WHAT'S IN A HEADSHOT?

Three different lines of work are represented in these photos. 
Are you beginning to understand what your headshot should be like?  
For one, your photo has to be authentic.  It has to show you and a part of your personality.  It should have a certain comfort level, yet bring out a confidence in you.  Your outfit, hairstyle, makeup, color combinations, wardrobe and jewelry all play a part in your images.  
What makes a good headshot?  Why are they so important?  Do you really need a professional photographer?  When is the right time to get my headshot?  How often should you update your headshot?  
These are some of the questions I've been asked about professional headshot photos.  What makes a good headshot it what you're willing to 'put out there' and give to the camera.  It's rare someone comes to the studio one hundred percent ready, confident and all smiles.  It's usually something they "HAVE TO DO"; either for a new resume, their boss may need one, their web designer or brand manager 'needs something!'.   
Your headshot can be many times someone's first impression of you if the photo is on your website or LinkedIn profile, so what do you want it to say about you? 
If you're working with a professional photographer, you'll most likely work with a designer and hair and makeup artist to assist you before your session, working on outfits, styles and combinations on what gives the look you want to portray for your job search or website.  You may instead just have a discussion about clothing and outfits to bring and hair and makeup styles.  This is just the start of it, A professional should coach you through posing and hopefully will be able to bring out your calm confidence and other expressions that you wear well.  You've had all of the guidance so far and the photos haven't even started; so when you add the professional photographer's touch behind the camera with all of the preparation you've done up to this point, the magic happens.  The photos come out and you realize, hey, these look good and hey, you may actually like some photos of yourself.   
When is a good time to get a headshot?  Well, for one, when your boss asks ; D.  Mid week to end of week is usually the best time; Mondays are always hectic getting back to work, its a busy day, and you want to give yourself a few days to get rid of the excess water weight we usually hold onto from our weekend fun.  I like to get mine done in September; I feel like its the start of a new school year,  I'm still tan from summertime and I haven't dove into the Halloween candy yet.    As for how often to update?    If you're a traveler, every time you need to update your passport photo is a good time to do it.  Otherwise, I'd say it depends on your line of work; it could be 2-6 months or 2-3 years.  
One more note, if you're taking your own images, with all of the filters being used in the current way of the world, this may go without saying, however, do yourself a favor and stay away from the filters.  People want to know the real you, so let your personality be what shines in your images.  
If you need professional headshots, Please reach out:  Millie Dee Photography 973.805.FOTO (3686).  serving mostly Sussex & Morris County, NJ.