If you don’t know what a commercial headshot is then you need to. This is a picture from about shoulders up of you smiling with a white, grey or blurry backdrop. Just about all studio photographers can get one for you, if not… they are probably not too familiar with the entertainment business.
Now, I mentioned the word many don’t relate to: entertainment. Although that is where commercial headshots mainly originated from (for people auditioning for commercials) this isn’t the only reason you should have one. Of course, if you’re in the entertainment industry at all you know you need one. Whether you are going for acting, modeling, spokesperson, journalist, social media, etc.
Have you ever heard of LinkedIn? If you haven’t, you’ve been living under a rock. Anyone in a job search should have a LinkedIn profile. Correction, anyone with any further career aspirations should have one. I’m not one to talk about them being perfect, because I admit I’m one of the last people to update mine because it isn’t on my top social media priority list, yet I have one. I also hate to say this, but it is what it is: Your picture is key! Yes… you’re showing off your resume, experiences, volunteering, what an incredible human you are, etc., etc. But.. if you don’t give your potential employers, partners or employees a face to tie the wonderfulness to, then you have a problem.
It’s been scientifically proven that people respond quicker to visuals and that they are more likely to remember a picture with facts than facts alone (why do you think kid books were created the way they are?). Adding a professional and happy picture will do even more. The saying “a smile goes a long way” isn’t just a saying, it came from somewhere. People want to work with those they find inviting. So, show your happiness and best personality through this picture. I know some of us aren’t the happy/peppy people sometimes others seek 100% of the time, but for your picture you’ll have to bring it out.
A commercial picture is something you can put on business cards, your website, your social media profiles, email, and even resumes. One thing that all of those outlets have in common is that they all help create a first impression of you. Business is just like dating, first you have to flirt and then slowly win them over with your unique personality. Sooo… with your commercial headshot you show the happiness or ‘flirtiness’ and then win them over with all of your intellectual and personality skills.
I know that some of you are frustrated by reading this and thinking something along the lines of “why do I need to base my success on looks when I’m so above that?” the answer is, our brains work in ways we can’t explain. Having a commercial picture isn’t what’s getting you the gig, the picture is the tool that reminds your potential or existing employers, partners or employees all the outstanding things from your resume in a quicker and more remarkable way.
If you want to try this and get a commercial headshot, I recommend looking at a photographers online portfolio before booking. You can either view their website or Instagram and get a feel for their style. This way you know what you’re getting and if it matches your personality. Comment below or email me if you get one and apply it to your communication outlets. I’d love to know how you like them and if you think it has helped.
