So I see you've been using that headshot for awhile.  It's terrible.   I mean it's bad.

Please tell me you didn't pay for that.  Ouch.

People at crime scenes take better pictures. (Ba-dum-dum)

And I'm as guilty as the rest of you.  I spent over 2 years running my own business before I decided to take time and get good headshots done ... and I'm a professional photographer!

Here's the truth about headshots.

In today's digital age, your headshot is often the first impression people have of you. Whether it's on your social media profiles, your website, or even on your business card, your headshot is a representation of who you are and what you stand for. So, it's crucial that you make it a good one.

A professional headshot can make a huge difference in how people perceive you. It shows that you take yourself and your career seriously, and it can help you stand out from the competition. As a creative, you want to showcase your talents and as a coach, you want to convey trust and authority. That's why investing in a good headshot is an important part of your marketing strategy.

But, how do you take a good headshot?

Here are 4 powerful tips to help you make a great first impression:

Tip 1: Lighting is key. Make sure you have a well-lit space with natural light, or invest in a good lighting kit. This will help you look your best and avoid shadows and harsh highlights.

Tip 2: Find your angle. Experiment with different angles to find the one that flatters you the most. You don't have to be looking directly at the camera, try looking slightly off to the side or tilting your head for a more natural look.  Experiment with elongating your neck by stretching your neck out in front of you and tilting your forehead towards the camera.  This will tighten the skin along your jaw-line and give you a slimmer look!

Tip 3: Show off your personality. A good headshot should reflect who you are and what you're all about. So, don't be afraid to show a little personality, whether it's a smile or a more serious expression.  For me, I thought about a joke that made me laugh recently, and I used a remote trigger to capture myself in mid-laugh.  This works great if you fire off several shots in a burst while you're laughing.  That way, one or two in the series will likely be good enough to consider using.

Tip 4: Post-process the photo to paint out stray hairs, blemishes, and to even out your skin tones.  If you don't have the ability to do that yourself, try hiring a retouch artist on Fiverr.com

In addition to these tips, it's also important to remember that a headshot is not just a static image, it's a representation of your brand and your message. As a creative, you want your headshot to showcase your talents and as a coach, you want it to convey trust and authority. So, take the time to find the right photographer who understands your brand and can create a headshot that truly represents you.

In summary, a good professional headshot is an important part of your marketing strategy. It's your first impression and it can make a huge difference in how people perceive you. By following these tips and investing in a good headshot, you'll be well on your way to making a great first impression and standing out from the competition.