‘You don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression.’

We’ve heard that saying many times, however with social media playing a huge part in our lives, that first impression is often made before we’ve even met someone. A quick look at your profile photograph on social media or your website, and your connections are already forming an opinion of you.

What does your profile photograph say about you? ‘I like to go out with my friends on a weekend’,  ‘I take a great selfie’? All fine... unless you are looking for a new career, want to raise your professional profile or if you are building your business.

Your profile photo plays an important part in how you are perceived by your connections on social media and your website, so you may want to change it.

Consider the platform you are using, your audience and what you want your profile photograph to say about you/your business? ‘I’m professional’, ‘open’, ‘approachable’ etc.  

Here are some tips for a photograph that makes the right impression.

• Make sure the person taking the photo knows how to use a camera (no selfies please).
• You should be the only person in the photograph so your audience knows who they are connecting with.
• Plain backgrounds work best, nothing too distracting – remember it’s all about you!!
• Get a selection of photographs to use when appropriate – formal, more relaxed, an outdoor shot if appropriate for you. You will need close crops for your social media profile pictures, but wider photos may be more appropriate for your website.
• If using a professional photographer, make sure you acquire the rights to use the photos.

Here are just some of the professional photos we've taken for various companies and individuals. Click here for details on our professional shoots.