Updating or Faking headshots : Build business success with Authentic Portraits.

We have all seen folks using AI-generated headshots or those clinging to outdated photos. I see a lot of fun face filters on TikTok and Facebook - but that’s just not professional. While a quick "fix" that makes you feel and look 20 years younger and 50 pounds lighter might be tempting, these tactics usually backfire. Your headshot is often the first point of contact with potential clients and collaborators, setting the tone for your entire professional presence.

I see clients who equate coming to the studio for a headshot with a trip to the dentist...A beautiful woman in her 50s recently came into the studio for updated headshots. The session went well, though she struggled through her selections. She saw “too many wrinkles.” She looked “tired.” Her hair was “fried.” ...she had difficulty finding a single image she liked. She pulled out her phone and showed me the headshot she’d been using, “See how this photo doesn’t look retouched?” she said. Side by side, the difference was clear. The headshot she valued, while beautiful, was 17 years old and it was the only image she’d been using all that time. She saw it as who she was. The photos I took looked like her, but her brain rejected the premise because she appeared 17 years older.
— How Old Headshots Lie by KIRA DERRYBERRY, M.PHOTOG.CR., CPP : bit.ly/KiraDerryberryPPa

Think about it this way: if you schedule a consultation or speaking engagement based on a heavily manipulated headshot, wouldn't it be jarring for potential clients to meet you in person and find you look entirely different- or not be able to find you in? This disconnect creates confusion and damages your professional image. It is SO awkward to start a meeting with “Oh wow, you don’t look like your photo” eek! A real headshot doesn’t have people scrutinizing to see if it is fake. You want them to scan your headshot in 3 seconds, note that you took the time, effort, and were committed to presenting a professional image and THEN scrutinize your resume and portfolio!

Besides the fact that I look like a cartoon person (see hands, eyes, and skin), I paid $29 for these photos that are A) Extremely unflattering in angle, facial shape, and body shape and B) Still mostly look like they were taken at a wedding/engagement party, so aren’t very professional. I received about 30 photos, and can’t upload them all here. But there is not a single one that is even remotely possible to use online.” - Dan St Louis

People can spot a fake picture a mile away, they just know even if they don’t know why. Using AI or outdated portraits senda clear message: dishonesty. Or just “weird”. It’s fine and fun for Facebook, but your new AI filter is not for sharing with bosses, colleagues, or especially potential clients you want to trust you! Consider that a recent study by the University of California, Berkeley found that exposure to deepfakes – including AI-generated headshots – significantly kills trust. 

Using a picture that isn’t of you damages your credibility. People do business with people. Using fake images makes it harder for us to connect as humans - and will make it even harder to know if we’re doing business with who we thought we were.
— AI headshots undermine your integrity, authenticity and humanity by Lisa Riemers : bit.ly/LisaRiemersLinkedIn

Not that I am going to send you out into the world with flat passports photos- professional retouching is absolutely essential. A skilled photographer like myself can enhance your natural beauty, eliminate minor imperfections, and ensure your headshot flatters your features. Retouching can make you look and feel your best without unrealistic and frankly cheesy or uncanny valley AI pictures. Photoshop is a gift, but you want to look your best and remain real not plastic. There's a world of difference between a flattering retouch and a completely fabricated image.

Building trust is so important when beginning a successful business relationship. Showing off an AI picture or one 15 years old, even if it appeals to your inner critic, essentially tells potential clients they can't rely on you for authenticity. Or maybe that you are kinda delusional or kinda vain. Sorry! But depending on what you are looking for in a new job to a big client fake photos definitely undermine your credibility.

Headshots are more than just professional portraits; they are a pivotal tool in shaping how individuals are perceived by potential clients, employers, and colleagues. In business, where transactions are about products or services and personal connections, an effective headshot can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful partnership.
— Denver Headshot Co. : https://www.denverheadshotco.com/psychology-of-effective-headshots/

You are your brand. Embrace your unique qualities, your experience, and your location. A professional headshot that showcases the real you – with the help of some expert retouching – will give far more positive attention than an artificial one.

So you want to project an image of confidence, approachability, and honesty but maybe you don’t feel so confident about your appearance…that describes 99.999% of everybody I have ever met.

 I will help you!  We all get self-conscious and worried, we all suffer from Imposter Syndrome. Someone who doesn’t seem to is either better at projecting it or they believed It Until they became it!

A policy of honesty may not always seem like the best idea in what can oftentimes be perceived as a cutthroat business environment. But honesty and transparency are ultimately vital for lasting business relationships.

These traits are key to gaining loyal, lifelong customers. While dishonesty may seem to provide some short-term benefits, if you want long-term success, honesty is always the best policy.
— The Role Of Honesty In Success by Kate Vitasek Senior Contributor Forbes

Choose honesty and success over a distorted unhealthy perception of your attractiveness that just isn’t true reality! 

