What Do Mugshots Have That Most Team Headshots Do Not?
Are your team’s headshots as good as the mugshots above?
Just think of the word mugshot and there is absolutely no question of the image that pops into your mind. It is usually of some celebrity that has been caught on the wrong side of the law or the typical person who looks absolutely miserable for a very good reason. In other words, mugshots have established a consistent and identifiable brand! You have to give the law enforcement industry credit; they have absolutely nailed their inmates’ visual branding!
By no means am I recommending you settle for terrible photos. (Though I have to say, the ones above look pretty darn good compared to most headshots I see around the web.) But, if a mugshot can manage to meet just one of the basic team headshot requirements and your business can’t then, it’s time to step up your game.
Most businesses work hard and dedicate lots of budget to make sure their branding, websites, collateral, and even the way they dress and present themselves to their target market is true to their brand, right down to the finest details. Everything about their logos to the layout and functionality of their websites is reviewed hundreds or thousands of times by their hired designers and internal team. No stone is left unturned to make sure they are connecting with their audience and providing a seamless experience. That is, except for one component of their branding which, for some unexplainable reason, they do not feel is as deserving of such attention and importance.
Look at almost any business’ About or Team page; this is what you will find.
You will find this, too.
After investing who knows how many internal hours and thousands of dollars on professionals to create the perfect, on brand website, ninety-nine out of one hundred times they rely on their employees to provide the “best” photos of themselves. They are typically outdated, unprofessional, poorly lit, crops from group photos, or selfies. None of which come close to approaching the quality of every other aspect of their marketing.
What about your team’s headshots? Have you considered the power of a strong, consistent, and confident visual brand when it comes to your employee’s photos? Put yourself in your prospects’ shoes. How would you feel about doing business with the people on your team based on the headshots on your website and in your collateral?
What Should Team Headshots Look Like?
Your team headshots should be consistent in lighting, posing, camera height, and mood. The background should be plain, or at least very out of focus so it does not distract from the subject. Eyes must be well lit as they are what your audience wants to see first and what instills confidence in your people and business. Clothing should not have any patterns or distracting logos unless they are part of a uniform or your brand. And remember, these are Headshots, not portraits or branding photos. The image should be no lower than right below the collar bone. That is especially important when they are used as social media profile photos that are very small.
I recommend that you download my 2024 Team Headshot Guide. Why? You will learn why consistent, professional headshots are so important to your business. You will see tips about how to prepare your team for their new headshots, learn why proper lighting is so important, and much more.
Turn Your Mugshots Into Headshots
Schedule a free consultation with me (Charlie Cotugno) to answer any questions you might have or when you want to turn your mugshots into headshot images that attract more clients.
Citation
- Charles Cotugno Photography – Corporate Headshots.