HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET NEW HEADSHOTS?
Without a headshot both actors and business people alike would struggle to make an impression in their chosen field - but how often should they update these headshots? It’s an important question. After all, as an actor, the headshot is the single most powerful tool you have in securing that sought after role - and if you don’t look like your headshot, there is a much higher risk of rejection.
WHEN SHOULD I UPDATE MY HEADSHOTS?
For actors, the headshot is clearly a vital consideration, but those in other professional fields also require high quality images of themselves. Whether we like it or not, we live in an attention economy and gaining attention is often a matter of a split second. The image you portray is vital for your success - can you afford to miss out on the value a high quality headshot can bring to your business?
Posting a photograph from your sister’s wedding a decade ago is hardly the first impression you want someone to have of you - least of all if it doesn’t much resemble you anymore. Age, diet and fitness regimes can make a huge difference to the way we look and you want to reflect that in photographs of you. Let’s update that headshot!
UPDATING ACTOR’S HEADSHOTS REGULARLY
As a rule of thumb, then, actors should look to update their headshots every two years or if they make major changes to their appearance. However, I always advise my acting clients that they should look to change their headshot on Spotlight (or other casting platforms) once every three to six months. So, having an array of different images available is vitally important. That’s why I look to provide a full portfolio service to my clients. They like to come away with enough images for a full two years - where they can gradually swap out all their images on a regular basis. This way, they look active and keep the attention on themselves without having to book another headshot session. If they only bought just enough images during their session they wouldn’t be able to do this.
BUSINESS HEADSHOTS ARE ABOUT HONESTY
For professionals in the business world, your headshot can last for a little longer - but should things drastically change, it makes sense to get a new headshot. Honesty is a valued attribute in the business world and hiding behind an old headshot (without the wrinkles) may not be your best bet. Equally, for business clients, many of them like to take away a good range of images of themselves - a lot of people use images of themselves to promote their products or services and having an array of different shots is important.
How often you update your headshots - or images of yourself in general - is mostly a matter of common sense. Working in a fast paced, competitive world may prompt you to want to keep your imagery up-to-date and fresh - working with specific photographers for example can help boost your profile, or help you get the style you want. Check out my guide on choosing the best headshot photographer for you here.