The Hazards of an Old Headshot

August 11th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a conference and you’re about to speak before a group of industry leaders you’ve long admired.  It’s lunchtime and people are mingling.  One of these industry leaders approaches you, looks at your nametag and says, “Oh!  I’m glad you’re wearing the name badge because I wouldn’t have recognized you from your photo in the program.”

Now you’re feeling less like the expert you are and more like the imposter at the party.  And you’re kicking yourself for thinking your old headshot was okay and the fact that it was years outdated didn’t matter.  Clearly, it matters.

Part Two of the scenario: You’re being introduced by the conference moderator, and the headshot you provided, the one that was printed in the program, is flashing on the screen behind you.  You get on stage, and you can see a number of quizzical looks in the audience, going from the projected headshot to you.  Damn!   Now moving to the top of your new to-do list: contact a professional photographer about getting a new headshot.

In today’s media-savvy world, an outdated headshot can be a true liability to your career and your image.   If your face is in front of people in any way – on a website, blog, newsletter or program – a photo that’s years out of date puts you in a no-win situation.  Either you look like you’re denying your age and uncomfortable with growing older or you look passé and decidedly out of step, with that dated hairstyle and unfashionable suit.

A headshot that doesn’t reflect how you look today sends all the wrong messages.  It can suggest you’re not keeping up with what’s current; that you’re out of touch with how business is done these days; that you don’t care about your appearance or image; or that you’re not happy with how you look now.  A current, professionally-taken headshot automatically conveys confidence, competence and business savvy.

Don’t think you can get away with a friend taking a photo of you against a plain wall.  That won’t cut it in today’s competitive market.  Find a photographer you like and trust, who will come to know what works best for you and who you can return to for updates.  Ideally, you should get a new, professional headshot every year – every two years, at most.  You’ll be surprised how far it takes you.

And for tips on how to look your best for your headshot, check out our recent blog post: