New image? Time for a new portrait

If you’re updating your look, make sure the portrait photography that sells you and your business is updated too.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve taken portrait shots for Stephen Bayliss, singer, songwriter, performer and all round lovely chap. On every one of those occasions his signature look – those trademark dreadlocks – have been present and correct. So it came as something of a shock to find that, after 20 years in the business, Stephen and the dreads have parted company.

Now you might say that updating the portrait shots of any singer or actor is par for the course, since image is such a huge part of their success – and you’d be right. But as I worked with Stephen on capturing the studio and location shots that displayed his personality as well as the new look, it occurred to me that we could all learn a thing or two from his approach.

That became even more apparent when I caught up with a copywriting colleague recently who, in contrast to his (sort of) youthful, clean shaven website portrait, now sports an awful lot more grey hair and a full beard.

You see, if you’re heading for a meeting with someone new today, you know full well they’ll have Googled you first. If your portrait photography doesn’t match the person who walks through the door they’ll wonder why – assuming they recognise you at all.

Portrait photography isn’t indulgent, embarrassing, immodest or any of the other things I’ve heard used as excuses for not getting it done. It’s a business courtesy, a calling card that says ‘this is what I look like now’.

That’s something singers and actors rightly place huge value on. Is it time you thought the same way?

Does the portrait on your website look like someone else? Let’s have a chat about freshening things up. You’ll find me here.