5 Reasons why you need to update your headshot

Perfectly happy with your current headshot?  Think you don’t need a new one?  Not very keen on getting a new one?
> Here’s why you might actually need to update it…

Wondering if you need to update your headshot yet?  Here are my 5 reasons why you might really need to…

Reasons to update your headshot #1: Time

So how long have you had your current headshot for? Unfortunately, we do all get older, and that means we change a little bit each year.  Your headshot however, needs to look like you do now, so that you are recognisable – not look like you did 20 years ago! 

You don’t want people to think ‘Oh she’s aged lots’ when they meet you in real life, do you?! 

So if it was taken more than two to three years ago, it’s time for a new one! 

Be honest about your age, and your experience, rather than mislead your customers.

Reasons to update your headshot #2: It’s unprofessional

Was your current headshot taken when you were just starting out with your new business, and you had no money for a professional headshot?

If it is a selfie, or taken by your partner or friend, rather than a professional photographer, then it is definitely time for a new one – and a professional one at that! 

You need to show you are serious about your business, and look the part in your headshot too.

Reasons to update your headshot #3: Hair

Has your hair changed colour, grown out, been cut much shorter, or now in a totally different style to your current headshot?  Then it is time for a new one! 

You need to be recognisable remember?  I’ll include beard/moustache changes for the men here too.

Reasons to update your headshot #4: Weight

It’s time to be a little personal.  Have you gained some weight recently, or lost lots? 

Either way, it usually affects your face shape too, and means that it is time for a new photo.

Reasons to update your headshot #5: Style

Is the style of your current headshot current?  Is your once-trendy clothing now drastically out of date, or (especially if #1  is also the case), is the style of the photograph now no longer on-trend?

For example some time ago, black and white headshots were everywhere, but now not so much.

Or maybe the style of your brand has changed, and your headshot could do with matching it more now?  Maybe you could wear a branding colour in your new headshot, or fit the lighting and editing to your branding style more than it currently does.  Time for an update if so!

Reasons enough to update your headshot?

Like an updated website, an updated headshot shows you are current and keeping up with your business.  As you can see, the rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you look any different now, than in your existing headshot.  And if you do, then it is very probably time for a new one! 

I could also add, if you are bored with your current photo, or you just actually don't like it any more, then why not refresh your website and social media profiles with a new one! 

Or maybe your headshot isn’t working effectively for your business?  Read my new blog about what your headshot should be doing for you here: How to get a more effective headshot.

The headshot examples in this post are all taken from the photographs I took during mini headshot sessions at the Kent launch of a new networking group Girl Tribe Gang at Fego in Sevenoaks, summer 2018.

“Jane, thank you so much. You are magic! These are so great” – Lauren

“You are amazing at getting people to relax – you managed it with me so must be good!!” - Clare

“Jane was lovely and patient and I ended up with photos that I really liked – which was quite unusual for me!  What’s more, I actually had choices!” – Jan

Headshot sessions with me…

Let me solve all these issues by booking a space at one of my headshot days😉

This is a brilliant way to update your photos, without taking the time and cost of a whole branding shoot, and/or also to give you a feel for what it’s like working with me if you’re thinking about investing in a whole set of branding photos too.

And I would love to meet you in real life if you can get to Sevenoaks!

There’s more info on my website, along with lots of examples from that last headshot day so you can see what the space is like and the sort of photos we can get: Headshot Day.  

Or if you would like to go for the whole branding shoot, for something much more bespoke to you, with lots more photos for you to use, then have a look at the info for that here: Branding Photos – Capture Your Brand.  (These sessions all include headshots too).

Next Steps:

- Interested in finding out more about my branding photography or headshot packages?  Here you go: Capture Your Brand.  

- Ready for more personal mentoring, brand, visibility and marketing strategies that work for you, a community of fellow ambitious introverts, training, and accountability to put it all into action?  Come and join my Brand Plan membership, and get support to show up, stand out, and sell more🤩

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Blog topics / categories: 

#All About Branding Photos, Headshots And Selfies

[This blog was first written in July 2018, then transferred to this website and updated, February 2024]