Headshots have become a unique marketing tool in online and print advertising. Although this type of photography was once primarily considered to be the kingdom of models and actors, many business professionals are finding that clients consider it very comforting to know who they're doing business with. These professional pictures give your prospective customers an insight not only into your services but also into your personality, as a lot of information is conveyed by just seeing your facial expression and stance.
the science of facial reading
Although we don't always note it consciously, we make judgments about people from impressions that can last as short as 100 milliseconds. These quickly formed opinions are a combination of your upbringing, environment, and also the way the brain fires off messages. What’s important to remember here, is that the brain registers certain features and expressions in order to evoke an emotional response. From an artistic standpoint, we refer to this as "aesthetic." From the standard perspective, it's simply the way you achieve a greater openness and sense of empathy from your clients. Subtle aspects, such as how deeply your mouth is turned upwards or how widely your eyes are open, will evoke different emotions from the people you're trying to reach.
At Gretchen Adams Photography, we can help you achieve professional headshots that will really speak to your audience. Not only can we take flattering pictures to promote you and your business, but we can also guide you when it comes to achieving your most honest expressions. We understand that simply smiling isn't always the answer to attracting new people.
the nature of realism
Another aspect that your customers will tap into very quickly is how real a visual appears. Although headshots are posed, our trick is that they are naturally posed. We often take a series of shots so nothing in the photo seems strained or forced. Your forehead, neck, and jaw line are all places where this concentration is most obvious, but when you have your photographs taken in a relaxed environment, you let go of that stress and let the real you shine through.
flow
A frequent problem that people have when they try to take their own headshots is when it comes to understanding that a static picture can still have flow. You may notice that do-it-yourself photographs can sometimes look like a moment frozen in time, rather than an instant that has simply been candidly captured on film. A photo that "flows" will give you the impression that there is activity happening both before and after that picture. Your clients will interpret that impression as a result of your personality showing through the picture. From there, trust is built.
If you'd like your customers to get a real sense of the relaxed and vivacious you, then a call to Gretchen Adams Photography can do the trick. We can take your headshots at our studio, in your office, or even outdoors. This way, your professional image is also your true image.
picture personality
As a representative of your business, you want to convey your personality and the purpose of your work. A headshot can effectively show this to your customers. You're basically giving people a brief, but vibrant, insight into who you are and how you can help them. When that first impression is made in as short as 100 milliseconds, you want to make sure your customers get the right message.
You probably know how important image is when trying to attract clients. Although our society has always had an affinity for looks, modern technology has definitely driven people to become more visually acute. You see these aesthetics of advertising in any print ad or television commercial, to the point that we all have to admit that we'll try a product based, simply, on the way it looks or how appealing the packaging is.
When you provide a service, you're basically selling yourself, so you have to make sure that your visual impact will drive your business. A good headshot can be your best ally when it comes to persuading a potential consumer to seek out your expertise. If a customer likes the way you look, or feels that your the photo on your website looks trustworthy, then you'll almost certainly have the guarantee of a new client.
Sometimes our male headshot clients assume that their headshot should be taken indoors in a studio environment. That is a pretty common route, and we can certainly create some very polished and modern images in our studio, we do it all the time! But for some business professionals, especially those in a creative field or a highly competitive industry that requires you to really stand out, an outdoor session might be a better fit for you!
In every industry, there are those businesses that simply set the standard for quality and professionalism. Trust us when we say, you want to be that business! Those who go the extra mile often see the most success. So what is it that sets some apart from others? Creating a signature image or branding oneself is one of the keys to profitability. Though, yes, profitability and branding can be done in a lot of different ways, everyone knows that establishing an online presence is incredibly crucial.
Whether you run a small business or are self-employed, the most widespread exposure is found on the Internet, which means that you really want to be branded and individualized from all of the other entrepreneurs out there. When your name or business is searched on the web, what will people see? What images will appear? Will you have a signature presence or will you be obscure?
Headshots highlight the facial features of an individual from the top of the head to somewhere around the chest area and are very popular among people who want to establish their name and face in a particular industry. While, they are often used by actors and actresses in the world of performing arts, headshots are not limited to the creative set. Business people and entrepreneurs utilize headshots just as much to promote their services and present themselves as professionals.
