Not many people love standing in front of a camera, but in 2022 a professional headshot will help you stand out in the job market. Our tips to help you get the best real estate headshots. Realtor headshots are vital for anyone that wishes to look professional and trustworthy.
Unprofessional or outdated headshots can ruin your marketing efforts and make your potential customers pass on you. This article will help you to make the headshots work for you and avoid mistakes.
As a headshot photographer, I’ve worked with hundreds of real estate agents to update their headshots. And, now I am ready to share this guide with you for you to get professional realtor headshots even if you are not photogenic.
Why Professional Realtor Headshots are a Must in 2022
This is how you make a first impression on your clients. You may spend time and money on networking and on word of mouth referrals, however, based on recent statistics 99% of Millennials search for realtors online.
Putting efforts into your online presence and professional headshots will make it more likely that these people will choose you whenever they need you. Besides, the first impression is what matters the most. According to studies, your clients size up your competence and trustworthiness, just by looking at your LinkedIn profile picture or your headshot on your website.
In short, your pictures and headshots do matter. A professionally taken headshot is a photo that builds your reputation and a connection to your business.
Define your Target Market
Depending on the types of homes you sell your headshot has to be different. That is why, firstly you need to define your target market, be it luxury homes, homes in small towns or condos.
Another question is who your potential customer is. Your photo has to resonate with the right people you are targeting.
Hire a Professional Headshot Photographer
Don’t ruin your reputation by posting an amateur headshot. We all have friends with a DSLR camera or iPhone 13. However, professional realtor headshots are more about lighting and coaching rather than about equipment. And, of course, let’s not forget about a professional retouch that you cannot do by yourself.
The smartest way is to trust the professionals and hire a professional realtor headshot photographer in Los Angeles, or wherever you are located. Just ask for recommendations or google search for a realtor headshot photographer near you. As soon as you have the names, make sure to check the photographers’ portfolio and read reviews on Google and Yelp. Professional headshot photography rates may be much higher than you could have imagined but you should view it as an investment in your
Choose Your Location
The background you use for your headshot can contain a message and communicate to your audience. You can choose the location yourself, or ask your photographer for recommendations.
Here is a list of portrait locations for professional realtor headshots in Los Angeles, or wherever you are located:
- In Studio
- Cityscape
- In a neighbourhood
- In a home
- In your office space
- In the city
With the right camera lens, your professional headshot photographer can blur out the background enough, at the same time give a feel for your brand.
Day of Photoshoot Tips
It is not a secret that you should look perfect in your real estate headshot. Here are a couple of tricks to do so. Firstly, stay out of the sun the day before your shoot. Sleep well to make sure you look fresh and rested. Have your clothes ready in advance. Take extra clothes with you in case you spill something on yourself. All these small things will help you avoid stress right before the shoot.
Practice your smile in the mirror before the shoot. Studies show that smiling headshots communicate approachability, competence, and warmth to your potential clients. This will make your clients more confident reaching out to you, especially over the phone. An experienced photographer, will not let you fake your smile. They will make you laugh to capture your “after smile”.
Your Good Side and Posture
Though the photographer will help you define your good side, try to do it yourself before the shoot. It will make you feel more confident. Another important thing is to stand up straight. The right posture will make you look more confident and competent.
No Double Chin
The right photographer will show you how to get rid of the double chin and make sure you follow the instructions. You will need to push your forehead forward and chin down. Do it in front of the mirror and you will see its magic.
Trust your Photographer. Now that you have hired a professional photographer that’s because you liked their work. It is time to give it a try, relax and trust your photographer. Experienced photographer with a rich portfolio knows what they are doing. If you are ready to take advice and be coached, you will experience less pressure and look more relaxed in the photos.
After Your Professional Realtor Headshot Session
Now that you have all the retouched images it is time to update your profile pictures on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and, of course, on your website. If you need to crop it, make sure to ask the photographer to do it for you as there are specific rules to follow. Otherwise, you can easily ruin your professional headshot by just cropping it in the wrong way.
I hope the professional realtor headshot guide helped you and you will be able to get the best professional headshots in 2022. Our next blog will be about what to wear for your realtor headshot session and how to pose for pictures. You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page.
