Building Your Acting Portfolio: More Than Just a Headshot

I started as a portrait photographer by shooting actors.

The first thing I learned – headshots are the essential part of any actor’s portfolio.

But not the only one.

Here are some ideas on how to build your portfolio if you are an actor:

1. Get a professional headshot.

It’s like setting up a LinkedIn account or creating a business website — because acting is also a business, right? Your headshot must be well-lit, clean, simple, and done as professionally as possible. I’m not even saying “the best you can afford” because, honestly, being invisible is the real threat to your acting career, not the price of a headshot.

This headshot will appear on every agency website, every casting submission, and anywhere your name comes up. You will email it out over and over again, and it will be seen by people making decisions — often before they even meet you. The second you send it out, it’s out of your control, which is why it needs to be flawless.

2. Get more than one headshot.

The key to a strong acting portfolio is variety. You can’t play the same role for the rest of your life, so your images should reflect different sides of you while still feeling like you.

I love when actors show up at my studio rolling a suitcase full of clothes and accessories. That’s the right approach. Shooting an actor’s portfolio is always a long and exciting process. It’s about experimenting, pushing boundaries, and breaking away from the image you think you need to have.

Unlike business headshots, where I focus on finding the single best angle to emphasize strengths, an acting portfolio is about exploring multiple angles, moods, and styles. Sometimes, you’ll realize that one side of your face makes you look younger while the other side makes you look older. Guess what? That means more variety — and that’s exactly what you need. Clothing and lighting can do more than a thousand words, shaping your overall look in ways you might not expect.

3. Once you have your headshots, expand your portfolio with portraits.

After your portfolio is equipped with impeccable headshots, it’s time to go beyond the basics.

Now, you can get portraits from different photographers — and yes, variety again! This is where you can finally step outside the strict rules of headshot photography and create images that tell a deeper story. But that doesn’t mean randomly showing yourself in different situations just for the sake of it. Every image should project a message, an emotion, or a role you’ve always wanted to play.

4. And, of course, videos.

Your portfolio isn’t just about still images. You need video.

Reels from past projects, self-tapes, even a simple video introduction — but please, never beg for a role in your video. That looks miserable and repelling. Instead, own the stage.

Be the one in control. Be the boss in the room, the attention magnet. Present yourself as an asset — someone they need in their next project. Because at the end of the day, that’s what gets you cast.

How to use your headshot

I feel like I tell the same fairytale to people every day.

It’s always about a poor guy or girl who lived a miserable life — until the day they stepped in front of my camera, got a headshot, boosted their confidence, and lived happily ever after.

But what happens AFTER?

I recently realized that a spooky percentage of my clients have no idea what to do next with their new headshots!

For example, when I check their social media, I often see that even after investing in a headshot session, they’re still using their old pictures! Or on their website — where I clearly remember a specific request for an update — the old images are still there.

I get it. Maybe someone didn’t love their images as much as they expected and was too polite to give me heartbreaking feedback right away. It happens, and I always do my best during the session to minimize such situations.

Anyway, apparently, some people just don’t have clear instructions on how to use their headshots once they have them! So, let’s fix that!

Here is step-by-step guide on what to do right after receiving your new headshots.

1. Update your profile picture on all social media.

LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, professional platforms — find them all and upload your new headshot. Having the same image across all platforms makes you more recognizable and consistent.

For this purpose, I provide an additional web-friendly versions of your headshots — a square images (up to 500KB), properly cropped and compressed without losing color, highlights, or shadows — ready to be used anywhere online.

2. Update images on your website.

Landing page, sales page, contact page — there’s literally no bad place to personalize it with your headshot.

3. Add your new headshot to your email signature.

If you don’t have an email signature, create one! Include all necessary contact details and your headshot so people can instantly sense your attitude and professionalism.

4. Use your headshot in newsletters.

Start or end your newsletter with your image — it makes your content look more personal and professional.

5. Send it to agencies if you're a public figure.

If you're a speaker, author, or lecturer and an agency requests an image to display on their website or screen, you know what to do. Better yet, be proactive
— send them your new headshot the moment you receive it from me.

