Get a Professional Headshot That Elevates Your Personal Brand
Your business headshot is often the first impression potential clients, employers, and business connections will have of you. A high-quality, professional headshot helps build trust, establish credibility, and reinforce your personal brand. However, many professionals make simple yet costly mistakes that can weaken the impact of their headshots.
At VVS Portrait, we’ve seen firsthand how a great headshot can transform a professional’s confidence and online presence. We always offer a consultation session to discuss colours and clothing for every session, ensuring you look your best. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make with their business headshots, and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Using an Outdated Headshot
If your headshot is more than two to three years old, it’s time for an update. Using an outdated photo that no longer reflects your current appearance can cause confusion and even diminish trust. Your professional image should be current, polished, and an accurate representation of who you are today. If you’ve had a significant change in hairstyle, weight, or style, consider refreshing your headshot to maintain consistency across your personal brand.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Update your headshot every 2-3 years or after a major appearance change.
✅ Choose a professional photographer who understands modern business branding.
✅ Ensure your headshot aligns with your current professional image and industry standards.
Mistake 2: Choosing a Distracting Background
A cluttered, busy, or inappropriate background can take the focus away from you. Your headshot should highlight your face, expression, and professional presence, not compete with distracting elements behind you.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Opt for a clean, neutral background or a subtle environment that enhances your image.
✅ Work with a photographer skilled in lighting and composition to ensure the focus remains on you.
✅ If choosing an outdoor or workplace setting, ensure the background complements your brand without overwhelming the image.
Mistake 3: Over-Editing or Over-Retouching
While slight retouching can enhance a headshot, over-editing can make you look unnatural or unrecognisable. Heavily airbrushed photos can give the impression of inauthenticity, which is a red flag for potential clients and employers.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Choose a photographer who provides natural-looking retouching.
✅ Ensure your headshot still looks like you on your best day, not like a heavily edited version of yourself.
✅ Keep skin smoothing, blemish removal, and lighting adjustments subtle and realistic.
Mistake 4: Wearing the Wrong Outfit
Your clothing should align with your industry and personal brand. If your outfit is too casual for a corporate setting or too formal for a creative field, it might send the wrong message. Additionally, bold patterns, neon colors, or heavy jewelry can be distracting.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Dress appropriately for your industry and target audience.
✅ Stick to classic, solid colours that complement your skin tone and don’t overpower your face.
✅ Avoid wrinkled, ill-fitting, or overly trendy clothing that may not age well in a professional headshot.
Mistake 5: Using a Selfie or Poor-Quality Image
Your business headshot should reflect professionalism, credibility, and confidence. A selfie, cropped group photo, or low-quality image can make you appear unprofessional and unpolished. Investing in a professional headshot is an investment in your personal brand.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✅ Work with a professional photographer who specialises in headshots.
✅ Choose high-resolution images that look sharp, clear, and well-lit.
✅ Avoid using outdated or improperly cropped images from past events or social settings.
Final Thoughts
A great business headshot is more than just a photo—it’s a key part of how you present yourself to the world. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your headshot works for you, reinforcing your professionalism and personal brand.
If you’re thinking about refreshing your headshot, consider working with a photographer who understands what makes a great professional image. At VVS Portrait, we always offer a consultation to discuss colours and clothing, so you feel confident and prepared for your session. A little planning goes a long way in creating a headshot that truly represents you at your best.
Wishing you all the best in your headshot journey!
Vanessa
