Since moving Zack Smith Photography studios from my humble Magazine Street beginnings to my new Julia Street location, I have really enjoyed the ease in providing more creative headshot options for my clients. In other words, I just moved from a humble hovel in the Shire to a deluxe apartment in the sky! Well, at least it feels like that in a creative and service offering way.
In the dynamic landscape of professional branding and networking, the importance of a personal yet industry standard (wait…there’s a standard?) headshot cannot be overstated. Headshots are the visual handshake that introduces you to the world, conveying not only your appearance but also your personality and professionalism. While traditional head and shoulders shots have been the norm for decades, and still are in most applications, the need for a more lifestyle headshot is reshaping the way individuals present themselves in the business arena. In this post, I’ll explore why a combination of both lifestyle and traditional headshots can be a game-changer for your professional image.
Traditional Head and Shoulders Shots: Timeless Elegance and a Hearty How Do You Do!
First impressions matter, and traditional head and shoulders shots have long been a staple in professional portfolios. We use them all the time. From email icons, LinkedIN profiles, work badge ID’s and more, the classic composition, focusing on the head and upper body, provides a clean and polished image that exudes professionalism.
The simplicity of traditional headshots allows the viewer to concentrate on your facial features, promoting a sense of trust and approachability. This style is particularly effective in industries where a conservative and traditional image is highly valued, such as finance, law, or corporate leadership.
In the era of personal branding, authenticity is key. Relaxed and more informal lifestyle headshots offer a refreshing departure from the conventional, allowing your personality to shine through. In my Julia Street Studio we can incorporate elements of your daily life, such as your workplace, hobbies, or even a candid moment and lifestyle headshots create a more approachable and relatable image.
These shots are perfect for industries that thrive on creativity and innovation, such as marketing, entrepreneurship, or the arts. Potential clients and collaborators are not only interested in your professional prowess but also in the person behind the business.
In some of my most recent headshot jobs we have walked around the New Orleans Warehouse District or done some CBD Headshots (that’s Central Business District to you out of towners…) where we get some of the tall buildings that evoke ‘the business’ of our lifestyle headshot.
Lifestyle headshots humanize your brand, establishing a connection with your audience on a personal level.
While both traditional and lifestyle headshots have distinct advantages, the real magic happens when they are integrated strategically. I find that many of my clients are DIYers and are using both styles of headshots for their website, social media, and even using vertical headshots for blog posts and Instagram Reel covers.
A cohesive portfolio that includes a mix of these styles provides a well-rounded representation of your personal and professional identity. This hybrid approach caters to different audiences and platforms, ensuring that you leave a lasting impression in various professional scenarios.
I hope you got some inspiration for your next headshot branding project and give me a call or email to book your next session! There is plenty of parking around me, coffee across the street and ways to get creative inside!
