By Kelly Myers
You are a key part of your firm’s brand. Your headshot is the perfect way to show how you fit into your firm’s brand. Using the right headshot can reinforce who you are and what you do. Potential clients often will make a quick decision about working with you based on a single photo.
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to ensure your photo will convey you as someone who others will want to go to for their Estate Planning and Elder Law needs:
Do not include anyone else in your headshot. As much as you want to show off your spouse, children or family pets, your headshot should not include anyone else. And please don’t crop everyone but yourself out of the family photo from last year’s beach vacation. Photo edits are almost always noticeable, unless they are done by highly skilled professional. This is not a good place to skimp. It’s too important.
Do have a professional take your photo. Many people feel uncomfortable taking photos one-on-one with a photographer, but don’t let this deter you. Professional photographers have all the right equipment to make you look your best. Furthermore, taking headshots don’t take a long time and if they’re done well enough, you won’t need them done for a while. And this means no selfies!
Do try to relax, even have a little fun. Don’t let a photo shoot stress you out. Be confident knowing the photographer won’t let you walk away with a bad picture. Take a few deep breaths, ask the photographer to play music, make yourself comfortable. Try to think of this as fun!
Dress appropriately. In order to keep a headshot professional, it’s best to look the part. Think about what’ generally accepted for an attorney to wear and keep your audience in mind. What would you wear for your initial meeting with a client?
A picture is worth a thousand words, so be sure your attorney headshot says all the right things. Remember the tips above to ace your headshot. Most importantly, don’t forget to smile!