Let me ask you, “Have you ever been surprised to see the difference between a person’s headshot and the reality?” You should get professional photos taken every 1-2 years so that your image matches your face. Your LNC business photos should be taken by a professional photographer.
When developing your business, you are your brand and you must maintain a professional image. If you are just starting your business, it’s tempting to take a headshot with your phone camera. But you cannot mimic the quality of a professional photographer, however good your camera on your phone. Upgrading your images will also attract the right clients you seek.
These tips should help guide you in getting the best quality, even if you hate getting your pictures taken.
1. Do Your Research
Asking business associates and friends for a recommendation is a great place to start. Also, Google for local photographers. Once you have a few names, contact them, and have your questions ready for them to respond to. Find out what style of photography they do, if they do location photo shoots, and ask for references.
Look at their portfolio – do you like the work they’ve done? Also, check for online reviews. This little extra work, in the beginning, can save you a ton of time and money in the long run.
2. Be Specific: Don’t Hold Back Details
The best working relationships are those that have a clear, open line of communication.
Explain your LNC business to your photographer. Explain the brand image you’re aiming for. Explain who your ideal client is. Show examples of other LNC websites that you like and that match up with your brand. Don’t assume your photographer knows what you want.
Offer ideas and examples and let them get creative based on those ideas.
3. Plan Your Outfits, Jewelry, and Props Ahead of Time
There’s no sense in wasting your photographer’s time (and your money) by trying on clothes at the shoot. Mix and match your clothing options at home, adding whatever pieces of jewelry you like, all in advance of the actual shoot.
Bring multiple options with you –or at least discuss your options with the photographer in advance and be open to ideas regarding colors and styles from your photographer’s artistic point of view. Pack your car with props as well, such as your laptop and anything else that is important to you and represents your brand.
Include your new headshot on your social media profiles, your website, and brochures.
Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs to obtain more clients, make more money, and achieve their business goals and dreams.
Pat’s related websites include the continuing education provided on LNCEU.com, the podcasts broadcast at podcast.legalnursebusiness.com, and writing tips supplied at patiyer.com.
Get all of Pat’s content in one place by downloading the mobile app, Biz Edu at www.legalnursebusiness.com/bizedu. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, read blogs, watch online courses and training, and more.