6. Use it in printed marketing materials.

Brochures, rack cards, mailers, or any other print marketing pieces — you now have a high-resolution, color-balanced, naturally retouched image of yourself, so, please, use it! 😃

Let me save you some time

by sharing with you a marketing hack that took me a while to understand and apply.

We all hear things like "Don't try to sell — serve instead," but how the hell do we sell something without trying? By serving until we starve to death?

Well, yes. If you're doing it wrong.

First thing you should do is look for CONNECTORS.

Look at the picture below. I think they are pretty self-explanatory. By addressing each client directly, you put in a certain amount of effort — let’s call it client-hours. So, to get 5 clients, you’ll need to spend 5 client-hours. This means you’re selling your time for a fixed amount of money. And this is even before you sell your actual product, which might require even more client-hours.

I guess you’re gonna feel that hamster-in-a-wheel dizziness pretty soon…

Connectors work completely differently. You don’t have to sell to them — you can give them your product for free (if they’re interested) and then watch as they spread the word among your potential clients. Often, it’s that beautiful win/win/win situation where each side benefits, and NO ONE is pressured by hard sales.

How to find the right connectors?

Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe. I know for sure that it’s a long-term game, and there will be mistakes and misses. All you have to do is follow these simple rules:

1. Look for local celebrities or influencers with a large following in the area of your professional interests.

2. Make sure (or just try to imagine) that your potential connector is genuinely interested in your product.

3. Give away your product or service to potential connectors ONLY if:
- it’s your own decision
- you feel like it might work
- it could bring you some side benefits right away
- it doesn’t hurt your business in general.

Now, let's take your approach to the next level. Because you’re not always dealing with connectors — you’re in direct contact with clients too.

So, what if I told you that you should treat every cold client as a potential connector? And no, I don’t mean giving them your product for free right away. 😉

Just don’t try to sell it to them directly. Instead, talk about it — but in a way that makes them think of someone who might need it. People naturally like to help each other, and instead of hitting a closed door, you’ll have someone who subconsciously starts considering who might be interested.

So, if you replace persistence with smartsistence, and your product is high-quality and easy to understand, the chances of it finding its client (or clients finding it first) are pretty high!

AI might take your job,

but not in the way you think.

You let it happen.

How? By relying on AI-generated headshots for your CV and social media, you’re trusting artificial intelligence to define your facial expression — the primal message that’s meant to open doors to opportunities created by humans.

That facial expression is something people pick up on a subconscious level.

They might not know exactly what’s wrong, but they’ll sense it — and their final decision will be based on that feeling.

Even major companies today use a personalized approach whenever possible to connect with their customers. If you try to sneak in with AI-generated headshots, sooner or later, you’ll lose.

And yes, you will lose that job because of AI :)

People are blind.

Seven years ago, I wouldn’t have seen the difference between the left and right photo.

Back then, I was convinced the guy on the left was cool and confident enough to represent me online.

So now, I don’t get angry or defensive when someone says, “Oh, it’s just like a passport photo.”

I understand they’re focusing on what’s similar — a head with two eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth — instead of what’s different. You only start noticing the details when you really pay attention. Or, like here, when you compare two photos side by side.

I’ve been doing this for seven years, and I still learn something new every single day.

You know what’s faster than the speed of thought?

Your impression of someone’s facial expression. It’s so quick, it bypasses your conscious radar. That’s why you might not be able to explain it — but you always feel it.

Now, look at those two photos again. In the first second, you might not notice that the head on the left is side-lit, the angle looks slightly intimidating, or there’s no separation between the hair and T-shirt from the background, making the face float in darkness. The colors lean toward brownish tones, there’s a hint of a double chin, the T-shirt is skewed to the right, and the overall facial expression, meant to radiate rugged approachability, instead screams a triumph of misery.

Yet, in just that fraction of a second, you already know you’d rather deal with the guy on the right.

Why? Share your thoughts in the comments. What specific details make the right face seem more approachable?

Why are people so attached to outdated, crappy headshots?

