen and standing out in the digital world is a challenge. Your audience and prospective clients are picky. Smarter and more discerning than ever, they monitor and research infinite trails of the internet before clicking on your link and sticking to it. Headshots and corporate portraits hold their weight in gold.

Along with the quality of your product or service, they want to know who and what lies behind the scenes. Who is the face behind the brand? What do they like about you? Does your profile photo pitch a winning service with personality, ‘the edge’ or pizzaz?

Aim for the ‘money shot’ and put some serious thought into how you present your self and your product, with my 4 tips for creating professional profile photos:

1. Move with the times - Your LinkedIn profile image needs to look like you. That fresh-out-of-uni intern shot may have snapped up your best, radiant profile but be accurate about how you are looking 10 years later. Potential clients are researching you. They expect to meet you and identify the face they were introduced to online. Show you are genuine and authentic by presenting the ‘current you’. Even if you’ve had a hair cut, it’s time to update your image.
2. Keep it real –Be yourself. Reveal the qualities that are unique to you and important to your brand. If you portray an unrealistic image of your true nature, you run the risk of sabotaging the client relationship from the outset. Remember: your client is smart and discerning. 
3. Relate it to your brand – Just like every picture says a thousand words, so should your professional profile photo tell us stories.  Don’t leave people wondering what it is you do. Instead, capture your service, art form or industry.  Simple, effective messages in your image relative to your brand and product have a strong impact, suggesting a strong sense of self. If you wear a suit to work and look professional everyday, then your corporate headshot should reflect this too. 
4. Be professional – Images taken on your selfie stick do not qualify.  A professional photographer will bring out the best in you with suitable lighting, framing and angles. The consistency of image output is an important part of a professional service. Show that you care about the quality of your business with quality images of your staff. Hiring a professional photographer is an investment worth making for worthwhile marketing.

Sometimes we shortcut this critical element by looking at our corporate headshots as an unnecessary expense, when it is, in fact, a golden opportunity to portray an impressive team to our potential clients. When we cut down on this expense, we forget that our clients are also looking at our business online. They are looking at who we are, how we conduct business, and whether we are professional in our approach or not. Corporate portraits and executive headshots offer a window of insight into who it is they are essentially looking to rely upon. Your clientele want to see and trust that you are serious about quality and excellent customer service. Taking pride and shining in your own professionalism, equates to professional results for them.

Corporate or executive headshots are just like your logo. They can be used everywhere, for example, on your social media accounts, your business website, media kit, and even your business cards. Within a few seconds, your headshot relays your success story, so why skimp on shooting for a winning image? Capturing your target audience and converting them into potential customers can often hinge on the quality of a profile image. We can’t deny people like to ‘judge a book by its cover’. Revenue and handsome profits are at risk!

Choosing a professional photography service like Melbourne Photography, will guarantee professional headshots to suit your brand. We look beyond the image and capture what it is you want to say. Is it, ‘I’m professional’, ‘I’m trustworthy’, ‘I love my job’?  We take into consideration where the images will be used, who is the audience and how lighting can best enhance the shot and capture your brand.

Bring out the best in you.  Update your corporate portraits today!