Why You Need to Update Your photos regularly
Your business changes. Your style evolves. Marketing shifts. And in order to stay relevant, your professional photos need to evolve along with you.
Many people come into my studio telling me they hate having their photograph taken. They still do it because they understand how important it is to have current, professional images for their website, LinkedIn profile, social media and marketing materials.
A change in hairstyle, weight, hair color or personal style can all be reasons to update your photos. The goal is not to look dramatically different from one year to the next. It is simply to make sure that when someone meets you, they recognize the person they have already seen online.
You never want that first thought to be, That doesn’t really look like her.
Looking current does not mean trying to look younger
Some people avoid updating their headshots because they are worried they will look older than they did in their previous photos. I understand that feeling, but holding onto an outdated photograph is rarely the answer.
With thoughtful lighting, flattering posing, wardrobe guidance and natural retouching, you can look current, stylish and confident without trying to look like a younger version of yourself.
My goal is always for you to look like you on your very best day. I remove temporary distractions and soften the things the camera may exaggerate, but I do not want to erase the character from someone’s face or make them unrecognizable.
Your photos should reflect where your business is now
Sometimes the reason for new branding photography has less to do with appearance and more to do with growth.
Your business may have become more established. Your ideal client may have changed, or your website and marketing may need to feel more sophisticated, relaxed or personal. A strong personal branding session should reflect who you are now, not simply repeat what you did several years ago.
Your marketing may need a different kind of image
Sometimes you need new photographs even when your appearance has not changed very much. Your business may need more variety, a stronger sense of place, or images that feel more connected to the community you serve.
For this Northwestern Mutual team, we moved beyond traditional studio headshots and created environmental branding photographs in downtown Portsmouth. The outdoor images did not replace the need for polished studio portraits, they expanded their image library and gave them more options for their website, social media and local marketing.
Personal style tells part of the story
I love photographing people for their second, third and even fourth sessions. You get to know them, and you can see the progression in both their business and their confidence.
As someone with a fashion background, I also notice how their clothing evolves. Whether we consciously think about it or not, what we wear makes a statement.
When someone who once chose very safe, neutral clothing arrives in a beautiful printed dress that feels feminine, polished and completely natural on her, it often signals something more. She may be more confident, more comfortable being visible or simply more certain about how she wants to present herself.
That growth deserves to be photographed.
I understand the hesitation
It took me time to feel comfortable being photographed, too. I worried about looking older and about putting myself more visibly out into the world. Finding the right hairstylist, clothing and overall presentation helped me finally look at a portrait and think, Yes, that is how I want to look in photographs.
So when a client tells me she is nervous, I genuinely understand.
A professional portrait does not need to pretend that time has stood still. It should show you as current, confident and recognizable, with the right lighting, styling and direction to help you feel your best.
If your professional headshot or branding photos no longer feel like you, it may be time for an update. I offer complimentary consultations where we can talk about your business, your style and what you need your new images to communicate.
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