DIY vs. Professional Headshots:
Why Investing in Quality Matters
In today’s visually driven world, your professional headshot is often the first impression you make. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company website, or a social media platform, a high-quality headshot can set you apart and communicate professionalism, approachability, and confidence. But is it worth investing in a professional headshot, or can a DIY approach suffice? Let’s explore the key differences and why quality matters.
Here's my headshot confession
My first professional headshot was a selfie. When I started my private practice as a Registered Dietitian, several years ago now, I had zero professional images. I also had no budget for professional photography at the time. I did as well as I could with my smartphone camera and the light coming in my living room window. The reality is that the results weren’t that bad. I actually used this image for a while on my website and social medial platforms. However, as time went on and I needed more images, I struggled to get nice results consistently. Fast forward to now, knowing what I know as a professional photographer, I think I lucked out getting that first headshot. Looking back there were some key factors that made that photo work, and why other attempts to take headshots fell short.
Do Professional Headshots Make a Difference?
Absolutely! A professional headshot isn’t just a picture of your face; it’s a powerful tool that shapes how others perceive you. In competitive industries, a polished headshot can convey credibility and help you stand out. Studies have shown that profiles with professional photos receive more views and engagement, whether on LinkedIn, business websites, or other professional platforms.
For job seekers, a great headshot can make recruiters pause and take notice. For business owners, it strengthens your brand and helps clients feel more connected to you.
Why Do Some People DIY Professional Headshots?
There are several reasons why individuals might opt for a DIY headshot:
- Cost Savings: Professional photography can feel like an upfront expense, especially for those on a tight budget.
- Convenience: Setting up a quick photo session at home might seem easier than scheduling a studio session.
- Lack of Awareness: Some people underestimate the impact of a high-quality headshot and believe a DIY option is “good enough.”
- Hate Having Their Photo Taken: A lot of people find having photos done intimidating and overwhelming. They worry about how they look in their photos, and opt to take their own photos because it feels less vulnerable.
While these reasons are understandable, the drawbacks of DIY headshots often outweigh the benefits.
What Makes a Good Headshot?
A good headshot captures your personality while maintaining a professional tone. Key elements include:
- Sharp Focus: Every detail is crisp and clear.
- Proper Lighting: Brightens your features without creating harsh shadows.
- Natural Expression: A relaxed smile or confident gaze that feels authentic.
- Appropriate Composition: The framing keeps the focus on your face.
Professional headshots are not just photos; they are visual assets that tell your story.
What Makes a Bad Headshot?
On the flip side, a bad headshot can send the wrong message. Common issues include:
- Poor Lighting: Overexposed or underexposed images that obscure your features.
- Cluttered Backgrounds: Distracting elements that take attention away from you.
- Unflattering Angles: Odd angles that distort your appearance.
- Inappropriate Attire: Casual or mismatched clothing that doesn’t fit the context.
It is worth the extra effort to get it right.
What Is the Difference Between a Professional Headshot and a Selfie?
While a selfie may feel quick and convenient, it lacks the quality and impact of a professionally taken headshot. Here’s a comparison:
Lighting
Controlled and flattering – professional strobes and flashes, lighting modifiers and stands allow for a wide variety of lighting patterns and light diffusion that give that high end look. These strobes and flashes are also synced with camera settings to ensure a crisp, well exposed image.
Selfie
Can be harsh or uneven – Budget lighting equipment, such as ring lights, offer limited in power settings and diffusion, leading to specular highlights, blown out features, shadows and glare on glasses.
Background
Clean and uncluttered – use of seamless paper backdrops in neutral colours limits the surrounding distracting from the person in the image.
Selfie
Highly variable – from clean and simple, to distracting or busy.
Equipment
High-resolution DSLR or Mirrorless cameras, with lenses that offer flattering focal lengths for portraits (e.g. 50mm, 85mm) and can be synced to strobes or flashes. These digital cameras shoot in RAW (instead of jpeg), which allows more flexibility when editing your photos.
Selfie
Smartphone camera – newer cameras do offer professional camera settings adjustments and higher quality images. You can now even shoot in RAW just jpeg. The focal lengths of the built-in lenses do tend to be quite wide which could potentially impact face shapes in some portraits.
Expertise
Posed and guided by a professional – your photographer understands how to position bodies and faces to achieve the most flattering appearance. Before they press the button, they are checking for angles, shadows, catchlights in eyes, while also prompting you to make micro-adjustments to your poses and expression to get the best results.
Selfie
HIGHLY variable – DIY photoshoots are self-directed, and a lot of trial and error. Let’s face it – while some people do know how to work the camera and pose to emphasize their best angles, generally, most individuals feel lost in front of the camera or are hypercritical about the way they look.
Should I Pay for a Professional Headshot?
I know, you might be skeptical about my answer as a professional photographer. However, if you’re serious about your career or personal brand, the answer is yes, a professional headshot is worth the investment. Here’s why:
- Return on Investment: A professional headshot pays for itself by enhancing your personal brand and creating opportunities.
- First Impressions Count: A polished headshot sends a clear message of competence and professionalism.
- Longevity: Professional headshots can last years and remain relevant across different platforms.
- Confidence: If you feel good about about your professional image, you will be more likely to put your profile out there to be considered for higher caliber work, with more public exposure.
- Ease: With one, or even a couple gorgeous headshots at the ready, you can market yourself and share the work you do without hesitation. Any time I have been asked to do a speaking engagement, I have been asked to forward along a headshot and a bio. Having these ready to go avoid any delays.
While a DIY approach might seem tempting, investing in a professional headshot is a smart decision for anyone looking to enhance their personal or professional brand.
The quality, expertise, and impact of a professionally taken headshot far outweigh the short-term savings of doing it yourself. When you’re ready to elevate your image, a skilled photographer can help you look your best and make a lasting impression.
If you are ready to invest in professional headshots and are in the Collingwood, Blue Mountains or Southern Georgian Bay area, I am here to help! Feel free to reach out to discuss your individual needs, or easily book your in-studio headshot photoshoot here.
