The 5 Biggest Myths About Professional Headshots

I wanted to break down the 5 biggest myths about professional headshots for you.

Times have really changed in the last 10 years with a heavily digital world we live in now, that the rules of headshots have changed along with it.

The first biggest myth is that ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE CREATED EQUALLY and that any old photographer with a “decent camera” is all you need for a headshot. This is not the case at all. Most professional photographers have a specialty that they really excel at. You can usually find out what a photographer’s specialty is by visiting their instagram accounts. What are they mostly showcasing? Is it weddings, babies, boudoir, cars, landscapes, etc. Review their work and ask yourself, “can I see myself here?” Does their style align with your vision for your business or brand?

Why is finding the right photographer so important? You will be investing a significant amount of time and money for your headshots. Your headshot will be the first impression you make online and you want to make sure it’s a great one.

Myth #2, I CAN WAIT UNTIL THE TIME IS RIGHT TO GET MY HEADSHOTS DONE. First of all, the time for anything in life will never be 100% perfect.

When it comes to doing your headshots, you are preparing for that big promotion, manifesting that award nomination, prepared for the chance to be featured in a magazine article, and taking a step towards your professional future.   

It’s much better to be proactive in your life and your business than sitting around waiting for that big break to come your way. New stunning headshots, will attract higher end clients, could lead to bigger sales, showcase that you take your career seriously, and are always good to have on hand for that big break.

I hate having to turn away women who beg me for a shoot and say “I need a headshot done this week because I was nominated for a big honor and they need a headshot. I’ve always loved your work.” Nothing breaks my heart more to have to turn away these ladies because we book up weeks in advance. Plan ahead and be prepared.

Myth #3, I NEED JUST ONE TRADITIONAL IMAGE WITH MY ARMS CROSSED. This is so circa 1990, kids.

News flash, we are living in a heavily digital world where we are bombarded by thousands of images everyday; your headshot needs to stand out.

Sure, a traditional image with your arms crossed is always good to have especially if you are in a really formal career (ie lawyer or mortgage broker). I always shoot at least one shot like this for my clients but it should not be your one and only image you are using for your marketing and business.

Now with all of the social media platforms, plus your website, newsletter, blog, email footer, and more… mix it up. Your headshot should be engaging, authentic, and stylish. It should engage your audience and showcase your personality.

Myth #4, I NEED TO WEAR A SUIT TO LOOK PROFESSIONAL. No way Jose. In fact, I actually discourage my clients from bringing suits. Again, unless you are in a very traditional corporate job, suits are a bit old school. Plus, they typically are too bulky and add inches to your figure.

You can still be professional by wearing a great dress, fun blouse, jeans and blazer, etc. What do you normally wear to a client meeting or presentation? That is what you should wear for your headshots. It will be more authentic. More you!

Myth #5, I’LL JUST DO MY OWN MAKEUP FOR MY SHOOT. I always highly recommend that my clients book a professional makeup artist for their session. Even though you may be great at doing your makeup for work, makeup for a photoshoot is applied differently. Plus, a professional makeup artist is brilliant at creating clean fresh skin, eyes that pop, and helping select the right colors for you.

For your headshots, you really want to present the best version of yourself and hiring a professional to do your hair & makeup will add the finishing touch to your images.   

Your headshot is so much more important now. It’s the signature to your brand and represents your business. A great headshot can really help your business grow so take my tips and have fun with your shoot.

Farewell Miami | A Love Letter

Miami Beach has been my home since the day I was born. My love for the arts started in the dark room at the Art Center of South Florida. My summers were spent at the Bass Museum of art. I grew as a passionate artist thanks to the teachers and education at Design and Architecture Senior High School. 

My upbringing in this beautiful town has helped shape me into the woman and artist I am today and I am so blessed to call Miami Beach my home town.

The women of this community have helped give me the strength and support to grow a thriving studio. So I thank you all for believing in me and trusting me with your portraits.

I love Miami and the people in it but, I have always dreamed of living in the mountains. I want to hike to waterfalls, spend the summers listening to bluegrass, be closer to horses, and see a change of seasons for the first time in my life. 

I have made a big decision and am excited to share that I will be MOVING to Asheville North Carolina at the beginning of next year to start a new chapter and open my next portrait studio.

I want to thank you for believing in me. For supporting me. For being my friend. This is not a goodbye and I will be in touch with all my Asheville adventures, the growth of the business, and how I can bring new energy back to Miami. 