Let's schedule a headshot session and create a visual representation that accurately reflects your professionalism and attracts the right clients. Remember, in business, authenticity is always the winning strategy.

Anjeanette, PhoenixHeadshotPro.com




A special thank you to the following professionals for their informative and helpful info on the subject:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariemers/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiraderryberry/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/denver-headshot-company/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katevitasek/

The Light Committee

Check out this article by Tonya Echols PCC, CPC, CDE 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/believe-until-you-become-tonya-echols-acc-cpc-cpa/

Flor Aparicio | Personal Branding & Professional Headshots | Branding & Modern Headshots in Phoenix Arizona by Anjeanette Photography

Real Estate Vice President Flor Aparicio is a mentor, trainer, coach, recruiter, asset manager, team builder, motivator, and all-around powerhouse in the Phoenix business world! We got some updated branding photos for her at C+ A’s newly designed mid-century corporate headquarters on Thomas Rd.

est headshots in Phoenix near me, Branding portraits by Anjeanette Photography professional business photos in Arizona

While her original headshots and branding portraits with me from a few years ago are still among my favorite sessions, Flor understands staying in the forefront of people’s minds in the real estate world where she IS her most valuable commodity. She is her brand, and the brand is fabulous!!

As a professional headshot photographer in Phoenix, I've had the privilege of working with many incredible women who are leaders in the local real estate industry. Their drive, determination, and ability to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field is truly inspiring. Flor is one such remarkable individual.

I am always struck by her poise and professionalism. With years of experience navigating the dynamic Phoenix market, she exudes an aura of confidence and expertise that is simply magnetic. During our session, she shared insights into her journey, discussing the challenges she's faced and the strategies that have allowed her to continually elevate her career.

That commitment to cultivating an impactful professional image radiates through every aspect of Flor's persona. From her tailored ensembles to her warmly engaging demeanor, she exemplifies the sophisticated yet personable brand identity that today's discerning buyers and sellers gravitate towards. By carefully choreographing lighting, backdrops and posing to highlight her subject's unique strengths, the resulting images seamlessly blend contemporary sophistication with an inviting human element.

est headshots in Phoenix near me, Branding portraits by Anjeanette Photography professional business photos in Arizona

As I've collaborated with trailblazing professionals like Flor, I've gained a profound appreciation for the multifaceted role that headshots play in cultivating respect, establishing authority and projecting an undeniable air of influence. These images transcend being mere head-and-shoulder portraits – they are quintessential vignettes that spotlight the very essence of game-changing women like Flor. And by giving them the tools to control their personal narrative, I, too, become an integral part of elevating their remarkable journeys.

Professional Headshots Peoria & Glendale | Artistic Photographer Anjeanette.Photography | Phoenix AZ

Professional & stylish headshots for real estate, social media portraits, corporations and artists-in the Phoenix, Arizona area

Hi Key white example above

Hi Key white example above

Traditional Black example above

Traditional Black example above

Above: painted canvas backdrop examples, Muted Grey example below

Headshot Package Includes :

    •    Unlimited consultation
    •    On Location Shoot at your location or my studio portrait setting
    •    Multiple Poses,  2-3 Wardrobe Changes possible
    •    Online Download Gallery of 10+ images
    •    Beautifully edited images, including light skin retouch

PLUS Promotion on Blog, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Google Business, and more- that’s more SEO presence for your buck!

LOCATION OF YOUR CHOOSING
I can travel to your corporate offices or even the comfort of your home! Or visit my studio space.

I offer a full service head to 3/4 set up that is mobile as well. I provide everything needed. I travel for free in a 20 miles radius of North Phoenix/Peoria. Additional travel is possible for small travel expenses. Weekend and evening appointments are done without extra charge. 

Keep in mind the extra charge per each 15 minutes. We will fit all we can into your session!

FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL HEADSHOT SESSION:

COST PHOENIX AZ HEADSHOTS PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT BUSINESS PHOTO ANJEANETTE PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR YOUR TEAM HEADSHOT SESSION:

COST PHOENIX AZ HEADSHOTS PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT BUSINESS PHOTO ANJEANETTE PHOTOGRAPHY

 



Anjeanette.Photography headshots Peoria & Glendale AZ head shot Pictures by portrait photographer Phoenix Artistic Photographer professional headshot portrait session

Outdoor 'casual' headshots also available!

Modern, funky, & artistic to a classic, traditional, headshot for Real Estate, Actors, Artists, and Corporate Professionals from: Peoria & Glendale AZ Headshots by portrait photographer Phoenix Artistic Photographer Anjeanette.Photography http://www.anjeanette.photography TEXT (615) 944-1356 IG @phoenixheadshotphotography Thank you for the music!