Whether you’re looking for a new job or just need an updated headshot for your personal or company website, finding the right headshot photographer for you can be a challenge. You need to find someone you feel comfortable with, someone who can help you create images that accurately express your professionalism and experience at first glance.
Just like with any service, you get what you pay for when it comes to headshot photography. A headshot photo session is an investment in your career and an opportunity to show the world exactly who you are.
Talk to colleagues and friends
One of the best ways to find a great headshot photographer is to get personal recommendations. If one of your coworkers or friends had a fantastic experience with a local professional photographer, chances are you may have a great experience as well. Let your friends know what you’re looking for from your headshots and take note of everyone’s recommendations to research yourself.
Search social media
You can also find local photographer recommendations on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. Doing so will give you a chance to explore the photographer’s work on their business profiles and see if their style is a good fit for what you want from your own headshots.
Explore online
A simple Google search will likely turn up dozens of photographers in your area. Check out their websites to get a feel for their images and read up on review websites like Google My Business and Yelp to see if other customers were happy with that photographer’s services. If previous clients were thrilled with their headshots, you will likely be happy with how your images turn out as well.
Know your vision and budget
Before you start contacting photographers, it’s important to know what you want from your photos, as well as what price range is in your budget. Some professional photographers will simply be unaffordable, while others may be within your price range, but their images aren’t quite what you’re looking for. Look up headshots online to get an idea of what style you want for your photos. You can even create a board on Pinterest and save some of your favorite images to compare with those of potential photographers.
Ask questions upfront
A professional photographer wants to ensure that you have a good experience and love your photos, so don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have. Do you want only studio shots or a combination of indoor and outdoor images? How many outfits will you get to wear for your session? Does the photographer retouch your images? How long will it take to receive the finished photos? Think about any questions you have and be sure to reach out to get answers. The more prepared you feel, the more comfortable you’ll be in front of the camera and the better your photos will look!
As you’re searching for a photographer to update your professional headshots, take time to look through the pricing and previous work of any potential studios you may want to hire. It’s important to find a quality photographer who can help turn your vision for your headshots into a reality.