I am not going far and will always call Miami Beach my home. I am following my gut and heart to take a leap for a life changing move.

Thank you so much Miami and I love you. 

With Warmth, Gratitude, and Love, 
Michelle Citrin

Personal Branding Tip 3 | Showcase Your Personality

Your headshot and personal branding images are the best and quickest way for your clients to get to know you. They are your first impression you will make online.

When a potential client looks into working with you; where do they go? Online to find you. Your online presence is now more important than ever.

Branding your business with your authentic self is key to attracting your dream clients.

Your brand is so much more than your logo or business card.

Your Voice + Your Vision + Your Visuals = Your Brand

“Clothing is a form of self expression- there are hints about who you are in what you wear.” - Marc Jacobs

Your personal style is the quickest and most efficient way to express who you are in a portrait. When considering who you are targeting with your brand, and dressing appropriate for what you are selling, now let’s showcase your authentic personality.

Showcase your personality in your headshots. When you are thinking of what to wear, I recommend you choose outfits that you love and will make statement. I recommend you use images that are also eye catching and unique.

Choosing a little black dress is always a great option but you can choose to update it with statement jewelry or finding a dress that is out-of-the-box.

If you love art, you may want to wear a one-of-a-kind necklace. If you love yoga and often work in casual clothes, you may want to wear pants and keep it casual for your portraits.

Images that are a little more “candid” or capture your true laugh and smile are a great for a snapshot into how much fun you are to work with.

“Style is the quickest shorthand to who you are” -Stacy London

Personal Branding Tip 2| Dress the Part

Long over are the days of the boring old “headshot” from the early 2000’s (more than a decade ago if you can believe it) when you needed just one “decent” picture of yourself.

Now in the digital world with your personal Facebook page, your own website, Linked-in, featured press releases, news articles, and the list goes on; are all part of your personal brand no matter what career you are in.

This whole “one decent image, shot with a decent camera” is no longer a good representation of you or your business!

People want to see who you are and get an idea for your AUTHENTIC self!

It’s all about building trust with your followers, clients, and leads. You need images that speak to them, engage them, and show off your unique style.

Tip #2 DRESS THE PART

When thinking of what to wear for your personal headshots, you should dress the part. Consider who your target market is and what it is you are selling.

Also, consider what your current logo and brand colors are. I recommend choosing clothing that either matches or compliments those colors. Visualize how the colors of your clothes will work with your logo or look on your website.

Then, consider the personal image you want to represent for your audience. Do you want to appear serious or laid back? Strong or gentle? Trendy or classic?

For example, if you are an interior designer, you may want to appear stylish, fun, but classic. So you could choose a classic cut dress and accessorize it with a unique statement piece of jewelry. Maybe bring your funky reading glasses to add a touch of personality too. Or go with a bold bright pattern for that one-of-a-kind statement.

Your headshot is your first impression you make with your clients online. The more effort you put in before your personal branding photo shoot, the more polished your images will appear and inevitably the more high end your services will appear.

What's the Big Deal About Your Headshot? | Personal Branding Tips

What’s the big deal about your headshots any way?

News Flash: The days of just popping in for a quick generic “headshot” from the early 2000’s are over!

We are now in a digital world where your personal image is key to your brand and personal image. Not to mention, your personal images are now the first thing everyone sees all day everyday.

With facebook, linked-in, your website, book cover, featured articles, press releases, the list can go on. All of these need your portrait aka your headshot. Or what we in the industry refer to as your branding portraits.

Years ago, an everyday run of the mill “headshot” from a “good camera” shot on a white wall, would have cut it. It may have been just “good enough” for your website or “it will do for now”.

Well this is no longer the case NOW in 2016, your clients, readers, followers, leads, bosses, all want to see who you are and why you’re worth it!

What do you have that sets you apart from the rest? Are you someone worth the time, money, or the job?

Your portraits are now an essential part of you and your business.

So for the next few weeks I want to help you find clarity on your personal brand and your personal image. I’ll be sharing my tips and tricks for the creating the most captivating, authentic, and impactful headshots for your business.  

TIP #1 KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Or better yet, make sure you understand your audience. 

Who is your dream client? If you could paint a picture of her/him, what does your client's life look like? Where does this client live? Where do they shop? What are your client's major struggles?

Once you can identify who you are targeting and attracting with your website and full marketing, you will be able to speak to them on a true authentic level through your images.