There are many reasons. Here are 5 of them: 👇

😒 They Don’t Like Being Photographed,

and consider any lucky snapshot where their face is visible as the best they can get in this life. They dislike the process of being photographed and settle for using that snapshot across social media indefinitely.

👨‍🎓 A Prom Headshot Never Gets Old!

Just like their inner perception of themselves. Even in their middle age, they still have the spirit of a 17-year-old! Well, that’s not exactly what they see in the mirror every morning, and it’s probably not what others see either — but who cares, right? Everybody around do the same (and by the way, don't think it's not about you if your headshot is "only" 10 years old 😉 )

🙅 They Don’t See the Need.

“If life is good and business is okay, why bother changing anything?” they think. "What we do is the focus — not how we present ourselves, right?" For some reason, they always want to choose just one, even though these days, having both isn't enough!

😱 They Think It’s Expensive.

Headshot sessions are often viewed as a one-time expense rather than an investment. People who take this approach usually opt for a cheaper photographer, end up with mediocre results, realize their mistake, and — you guessed it — pay double for another session to fix it. And by the way – based on my observations, most of them didn’t even try!

😱😱😱 They Struggle to Find the Right Photographer.

For those who want to avoid paying twice, finding the right photographer can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about money — it’s about investing time to find someone who delivers a headshot you love and one that works for you professionally.

Well, these 5 reasons are enough to explain why 99% of attention chasers end up with a mediocre online presence — or none at all.

And when I say "they", I’m assuming you’re in the top 1%, but… take a look at your profile picture right now. There’s a tiny 99% chance you need to update it 😏

Life is too short.

Even if you have enough money, you don't have enough time to get all you want.

And this is fine! Let me tell you why.

Even if you consider your 50 being the new 30 (like I do), you realize that there are toooo many wonders on Earth you are aware of, and you also know that it's physically impossible to experience them all.

Let's accept it as a fact and change the angle of view. Let the problem be its solution ;)

I know a few people who decided to visit all countries on the planet. Many of them succeeded. It's not that hard, especially when your budget allows you to travel all the time. You know them, read their online diaries, watched videos on YouTube. Some are pretty interesting, but most of them are boring. Either there is nothing to wonder about, or it looks like any other similar places on Earth, or you just feel it — it’s not YOURS. So, put a new pin on a map and leave the next day.

Does the experience worth it? Can I brag among my friends that I've been to Austria if it was just a 30-minute connection flight and I didn't even leave Vienna airport?

So, at some point, I realized that I don't want to visit all countries on the planet. But I definitely want to visit some places again and again that are MINE.

For example, I love Ibiza, and during 2013–2018, I spent a whole September there, coming for a month from Moscow (I call it summer extended). I didn't party hard, lived in the old town, explored the island with my camera, and was just overwhelmed with a feeling that this is MY PLACE. There are two more Balearic Islands nearby, but I never wanted to go there — just didn't feel I wanted to!

Of course, you might say: there are still way more places worth visiting than you can see in your entire life — how can you know what's yours if you’ve never been there?

Here is how.

1. Be modest. Yes, you can't. Deal with it.
2. Use Google Maps Street View.

There is a movie I really liked, "Werk Ohne Autor", about a young German artist who escaped East Germany, moved to the West, and learned art in the academy. One day, when it was time to show his work to the professor, he proudly demonstrated circles painted on a floor, torn canvas, and some other stuff. The professor looked at him and asked: "In art, it's important to understand, WHAT ARE YOU?"

I remember, for a long time, while I visited museums — any of them — I thought the goal was to see as many paintings, sculptures, etc., as possible. Until one day, I realized: it's not about that! You can come to the gallery, find YOUR painting, and spend the rest of the day in front of it, not even paying attention to others. And if there is nothing that’s worth your attention (which doesn't mean they're bad — they're just NOT YOURS) — leave and spend this time on a fresh air!

Here is the New Year coming. New Hope, New Life, New Future. I wish all of you to find WHAT'S YOURS if you haven't yet, of course. And if you did — keep exploring it!

