First impressions are everything. Whether you work in marketing or are hoping to snag a different job, you want to make sure you’re leaving a positive impact from the start.
You see this logic just about everywhere you go. Advertisements on billboards, meetings at the office, you name it — the first impression is always at work, whether you acknowledge it or not. When you’re crafting a website or fine-tuning your online profile you’ll want to make sure you’re not skimping out on quality when you upload a photo. Sadly, this can be easier said than done. Instead of fiddling around with selfie filters on your phone, consider looking into professional photography to bring out your good side.
What could more professional photos do for you and your future career?
The Science Behind The First Impression
The best way to take advantage of professional photography is to learn about the psychology that supports it. Ongoing data has shown it takes a mere one-tenth of a second for someone to form a first impression of a stranger from just their face. Another 80% to 90% of a first impression is based on two additional qualities — trustworthiness and competence, both of which can be conveyed with a crisp, appealing photo. When you’re uploading your headshot to LinkedIn or Upwork you’ll want to make sure you’re taking every advantage you can get.
Professional Photography In Use Today
Look around you and you’ll see professional photography in action. It’s how we communicate business intentions or portray our best attributes at a glance. According to recent data shared by Benedict Evans, people share a staggering 700 billion photos every year on Facebook alone, with over 22 billion and counting on Instagram. The number of photographs captured every one to two minutes today is the same number of photographs taken by all of humanity in the 1800’s. As you can see, you need to go the extra mile to make yours stand out.
Crafting Ideal Business Photos For LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the most popular websites for businessowners large and small. It’s a great way to connect with others, advertise your services and stay up-to-date on the latest industry news. Your profile is incredibly important to selling your services, with your personal photo often the first thing people see aside from your name and initial sentence blurb. A recent study of LinkedIn photos concluded there are six factors that leave a positive impact on first impressions. Accentuated jawlines, smiling with teeth, slight eye squints, formal dress and making eye contact with the camera were all positives.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls In Photography
While there is no guaranteed success with any form of professional headshots for work, there are still a few common pitfalls you can avoid to put you in the best possible standing. Psychology Today published a study back in 2014 determining even small changes made to an individual’s profile picture can result in a dramatically different first impression. Make sure your photo isn’t grainy, as that can cheapen the overall effect and leave people rolling their eyes rather than looking forward to what you have to offer. It’s recommended you dress neatly and use a filter that compliments, rather than drains, the natural lighting.
Taking Advantage Of Professional Photography For Your Brand
Professional corporate headshots can mean the difference between being accepted for that coveted full-time remote position and being passed over. It’s been concluded that LinkedIn profiles that have photos receive 11 times more views and 40% more InMail responses than profiles without. It’s not just LinkedIn, but Upwork, Copyblogger or just about any website that requires you put your best foot forward on your way to another job or potential client. Professional portraits are easy to find and go a long way in helping you grab the future just outside your reach.
Don’t let a bad first impression set you back. Look into professional photography services and get people talking.
