Why do I need a professional headshot?

A professional headshot paints a thousand words…  It’s true!

People will see your image and start making judgements and creating impressions of you long before they speak to you!

Here are a few reasons why you need a professional headshot or portrait.

Have you ever heard the term ‘Never Judge A Book By Its Cover?

How many times have you made a judgement simply by looking at an image?

These days, a professional headshot can mean the difference between getting a dream job and missing out, whether we’re talking about a fashion model or an entrepreneur, and professionals across industries are realising the importance of putting their best face forward.

• You need to look professional
• You want to look good
• It helps to look current
• Phone images look cheap and unprofessional

Are all headshots the same?

Not at all!

An actor will require a different headshot than a solicitor who will need a different image than a musician.

There are also subtle differences between men, women and children. 

A headshot specialist will help you every step of the way.

Can I go to any photographer for my headshot?

It is important that you choose a photographer that specialises in headshots and can bring the best out of you.

Our professional and friendly approach has worked for many years and we will help you every step of the way. No one is an expert in having a headshot taken, we know this.

We have the technique, we also have high-quality equipment and lighting to produce nothing but the best-quality images.

High street photographers are usually general photographers who will cover weddings, babies and families. You may end up with a nice photo but if you’re hedging your bets for a casting or an interview you may be overlooked before you get an interview.

Do I need a professional headshot for LinkedIn?

On average, LinkedIn members with professional profile photos get 21 times more profile views than those without—and nine times as many connection requests.  While you are in the studio, simply mention you would like a headshot suitable for LinkedIn. There is a slightly different technique in making your image stand out against lots of other photos on the same page.

If a client was looking across LinkedIn do you think they are more likely to contact someone with a professional headshot profile picture or one taken from a phone, who would you take more seriously?

What all the fuss about a headshot?

A headshot is different from your average portrait in that it focuses almost entirely on your face.

The lighting is very important, it has to capture your correct skin tone, your confidence and your approachability.

It has to be the best version of you, with no flyaway hair and relatively, blemish-free.

It needs to send the message you want, long before you ever arrive.

It’s a jungle out there

If you want to be taken seriously, you have to look the part.

Professional headshots are used for:

• Your website
• Personal Branding
• A work profile
• Actors castings
• Dancers auditions
• Entertainers Posters
• Social media
• Recruitments
• Press release
• Authors book image
• Professional portrait
• Email signatures

What do I need to do before my headshot session?

I have put together a helpful document called  ‘Headshots – A Vital Read’ exclusive to my clients only. This will guide you in your preparation. This will be sent to you a few days before the photoshoot.

No one is an expert at having a headshot taken, that’s why we will talk you through every step of the process.

This is an ideal time for you to email or phone me with any questions you may still have.

What happens during a headshot session?

I have put as much information as possible on my session and fee guide, you can get there by clicking here.

Do I need a makeup artist for a headshot photo session?

For women, it’s a personal choice, it certainly helps, but not for actors.

Certain types of headshots where make-up is an option then there can be a BIG difference than doing it yourself or even having a friend do it for you. there is a certain technique to applying the correct amount, the correct shades and the correct contours that look amazing under flash photography.

Some headshots on the other hand don’t need any at all and in some instances can be a disadvantage such as actors headshots.

I am more than happy to discuss these options with you.

Are your professional headshots near me?

For more details on Atherton Photo Studio and our location Click Here

The studio has free parking and is situated in North Manchester. It’s ideal for Manchester, Bolton, Wigan, and Warrington.

There is a railway link and I have had many clients from Liverpool, Cumbria, Yorkshire and Cheshire.