Your Headshot Has More Than One Job

…And you might need more than one version of yourself

One of the biggest reasons I don’t think you need to use the exact same photograph everywhere is that different situations call for different versions of your professional self.

Your LinkedIn profile might benefit from something polished and professional. It’s your first impression when someone is checking you out professionally, so a classic headshot can make a lot of sense.

But maybe your website is designed to feel more relaxed and approachable. Or perhaps you’re a business owner whose personality is a huge part of what you sell. A more casual portrait might communicate that side of you much better.

Neither photograph is more “you” than the other.

They’re simply communicating something different.

Think about the people you work with. Some clients might want to see the polished, buttoned-up professional. Others might connect more with the approachable, relaxed person behind the business. And sometimes you need to be both.

That’s why, when you’re planning a headshot or personal branding session, it’s worth thinking beyond “I need one good headshot.”

Instead, think about the different places your images will appear and the different things you need them to communicate.

You might want:

The polished you
For LinkedIn, professional directories, speaking bios or corporate communications.

The approachable you
For your website, About page or social media.

The working you
Actually doing what you do, whether that’s meeting with clients, creating something, teaching, consulting or working at your desk.

The personality-filled you
The images that show the person behind the business and give potential clients a reason to connect with you.

Having a variety of images doesn’t make your brand inconsistent. It gives your brand dimension.

The key is making sure all of those photographs still feel like they belong to the same person. Consistent editing, styling, lighting and overall visual direction can tie everything together, even when the photographs themselves have very different moods.

Your professional life isn’t one-dimensional, so your photographs don’t have to be either.