Trends vs. Standards

Recently, I found out an interesting fact:

In the 1920s, only 5% of the U.S. population was brushing their teeth daily.
Which means the rest, 95%, didn't care AT ALL how their smile looked or how fresh their breath was because — guess what? — everybody else around looked (and smelled) exactly the same way!

Well, except those 5% of weirdos with suspiciously bright smiles.

It was just a hundred years ago, but it sounds like the Stone Age!

Today, everyone knows that you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and visit a dentist regularly. The exception became the standard.

You know what? I feel the same way when I look at profile pictures on LinkedIn, websites, etc.

We're now in the Stone Age of personal branding. A vast majority don’t even care how they appear in front of their audience; moreover — they're not even aware they have an audience!

They think that a professional headshot is just a passing trend, believing that what's inside the box is truly important, not how it presents, still trying to choose only one when you can have both.

Because — guess what? — everybody else around looks exactly the same way, so why bother?..

Well, except those 5% of weirdos with suspiciously bright smiles on squeaky-clean profile pictures.

There is one question me, as a headshot photographer, am being asked more often these days:

"What do you think about AI headshots?"

Meaning: "Are you afraid of being shifted out of your niche by robots?"

At first glance, it was supposed to happen a few years ago already — who needs to pay a lot of money just to fill that circle on LinkedIn when it can be generated by AI in a few seconds and cost 20-50 times less?

Sounds like a great deal, huh? Besides, millions of people are already using that feature. Can they all be wrong, can they?

To answer this question, we should answer another one first:

"What is the product?"

If you just need to fill a space with something, an AI-generated image is fine.

If you're looking for the experience, the story, the confidence boost — to respect your partners and clients by never trusting AI to mess with your facial expression, to support photographers and keep their business rolling so that one day they could capture something AI can’t, like a family portrait — then that is a completely different level.

Even if the AI-generated image looks so good that nobody can spot the difference, there will still be one person who’s aware of it.

You.

5 easy steps to get ready for your headshot session

Here is what you need to get the most out of your session.

Artistic Headshots for Actor’s Portfolio of Carrie Lewis

1. Zoom It In.

Each session starts with a consultation call. It takes 20-30 minutes but saves much more time during the session, allowing us to set a strategy, share ideas, and start working toward results from the very first minute.

Show me your clothing options so we can make a preliminary selection, and feel free to ask any questions — even the "silly" ones. You don’t need to know all the details about photography; consultations like this help us address any issues upfront and build a comfortable connection, which is essential for a successful headshot session.

2. Take care of your hair.

A headshot session is the perfect excuse to visit your hairdresser or barber a few days beforehand — or even on the same day, if you need a special touch. Don’t rely on retouching, though it will be used subtly afterward — the best enhancements are the ones made before the shoot, not after.

3. Make it up.

Men can skip this one and go straight to the next paragraph. Ladies, we need to talk :) It’s always a good idea to take care of your makeup, along with your hair. There are three common options: you can do it yourself before the session (a well-lit makeup table is available in the studio), bring your own makeup artist, or hire one of the professionals I work with regularly. The last option ensures the best results, with makeup that looks natural and perfectly suited for the photo session. We usually discuss those options on a Zoom call before the session.

Premium LinkedIn Profile Headshot for Nurjannah

4. Pack your clothes.

For your headshot session, I suggest bringing as many options as you can carry. I appreciate clients who come prepared, like they’re heading to the airport — with a wheeled suitcase full of clothing, ready for any climate! Of course, we’ll go over the essentials beforehand to keep your luggage manageable, and you don’t need to worry about anything below the waist — unless you’d like to add some half-body shots to your portfolio.

Jewelry is often considered distracting unless it’s a key part of your image or the message you want to convey. If you wear glasses, bring all the pairs you have so we can try them out and see what works best.

Personal Branding Headshot for Bruno

5. Rest well.

Try to get a good night’s sleep before the session. I know in today’s world it feels like a luxury, but it’s essential. In a headshot, all the attention is on your expression, and we want it to be as perfect as possible.

