Typical Questions about HEadshots (FAQ)
5 Reasons why you need a professional headshot?
1. It gives a face to your company.
In today’s digital world we are all tired of big faceless corporations with huge call centres.
We want to form relationships. That is why we have: OUR doctor, OUR hairdresser and even OUR waiter. Putting a photo next to your name makes it more personal.
2. Matching your digital identity with who you are in the real world.
How many times have we had great service from a company? You tell your friends about them. They go onto their website and there’s just nothing going on. It is an immediate let-down to a prospective client, and they’ll just keep on browsing, looking for another, better and more visible company to provide the service they are seeking.
3. Stand-out from the digital noise
Whenever I go onto my facebook feed all I see is cats, babies and blurred out travel photos. When a great photo comes along, I stop and I notice.
4. Adds Credibility
How many times have you gone onto a website and all you see is a faceless shape sitting there? Your first thought? SCAM.
5. Looks professional
Plainly put – it just looks professional. Why would you invest R500 000 with someone if the photos on his site looks like it has been taken with a cell phone?
Where can I use my headshots?
So Obviously a headshot goes a long way. But where exactly can we use it?
1. Website
2. All the different social media channels
3. Linkedin
4. Press releases
5. Advertising including Bill boards and on cars
6. Blogs and Guest Blogs
7. Bios for trade magazines, media articles and printed media
8. Business card
9. Bottom of your signature
11 tips on what to wear for your headshot session
Although we want to fit into a profile and specific look for the website and the company but you want the photos to be great representation of who you are
1. The Brief
Always find out what the backdrop will be. Management usually decides this as part of the brief. Knowing in advance helps you avoid awkward clashes (for example, a white shirt against a white wall).
2. Dress Code
Check if there’s a specific dress code: uniforms, ties, or casual? Don’t arrive in flip-flops if everyone else is in suits.
3. Confidence in What You Wear
If you feel confident in your outfit, it will show on camera. Simple as that.
4. Jewelry
Less is more. Avoid oversized or distracting pieces. Gentlemen, this applies to you too.
5. Waist Up
Since photos are usually taken from the waist up, focus on your top half.
6. Logos and Patterns
Skip bold logos, busy patterns, or large branding that may distract from your face.
7. Lint and Dust
Choose fabrics that don’t easily collect fluff or lint.
8. Final Check
Do a last-minute mirror check before your session to ensure everything looks neat..
9. Outfit Change
If you’re unsure about the brief, bring a second outfit as a backup.
10. No Hats or Sunglasses
Leave hats and sunglasses at home—unless you’re 50 Cent. (If you don’t know who that is, you’re safe.)
11. Rest Up
Get a good night’s sleep and stay hydrated. It makes a noticeable difference on camera.
Although I have access to a studio in Durbanville, most clients prefer that I come to their location.
Typically, I set up in the boardroom ahead of time, and we conduct the shoot right there.
Setup usually takes about an hour, with each individual session lasting 5–10 minutes.
What background should we use?
Choosing the right background is an important decision, and ultimately one the client needs to make. It depends on your website, your industry, and the overall look you want for your brand.
Do you prefer something dynamic and lively, or a plain and neutral setting? The background could be your boardroom, the factory floor, or any space that reflects the feel you want for your business.
Another option is to shoot at an external location, though this can involve extra time and cost to arrange.
A popular choice is the classic “clean look,” achieved by shooting against a plain wall or by renting a professional backdrop. Personally, I recommend neutral tones—especially grey—as they work beautifully across different skin tones, clothing styles, and website designs.
We’ll discuss your options during the brief and, if needed, decide together which background colour to rent for the shoot.
How often do you need to update your headshot?
We all have that one photo from a few years ago—where your skin looked great, you were at your slimmest, and you felt like you’d stay 27 forever.
In reality, most companies refresh their headshots every 2–3 years, though this can vary depending on the industry. If your business has a high staff turnover, updates usually happen more frequently.
The key idea is simple: your headshot should look like you do now, so clients and colleagues recognize you when they meet you.
Why do I enjoy/like headshots so much?
Whenever people walk into the boardroom for headshots, you can almost feel the nerves. Many are there because the boss asked them to be, not because they want to—and that anxiety shows.
That’s where my job comes in. With the right lighting, lens choice, posing, and posture, I work to bring out the very best version of each person.
The moment I enjoy most is when they finally look at the back of the camera and realize just how good they look.
They may walk in hesitant and groggy, but they walk out with a smile—feeling confident, proud, and often pleasantly surprised.