I am feeling so guilty!

My old headshot.

I’ve recently started utilizing LinkedIn to connect with more people. You know, build my network and such so I can meet more amazing small business owners and professionals like you! Now, as a professional headshot and small business photographer, one might think I am constantly up to date with my own branding photographs and headshots.

[Nervous laugh]

Vulnerable truth? I’m not.

I’ve had the same headshot on my LinkedIn profile for a few years now. I love that headshot. As much as I love it though, so much has happened professionally in the three years since I changed it.

I’ve moved to a new studio.
My brand voice has shifted slightly.
I wear different styles of professional clothes now.

On a personal note, I’ve changed physically too. I have a new scar on my forehead, more freckles, more weight, a filed tooth. I look more mature.

I’ve let my headshot stay because I like it so much. It feels fresh and happy and a bit wild. So, whenever it came to changing my headshot out, I easily told myself I could wait a little longer - wait until I lost a little weight, learned how to style the right side of my hair, found a shirt in my favorite shade of green that didn’t make me look chesty, felt more rested. I had all the reasons.

I’ve been in plenty of behind the scenes captures from my team and social media clips but those were all of me working. That extra action of having a task to do inside of the photograph served as a safety blanket. It’s been a long time since I’ve had photographs of me that are a true portrait - where the content of the photograph is the totality of who I am.

That kind of vulnerability is intimidating.

Well, I finally did a session for myself with a good friend - (because we’re working on something really, really awesome together and we needed photographs to share our collaboration!) ! I embraced myself as best I could, taking time to breathe, shake the nerves out of my arms, mentally encourage myself and let my walls down, I acknowledged that I wasn’t going to like every photograph of me but had the goal to be authentic. Because, so long as I was authentic, I would enjoy seeing Me and I know that the people I love most in life are the ones who see the person behind the body. So, if I could see Me, I knew others would see Me.

It was refreshing to treat myself this way but also incredibly nerve-wracking. My self confidence isn’t at a high point right now and I didn’t want to battle my inner critic. But I did it. I did it and I’m proud of myself for the inner work I had to do to show up fully me. In the end, there were some not-so-great images to cull out but, there were a surprising amount of photographs I did like!

This whole process of photographing myself made me all the more sensitive to how some people may feel when they have their photograph made. It truly hugs my heart that you trust me to photograph you - especially if you’re like me and don’t like having your photograph made.

Thank you. I am so grateful for your trust!

Who knew that updating my LinkedIn headshot would be such an important opportunity for growth?? Certainly not me. It was a rollercoaster of emotions - from guilt and hesitation to vulnerability and self-empowerment. I both hated it and loved it. I am glad to have experienced my own growth and heightened my sensitivity to the feelings of others who may share similar discomfort with being photographed. I am deeply grateful for the trust that others place in me as a photographer and appreciate the opportunity to capture the essence of those I work with.

The guilt is now lifted. My LinkedIn profile reflects the current me – a slightly less traditional version, but one that feels genuine and empowering. So, to everyone who, like me, might have been postponing updating their headshots, I encourage you to embrace your authenticity and take that step. It's worth it!

And if we haven't connected yet or you simply want to see what my fresh new LinkedIn profile looks like check it out! Make sure to send me a request while you’re there. I’d love to keep in touch with what you’re up to!

Anika Rowe, a newly licensed real estate agent affiliated with Caldwell Banker, recently booked her headshot session with us to enhance her online presence and elevate her professional image. With the intention of utilizing her headshots for the company website and her business cards, Anika wanted to make sure her headshot would convey her approachablility, friendliness and her relaxed, yet professional, demeanor.

During our initial consultation, it was easy to see Anika’s determination and her desire to delve deep into the real estate network so she could truly serve her clients well. We loved how direct she was as she voiced her desire to maximize her networking opportunities, explained her plan to market herself extensively, and her strategy to establishing connections with a wide range of industry peers. Her intention was clear: to be a driving force in her industry, readily accessible, and open to conversations with anyone seeking real estate guidance.

To capture the essence of Anika's aspirations, we crafted her headshot session with a visual narrative that reflected her vibrant energy and professional drive. Her desire to be actively involved in serving her clients being present out in the field, rather than confined to a desk, led us to avoiding plain backgrounds for her headshots. Anika agreed this was a fitting approach for her! We carefully considered the locations, ensuring they encapsulated Anika's commitment to being active and engaged. From urban landscapes to refined, minimalistic settings, each location was handpicked to resonate with her prospective clients, evoking a sense of trust, familiarity, and confidence.

With a meticulously curated wardrobe that exuded professionalism while retaining a touch of her approachable nature, Anika's outfits perfectly complemented her strengths, further reinforcing her brand identity. Her palpable drive, radiant smile, relaxed postures, and friendly expressions conveyed warmth - which will make it easy for potential clients to envision themselves having an enjoyable experience selling or buying their house with her!

Throughout the session, we worked collaboratively to create headshots that not only represented her current goals but also embodied her potential for growth and expansion. We aimed to capture the genuine connection she would establish with her clients, showcasing her dedication to understanding their needs and providing unparalleled service. Looking back at her session, the whole experience was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her real estate career. Anika is now well-positioned to realize her professional goals, connecting with a diverse network of individuals and solidifying her reputation as an accessible and trusted partner in the real estate industry!