Also, choose the time of day when you feel most energetic — if you’re a morning person, we’ll schedule it for the morning; if you’re a night owl, then late afternoon is ideal! Finally, make sure you’re not in a rush immediately after the shoot. If you are, just let me know in advance so I can structure the session accordingly. Even if we have just 15 minutes, we’ll make the most of it!

And that’s it! Five simple steps to guarantee stunning results from your very first session. You don’t even need to remember them — after our Zoom call, I’ll send you a Prep Guide with all the essential details. And if you have any questions, feel free to email me at slava@slavatimoshenko.com.

Let me present you a TIMESAVER.

I mean, really.

Headshot station on location

This is the setup I use in my studio to shoot headshots.

The same setup can be packed into one wheeled suitcase, placed in the trunk of the car and assembled in the office, a meeting room, or a hotel conference room – any place 30-55 sq m big with a power source.

CHOOSE THE LOCATION THAT SUITS YOU BEST.

You don't have to choose between losing a working day or a few by sending your team to the studio to update their headshots or keep using outdated and non-consistent ones on a company's website.

Headshot session on location solves both problems at the same time.

Just contact me, book the day, inform your crew (I'll send you a Prep Guide that will help them to get ready for the shoot), set up the shooting schedule and I'll do the rest! You get updated high-quality headshots within a few days after the session!

No more inconsistent, all-over-the-place pictures!

"Meet The Team" before the professional headshot session

Professionalism starts with attitude – just show it!

"Meet The Team" after the professional headshot session

ZERO TIME WASTE SOLUTIONS.

Barcelona is popular not only for leisure, it's also very popular for business. Dozens of conferences and exhibitions, such as ISE, MWC, IBTM World, as well as hundreds of meetups, networks, etc. take place every year in the city.

This is the time when international companies gather together for a short period of time offline, and this is also a perfect chance to get a professional, consistent look for your global talent force using a headshot session on location.

A HASSLE-FREE EXPERIENCE.

I made it very simple for you. The whole process takes 3 easy steps:

1. Send me your event details (dates, venue, and number of people), and I'll prepare a quote tailored to your needs.

2. A brief Zoom consultation where we'll map out the future headshot session.

3. On the day of the session, I arrive on location, set up my equipment and work my magic. For larger groups, I may need assistance from your side to help keep us on schedule.

That's it! After that, your selected images undergo professional retouching, and within a few days, you'll receive a link to download your ready-to-use headshots.

Here you can find more detailed information, an estimated cost, and a contact form: https://www.slavatimoshenko.com/corporate-headshots-barcelona

What are the top 3 mistakes people make when getting a headshot?

Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Photographer

Any photographer can take a headshot, and in fact, anyone with a camera, a finger, and a face in front of that camera can capture one. But does that mean the headshot will convey the right message to the viewer? Of course not. It's like taking all the ingredients listed in a recipe, tossing them in the oven, and hoping the result will be as delicious as described in the cookbook.

When selecting a photographer, examine their portfolio on their website. Is it consistent? (Do they even have a website?) Consistency means you can predict the result you’ll get. The headshots should show people looking confident and approachable, evenly lit, on a plain background, and as natural as if there were no camera in front of them. When you find a photographer with such a portfolio, you’ll know they’re worth it. This leads us to the second point.

Mistake 2: Trying to Save Money by Choosing Cheaper Photographers.

Cheap doesn’t always mean bad, right? We all know that. But we should also understand that the session’s price likely includes studio rent, photography equipment, and, most importantly, years of education and practice. Again, look at the portfolio. Remember that a commercial headshot is an asset. A good one will open doors, make you visible, and eventually boost your confidence. A bad one, however, will turn opportunities away, leaving you to blend into the crowd and wonder why things aren’t working out. You’ll spend more time on this passive self-education until one day you suddenly realize, yes, first impressions do matter.

Mistake 3: Not Bringing Enough Clothing to the Session.

Facial expression is key, that’s a fact. The photographer should take full responsibility for making you look confident, approachable, and as natural as if the camera weren’t there. But some cooperation from the client is also necessary. First, come in a good mood, and second, bring plenty of appropriate clothing to the session.

