The Hidden Cost of a Bad Headshot: Are You Losing Business?
You gotta understand first - my friend is a lovely person. She’s not judgey, snobby, or mean. But, like all of us, she forms first impressions. And when it came to house hunting, those impressions were shaped in a surprising way.
Let’s call her Kellie. She spent months scrolling through TradeMe, searching for her perfect home. During that time, she got familiar with the real estate agents representing the listings. Without ever meeting them, she found herself making judgments based on their profile photos.
Now, real estate agents already have a bit of a reputation (eep, stereotypes!), so she was wary. She instinctively assessed them by their images - some came across as warm, open, supportive, and trustworthy. Others? Well, some looked standoffish, and a few even seemed shady, like they were hiding something.
She showed me, and while I really don’t want to judge people based on their photos - it’s their choice, after all - I had to admit she had a point.
Some agents were using photos where the lighting cast deep shadows over their faces, making them appear, quite literally, “shady.” Others had an odd head tilt or a side-eye expression that unintentionally made them look sneaky. And the impact? If Kellie was interested in a property but felt uneasy about the agent’s photo, she’d simply contact another agent from the same company.
Ouch. Freaking OUCH. Imagine losing potential business just because your photo gave the wrong impression!
If one of these were my headshot, how would you perceive me?.. Photos of Tabitha Arthur, personal brand photographer.
Are Your Photos Helping or Hurting You?
Be honest - have you ever made snap judgments about someone based on their photo? I know I have. When I was searching for a new healthcare practitioner a few years ago, I found myself drawn to professionals whose images felt warm and approachable. Their photo made me feel like I could trust them before I even met them.
Your image is your first impression.
Whether you’re a real estate agent, a coach, a consultant, or any kind of professional, people are forming opinions about you within seconds of seeing your photo.
Fantastic photos of real authentic people we’d love to know, photographed by personal branding photography expert Tabitha Arthur.
The Solution: Be Intentional About Your Image
If your current headshot or branding photo isn’t aligned with how you want to be perceived, it’s worth re-evaluating. Here’s what to consider:
Lighting Matters. Harsh shadows can make you look untrustworthy. Soft, even lighting creates a natural and approachable feel.
Expression is Everything. A genuine smile conveys warmth and confidence. A forced smile or awkward angle can send mixed signals.
Clarity & Quality. A pixelated or outdated photo doesn’t inspire confidence. Professional, high-quality images show that you take yourself and your business seriously.
Authenticity Wins. Your image should feel like you - polished, yes, but also real and relatable.
A great photo isn’t about vanity - it’s about making sure people get the right impression of you, so you don’t lose opportunities before you even get to the conversation.
So, take a look at your current professional image. Is it working for you - or against you?
