How to Stand Out to Clients with Great Headshots
Depending upon your personality, meeting up with a professional photographer to take photos constitutes either the highlight of your year, or the worst day of the year. But one way or another, it’s got to be done. Here are a few tips for getting the most impact out of your headshot photography session.
…I can hear some of you laughing already. “Best or worst day of the year? Try decade.” Great segue. This leads me to our first point. If you’re still rocking your high school yearbook photo and calling it a professional headshot, then it’s time to call a photographer ASAP. First off, you want your clients to recognize you when they meet you in person! Has your hairstyle changed? Are new glasses improving not only your vision, but also your look? If there’s anything about your headshot that might cause a client to wonder if it’s really a photo of you… it’s time for an update.
Not to mention that in the professional world, time equals experience. Regardless of your opinion of how you look today vs. how you looked last year, your clients are more concerned about your professional experience and years in your field – so show off that visual evidence of the passage of time!
Tips for Taking Great Headshots
If I’ve sold you on the idea of scheduling your next photo session, here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the shoot. First, think carefully about your outfit. You only get one chance to make a first impression. So make sure that first impression your outfit makes is congruent with your industry and the types of clients you are hoping to attract. When it comes to wardrobe, there are no hard and fast rules. …Just remember that your professional headshots are for your clients, and not so much for you. Choose an outfit that you think will resonate with your target market.
Your background matters. Just as your outfit says something about who you are and the industry that you serve, so does your photo background. We love seeing realtors take professional headshots while out and about in the community or neighborhood that they serve. …But avoid feeling like you need to make your background completely visible. Remember, this is a photo of you, and not the building you’re standing in front of.
Let your personality shine… but not too much. It isn’t necessary to remove any sign of emotion from your expression when the camera comes out. Just be you! Bring your shoulders down and back, relax your forehead, and give an easy natural smile that extends to your eyes. That’s it! You’re ready. If it helps, take a few test photos the day before with your cell phone so you can practice your smile. Also, avoid lifting your chin and looking down your nose at the camera, or tucking your chin and peering upward. Just meet the camera head-on at eye level.
Finally, try to book a photographer who knows your local area. They’ll know the best times of day to catch the sun at the right moment, or to avoid crowds. If you’re shooting indoors, it’s still a benefit to know you won’t have to drive far to take your photos.
Do you have any tips for taking great real estate headshots? Drop them in the comments below! As always, feel free to follow our blog here. And don’t forget we have a Youtube channel! Follow us to stay up to date on everything that’s happening here at Dalton Wade Real Estate.