The math is simple: bring as much as you can carry. The more, the better. Get a wheeled suitcase as if you’re going on a one-week vacation. Hire a porter. If you plan to create 3-4 images, bring 10-12 different clothing options, ranging from conservative to even some bold choices. It’s better to leave something on the hanger than have you look like a piece of clothing is missing or doesn’t fit. Accessories aren’t usually recommended for a commercially viable headshot, but if they’re part of your image, bring them along! The same goes for all the pairs of glasses you own.

Of course, there are more than three common mistakes, but these three are the most frequent.

Your headshot is your business card.

How does it look?

1. A selfie on a smartphone looks like your name written by a pen on a piece of paper.
___
Budget: - (well, you need a camera anyway)
OBTS (Odds of Being Taken Seriously ): -10/10

2. A selfie on a semi-pro camera with no special lighting looks like a card typed in Word, printed on an A4 sheet, and cut with scissors into a few cards.
___
Budget: $
OBTS: -5/10

3. A studio-like selfie taken with a pro camera looks like a card made in Photoshop, and printed in a lab on simple white paper.
___
Budget: $$
OBTS: 2/10

4. A portrait taken in the studio by a photographer looks like a card made in Photoshop by a designer, printed in a lab on good thick paper.
___
Budget: $$$
OBTS: 5/10

5. A professional headshot that has been shot in the studio by a professional headshot photographer looks like a card made in Photoshop by a professional designer, and printed in a lab on expensive thick embossed paper.
___
Budget: $$$$
OBTS: 10/10

You might not know it,

but our session has already begun.

A line ago, from the moment you started reading this post.

I specialize in headshots – close-up portraits that capture personality and facial expression. I don’t just confirm the fact that you have a head with a pair of eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth. I establish a connection that allows me to capture the right expression – confident and approachable.

The goal is to show the natural you as if there’s no camera between us. Your headshot should look lively and welcoming, not stiff, scared, or posed. It should make the viewer feel like you’ve been best friends for a long time and, if not, you should be. 😎

That’s why it’s crucial to start building this connection as soon as possible.

Right here, right now.

From the moment you get to know me and learn about what I do, our session begins. You’re now a step closer to a stunning result, better than if you just walked into my studio without knowing me.

"It doesn't look like me!"

This is another thing I often hear during sessions.

Well, it actually is you — there was no one else in front of the camera. Here are a few reasons why you might think otherwise:

1. You’ve never seen yourself through a telephoto lens.

Smartphone front cameras use wide-angle lenses, which help fit more into the frame but distort facial proportions, making the center appear larger and the sides narrower.

2. You’ve never seen yourself in this kind of lighting.

I use LED panels positioned close to your face, creating flattering, three-dimensional lighting. This kind of light is rarely achievable in everyday settings.

3. The screen isn't a mirror.

Our faces are not perfectly symmetrical. The way you see yourself in the mirror daily isn't exactly how you look to others. The difference might be subtle, but it registers subconsciously, making you think, "It doesn't look like me!" even though it’s exactly how you appear to everyone else.

4. You feel younger inside.

As we age, we often don't agree with our physical appearance. Inside, we might feel 15, 25, or 30 years old, and that’s a great mindset—aim to die young as late as possible! However, feeling young doesn’t mean dressing like a teenager; it sends mixed signals. Your attire should match your lifestyle while aiming a bit higher. When someone dresses in a way that doesn’t align with their current age and sees the resulting photos, they might experience a disconnect because the image on the screen doesn't match the one in their mind.

_________________________________

As you can see, my headshot sessions aren't about flattering your ego or just showing that you have a head on your shoulders. It's about harmonizing your inner and outer self in the best technical way possible. This approach results in a "satisfying look"—when people want to stop and look at your picture, get to know you, and do business with you. This appeal works on a subconscious level, but there’s a step-by-step recipe that's easy to follow.

I hear these questions almost every session, and you know what?

I have answers :) Here they are:

1. "I'm not photogenic."

I strongly believe that the term "photogenic" was invented by some lazy photographer who was struggling to make people look good in pictures and came up with this term, saying they're "not photogenic."

