I’ve photographed many headshots over the course of my career here in Jamaica for companies and individuals; each one having their own reason why the booked a session. Before each session I look for opportunities to better understand why clients request a booking to ensure they don’t waste their time and their money.

Here are a few reasons why clients book headshots:

 

  1. Annual Reports
    Once a year companies have to produce an Annual Report to present to their shareholders outlining activities and finances for the financial year. In this document, the company uses the opportunity to introduce the Board of Directors and their senior management team.

    The introduction of the company’s management team is done using headshots. Ideally, companies will opt for a Corporate / Business Headshot.Clients who book headshot sessions for this purpose plan a shoot at least once a year when most of the board members are available; usually before a board meeting and will likely use the calculator on the corporate groups page to budget when booking.

 

  1. New Hires
    Firms that hire new members of staff frequently or professionals starting a new job will book headshot sessions.

    It’s a practice of Human Resource departments to introduce new members of staff to the entire organization via email using a headshot and a short blurb as they welcome the new team members. These headshots may also be used in artwork posted in the local newspaper notifying the public of the new hire.

    In some cases, companies have a standing order with photographers where new hires schedule a headshot session and the company foots the bill.

 

  1. Speaking Engagement
    Putting a face to the name is very important when promoting a conference, seminar or workshop. Humans are drawn to faces of other humans so it’s inevitable that when promoting an event with a keynote speaker that marketers use the face of the speaker in hopes more people connect with them. The ideal photo to use for this is a confident headshot.

    Clients can book an individual headshot session from the booking page before their keynote presentation and have their headshot delivered to them in a matter of days after the completion of their session.

 

  1. Book Publication
    Readers tend to research authors before they buy a book, by doing this they hope to get a grasp of the author’s philosophy and some background information; they want to connect with the author.

    One of the ways they connect with the author is by viewing the headshot that goes along with the text in the “About the Author” section of a book or website.

    Help your readers connect with you by using an amazing headshot that makes you look affable. Make sure to use the 3 magic numbers during your headshot session.

 

  1. LinkedIn Profile
    On Good Morning America it was highlighted that having a great headshot can help you stand out when it comes to securing a job. After running a Google search job recruiters use the headshot in your profile photo as one of the tools in deciding whether or not you are a good fit for their organization (the process is called “thin slicing” which I made reference to in Not All Headshots are Created Equal).

    Whether you have opted to use a selfie, your wedding photo, your graduation photo or a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile photo you are communicating something about yourself. Make sure to put your best face forward, recruiters are looking.


These are just 5 of the most common reasons clients are booking. Why do you need to book a headshot session?