Headshots are such a vital part of a modern online business-- as vital as good product shots. When we go to feature a maker on our blog or when I've juried craft shows, it's shocking how terrible or non-existent maker headshots are.
And I totally get it.
#1: Makers tend to be shier and want to remain in the background while their product gets the attention.
#2: Professional headshots cost money and when you're running a lean business it's easy to feel like a selfie will do.
#3: Doesn't this seem a little self absorbed? Really? I need to get my hair and makeup done and then awkwardly have a stranger photograph me. Plus when I have them done my friends will think I'm vain.
There are probably more reasons too. I totally get it. It's taken me a LONG time to be appropriately self critical when judging professional photos of myself. I'm still just slightly less awkward being a model than when I first had professional headshots done.
But there really worth it. They are worth it because:
#1: It let's people know I am serious about my business.
#2: A good photographer produces photos that reflect my personality.
#3: When I am at events (like craft shows!) it helps people identify me so we can have a conversation.
#4: It helps people understand that HUMANS run this business-- not a giant corporation.
#5: I'm not embarrassed to pitch myself to podcasts, blogs and to potential partners. I don't fear being asked, "Can you send over a headshot?"
I wanted to show you the photos from our latest photo shoot that we did at Craftcation back in April with the brilliant Sarah Deragon of Portraits to the People (she had a special headshot session for attendees and since Isaac and I are rarely together-- he's in Portland and I'm in Los Angeles-- it was a no-brainer). Some of them are our final photos and some are behind-the-scenes photos our marketing coordinator Sandy took.
I also want to share with you before and after headshots of makers in our community so you can see what a difference they make.
Final Headshots
Behind-the-Scenes
Sarah kept me looking good!
I tried to make Isaac laugh off camera whenever I could.
Just posing like a couple of nerds. It helped that we just tried to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously.
(Left: old headshot Right: current headshot)
Q:What difference has having these new head shots made?
Having better headshots has made a difference in my business through unspoken communication. I ended up choosing a different headshot because the photographer kept making me laugh and I think this communicates who I am to people. I keep my head down staying busy but I'm laughing and enjoying every minute of it.
When I added my headshot to my website I noticed a spike in visits to my about page and I changed all of my social media profiles to match. I know have a consistent image across all platforms. It was a good choice and I am happy I made it.
Keira Schultz
Keira Schultz of KSDesigns LLC
(Left: old headshot, Right: current headshot)
Q:What difference has having these new head shots made?
Having a head shot has been a great tool for my website and social media. It helps to humanize the shop and put a face to my products. Showing your customers who you are and sharing your story really helps to build better connections.
Rosalie Gale
Rosalie Gale of Ugly Baby
(Left: old headshot, Right: current headshot)
Q:What difference has having these new head shots made?
I've just recently changed from a photograph to this amazing illustration by the very talented Nicole Stevenson. I like that the illustration aspect of it allows me to be more of a character in my business -- instead of my real person-self. It's also great in the sense that I could gloss over reality a bit and ask Nicole to smooth out anything I didn't like. That was a real gift!
Adwoa Grier
Adwoa Grier of Adwoa Design
(Left: old headshot, Right: current headshot)
Q:What difference has having these new head shots made?
Taking professional headshots has made a HUGE difference for me all around. I'm so grateful for a photographer that brought out my best, (thank you Sarah!!!) I'm much more confident when I compose my pitches with an image that I'm proud of. A selfie just won't do. I can use the images for marketing and easily make press files as well. As the face of your brand, you have to invest in great headshots. I'm glad that I finally did.
Richelle Shadoan
Richelle Shadoan of Red Scorpio Made
(Left: old headshot, Right: current headshot)
Q:What difference has having these new head shots made?
The first one was totally amateur, but I had makeup on, so I took a fairly decent selfie just so I would have one. The new head shot is flattering and looks professional, so I feel a lot more comfortable submitting it when a headshot is called for.
Danielle Kish
Danielle Kish of Sixteen50°
(Left: old headshot, Right: current headshot)
Q:What difference has having these new head shots made?
It has made a better first impression on so many levels!
Nykke Coleman
Nykke Coleman of Paper Elephant
(Left: old headshot, Right: current headshot)
Q:What difference has having these new head shots made?
I get a number of compliments on the new shot. And for someone who hates having their photo taken that means a lot to me. The old shot was fine, but it was obviously a selfie (I don't know why other people enjoy these so much). It's lovely to have a nice photo that has been beautifully edited (and a little re-touched) to give you confidence in yourself.