Of course, to look good, you have to do something in front of the camera. "Being photogenic" is not about having some special set of facial features – it's about the ability to control the existing ones. And since there are not so many who can do this professionally and voluntarily – models, actors, etc. – the photographer is here to help. All you need is a good mood and a desire to get great shots. The rest is on me.

2. "This is my very first headshot session."

Congratulations! And this is also fine :) Headshot photography is a fast-growing industry, and despite the widespread online business and other relationships, 90% of the world’s population prefers to hide behind the no-image icon or some random outdated picture, losing the opportunity for a great first impression. You're not one of them anymore, and that's why I congratulate you.

3. "I don't know what to do."

You don't have to! That's why you're here :) You are a pro in your area, and this is my area. I'll tell you what to do. Some things might look and feel counterintuitive, but it's not every day you spend in front of the camera, right?

4. "It feels so weird to stand like this!"

Your inside and outside appearances are completely different. When you feel okay, relaxed, and healthy inside, you might still look sad or grumpy to some people. In a headshot session, it's all about how you LOOK from the outside, not what you FEEL inside at the moment. Some positioning might feel weird but looks great on the screen!

5. "I don't look like myself."

How often do you see yourself? You might say, heck, every day! Many times! In the mirror!

Well, what you see in the mirror is the REFLECTED image of you. We are not symmetrical, and you might not notice that but can always feel it. What you see on the screen during the session is how everyone else sees you. Also, it's not every day you see yourself in studio light and on a big screen in high resolution.

________________

However, apart from all these boring technical details, the ground zero of a premium headshot is the facial expression. Real confidence and approachability radiate 360 degrees around and make everyone stop scrolling and pay more attention to your profile, CV, website, etc., than to your faceless competitor.

So make sure your visual message is clear, simple, and doesn't look cheap.

Sell yourself

The easiest way to succeed is to be the best in your area of expertise.

Ok, you are the best. You know it, your friends know it, and even your dog is aware of it (or he just waiting for a treat and that's why he's has such a loyal look).

But what about the others? At least those who visit your profile page here – do they have a reason to stop scrolling and get to know you a little bit more? Did you give them that reason?

If you don't care about your personal image, you're not sending the right message to your potential clients. You're not removing an obstacle from their way towards you.

No one cares about the diamond lying deep at the bottom of the ocean because it takes a lot to pull it out. I mean it's still a diamond, it just isn't worth the effort.

The same diamond, framed in gold in a jewelry store on a central street has a much higher price.

The easiest way to succeed is to be the best in your area of expertise.

And to be visible.

I am a man on the moon

Because 9 out of 10 times when my clients enter the studio, I hear this:

"This is my very first session. I have no idea what to do, where to look, how to handle the body I have lived in my entire life."

How do I respond? "This is what I hear 9 out of 10 times! So, don't worry, I got you covered, and this is exactly why we are both here – you need to be guided, I know how to guide you to get the best results right from the first time!"

We're not living in a world filled with photo models, that's perfectly normal! Somebody should spin the world around using more than just power of the beauty. But why not look good if you have such an opportunity?

Spot the winner in the lineup below

A professional headshot is your initial gateway to success. When recruiters have only one factor to set you apart from the rest, they seize it. Standing out among 20 candidates with similar education and experience unlocks countless doors to new opportunities.

Crafting a strong first impression isn't just about your abilities; it's about your demeanor.

90% of LinkedIn users in Spain have an outdated snapshot as a profile picture or don't have it at all.
9% have a studio-like portrait.
1% have a professional headshot.

Jump to the higher league never been easier than now!

How do you say that you are:

confident, approachable, serious about your career,

and do this

in a split second,
on all languages simultaneously,
and without saying a word?
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Your "About" section on LinkedIn, other social media platforms, your website, etc. should be filled out properly, but it's not where people initially form an impression of you.

It all begins with a profile picture.

The very first impression is always emotional, transcending mere skill sets and delving deeper, even to the subconscious level, bypassing language barriers.

People do business with people, which is why that initial impression is crucial.