Your photograph plays a significant role in your digital presence on your website and in your profiles online.

Someone seeking legal counsel will likely conduct an internet search to find the websites of attorneys in a specific area of practice; once they land on yours, they will look over your headshot and credentials.

Or, they may check LinkedIn, AVVO or another database of lawyers, which also features your photo.

Perhaps you are meeting a client for the first time on Zoom. You don’t want any significant disparity between your current appearance and your photo. A potential client will surely overlook a few gray hairs or some extra pandemic pounds, but an outdated photo may undermine their trust in your ability to represent them.

How often should you update your photo? Some say your portrait represents you well for three to five years, assuming there is no change in your hairstyle (and color), plus your eyeglasses. When your headshot is more than five years old, it’s time to set it aside and take a new photo.

Best Practices

Here are some tips as you get ready for a new portrait in the new year.

• Hire a professional photographer. This is not the time for a selfie.
• Many people feel more confident after a new haircut. Get a trim and be inspired to project a positive outlook. If appropriate, consider a quick touch up of your roots.
• Consider having your makeup done by a professional.
• Practice your smile.
• Review your outfit(s) to be consistent with your image: no doubt, you wish to be perceived as knowledgeable and approachable. Select a solid color jacket, blazer or dress; maybe a small print will not distract the viewer from your face.
• Use a neutral background in your office, or the white backdrop of the photographer’s studio.
• Let the photographer guide you on a standing pose, facing front or positioned at an angle.
• Finally, have fun, relax and enjoy being in the spotlight.

Remember, someone is probably seeing your headshot online, before they meet with you.

After you chat at a workshop or networking event, someone will likely check your online photo to confirm you are the person with whom they spoke, and not someone with your same name.

You control how you will look in your portrait, so plan ahead to make sure you look your best and you make the most of your headshot.

 

Janet Falk, Ph.D.

Janet Falk is a Public Relations and Marketing Communications professional at Falk Communications and Research. She offers members of WOL a review of their Public Relations and Marketing activities in a Complimentary 30-minute consultation. She guarantees TWO Ideas. Contact her at 212.677.5770 or email at [email protected]