A person in a black patterned polo shirt and khaki pants stands confidently in an indoor setting.
Professional headshot of someone in a gray blazer and white blouse seated on a white couch in a modern home office setting.
Professional woman in gray suit jacket smiling and posing in modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

All the Places Your Headshot Will Go

(and Why It Should Be the Real You!)


Let’s play a little game. Quick—think of where people use a headshot.

Did you say LinkedIn? Maybe a website bio?


Well, buckle up, because your headshot is destined for way more places than you might think.


I didn’t truly understand this until I started running my own photography business. Suddenly, my face was everywhere—on online profiles, in press features, event promos—and I realized just how important it is to have a current, authentic headshot.


Your headshot isn’t just a pretty picture. It’s the face of your brand. It’s your first handshake in a digital world. You want that handshake to say:

  • I’m professional.
  • I’m approachable.
  • I know my stuff.
  • I'm here to serve you.


Let’s be crystal clear about this part: An AI-generated headshot will never build trust the way a real photo of YOU does. People want to see your actual face—the unique expressions, the real spark in your eyes. Authenticity matters more than ever, especially when people are investing their money. Don’t short-change the power of a REAL photo.


So, let’s take a tour of all the places your headshot will go—and why it’s so important to keep it fresh and real.


Catch Eyes. Build Trust. Show Personality.

People do business with people they know, like, and trust. A dated, blurry, or stiff headshot can make you look out of touch—or worse, forgettable. A fresh, high-quality image conveys to the world that you’re serious about your business.

Let’s face it, none of us looks the same as we did five or ten years ago (and if you do—spill your skincare secrets, please!).


Updated headshots:

  • Help clients recognize you instantly across platforms.
  • Spark interest in your business and brand.
  • Showcase your personality and professionalism.
  • Lead to action—more inquiries, connections, and opportunities.


A real headshot creates a genuine connection that no AI image can replicate. AI will smooth your skin, tweak your smile, but it still isn't YOU.


All the Places Your Headshot Will Go


Here’s where that gorgeous, real-life headshot of yours can (and should!) shine:


Professional Networking Profiles

Think LinkedIn, Alignable, or any other platform where people go to check out your professional credentials. A clean, professional headshot helps you stand out in a sea of selfies—or worse, fake-looking AI avatars. If a person puts their face on their profile, it tells me they are more serious about their business and serving clients because they made the effort to get a real, professional photo.


Personal Branding

Entrepreneurs, creatives, speakers, authors… your headshot is a huge part of your brand story. It’s how people connect your face with your message, and an authentic image is crucial for building trust.


Social Media Profiles

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok—even your YouTube channel art. Your headshot helps maintain your brand consistency across all platforms. AI might give you a “perfect” face, but perfection can feel fake and distant and won't nurture a genuine relationship.


Business Cards

Yep, they’re still a thing! Especially if you’re networking in person. A headshot on your card makes it way easier for people to remember who you are. (An AI headshot might leave folks confused when they meet you IRL.)


Press & Media Features

Being interviewed? Quoted in an article? Hosting a podcast? Editors and journalists love a great headshot to pair with your name, and a real photo helps your audience trust that you’re the expert you say you are.


Speaking Engagements

Your headshot might end up on event programs, promo materials, or even a giant screen at a conference. You want it to look as current and confident as you do. And let’s be honest—nobody wants to see an AI version of you blown up 30 feet tall.


Website Bios

Your About page is one of the most frequently visited pages on your website. A warm, engaging headshot humanizes your brand and builds trust. It’s your first real “hello.”


Email Signatures

Especially in service-based businesses, adding your photo to your email signature makes your messages feel personal and memorable.


Podcasts & Digital Media

Podcast hosts, guest features, Clubhouse profiles—it all benefits from a great headshot. People want to connect your voice to your face. And that connection? It’s built on authenticity.


The Creative Twist

Beyond the standard uses, there are numerous fun ways to flair. Apps and platforms let you create stylized or artistic versions of your headshot—perfect for social media posts, marketing materials, or even digital business cards. Remember: creative edits are fun, but your headshot is far more impactful when you still look authentic and real!


Your Turn!

Tell me—where’s the most unexpected place you’ve used your headshot? When was the last time you updated yours?

If your answer is “Uhhh… it’s been a while,” then good news: I’ve got a way to make updating your headshot fun, easy, and actually enjoyable.


Are you READY for your closeup?

Click below to schedule a discovery call to learn more and secure your spot. Let’s ensure your first impression is unforgettable—and 100% authentically YOU.