| We all know that person who ducks for cover every | | | | looks and images you'll receive for what price. Often |
| time a camera comes out. Maybe you even are that | | | | a professional makeup artist and hair service is |
| person. With the explosion of social media and online | | | | included. |
| communities, it is getting harder and harder to not have | | | | |
| a flattering headshot. There just seems to be more | | | | 4. Make the most of the shoot. Play music, wear |
| and more call for using one for both professional and | | | | your favorite clothes, bring friends or no one, whatever |
| personal pursuits. To stop hiding behind avatars of | | | | it takes to make you feel happy and comfortable. |
| flowers or your children, follow these simple tips: | | | | Schedule enough time so that you don't feel rushed. |
| | | | | If you're really stretching outside your comfort zone, |
| 1. Decide that you should have an attractive headshot | | | | schedule a celebration drink with friends afterwards. |
| for no other reason than you deserve it. There's a | | | | |
| reason why makeover shows often culminate in photo | | | | 5. Use your resulting images widely – Post them |
| shoots. It's remarkable how seeing yourself reflected | | | | on your social media accounts, use them in your |
| can shape your self-image and self-confidence. If | | | | marketing and public relations, have them on your |
| you haven't had a professional photo taken since high | | | | website, as avatars in comments you post to blogs |
| school, you might be surprised at how it makes you | | | | and maybe even on your business card. Your |
| feel. | | | | headshot is one more way for people to connect with |
| 2. Tear our pictures of pictures that appeal to you. | | | | you and feel comfortable with you. Enjoy having one |
| Maybe it's the lighting, maybe it's the makeup. Maybe | | | | that you're proud of. |
| it's the fact that they're outdoors and look happy. | | | | Barbara Wayman, president of BlueTree Media, LLC, |
| Don't try to figure it out – just hang on to them and | | | | publishes The Stand Out Newsletter, an |
| keep them in a file. When you're ready, you and your | | | | award-winning ezine for people who want to know |
| photographer will use them to help arrange a shoot | | | | how to leverage the power of marketing and public |
| that is likely to give you the results you want. | | | | relations. Get your free subscription today at |
| | | | | |
| 3. Pick a photographer whose work you like. To find | | | | This article may be reprinted when the copyright and |
| one, call up some local modeling agencies and ask | | | | author bio are included. |
| them who they recommend. Many photographers | | | | |
| offer basic packages and clearly spell out how many | | | | ©2010 Barbara Wayman, BlueTree Media, LLC. |