Unleash Your Headshot

The English idiom "don't judge a book by its cover" is a metaphorical phrase that means one shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone.

Unfortunately, that phrase with origins as early as 1860 didn't have the age of the internet in mind.

The digital world is fast-paced and your connections, your future customers or next employer, are all getting their first impression from your profile picture.

Did you know psychology researchers discovered in a series of experiments that we spend a tenth of a second forming an impression from a stranger's face?

1/10 of a second!

Judgements like attractiveness, likability, trustworthiness, competence, and aggressiveness were assessed immediately and the studies further showed increasing our exposure time didn't significantly change our first impression.

Throughout my military service we moved every two to three years. House hunting overseas or across the country became easier with the internet age, but so did embellishing reality.

During a move from Hawaii to Pennsylvania, we searched the internet for a real estate agent and found a young lady whose advertisement boasted she was knowledgeable about the military community, so we contracted with her.

At the time I was unable to fly to meet the Realtor due to my advanced pregnancy, so my spouse went. Upon arrival at the airport, he was greeted by an elderly woman whom he assumed may have been a friend or the relative of the Realtor.

In reality the picture we saw online was at least 20 years old.

Did we have a right to be upset?

Some would say no, age shouldn't matter.

Some would say yes, mis-representing yourself that much speaks to your trustworthiness.

Regardless, you have less than a second to make that first impression, so why not show the authentic you?

Unleash that headshot!

Here are three things to consider about your professional headshot:

1. For the job seekers, recruiters and employers are googling your name the minute your resume hits their queue. Your headshot, your social media history, your tweets, will all help them form that first impression.

2. "You look exactly like your picture." This is a compliment in my book. Your headshot helps the viewer put a face to your name and showcase your true personality.

3. How you take your picture is another way to convey your personal or business branding. A professional photographer can help you tell your story simply by where and how they capture your image.

So are you ready to unleash your headshot?

Laura Hatcher is a retired Naval Officer, Mother, Harley Rider and Published Professional Photographer located in Northern Virginia.  Her Studio is on 218 North Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

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