Modern Realtor Headshots

Real estate agents meet and interact with many clients on social media and property listing websites, so their headshot is often their first impression. Having a high-quality professional photo that shows who you are and what you stand for is important. It’s not easy though—you have to find the perfect outfit for your LinkedIn headshot, find a way to seem both approachable and professional, and decide if you need to find a professional headshot photographer in your area.

In this article, we’ll talk about why headshots matter, and how to get the one that’s right for you–right here in Phoenix, Arizona.

Why Modern Realtor Headshots Matter

Help Clients Easily Find You

Although you may strive to build relationships in person, most people use the internet to find their homes. Maintaining an online presence with quality headshots will increase the chances of attracting more clients.

The First Impression Is Vital

Most clients judge your trustworthiness and likability by looking at your professional photograph. Good first impressions will help achieve long-term relationships with the customers.

How to Get the Best Realtor Headshots

Check Other Realtor Headshots

Many people don’t get comfortable in front of the camera–if you don’t feel ready for your shoot, check out other realtors’ photos for inspiration. Although headshots are meant to be simple and keep the focus on you, looking at other realtors’ professional photos will help you get some ideas for poses, hairstyles, backgrounds, and expressions. By looking at a variety of choices, you can see what’s standard and find your own style, and discuss ideas with your photographer.

Dress Well

When planning to dress for your headshot, dress like you would be attending your first meeting with an important client. If you are a commercial real estate agent, a tie and a suit might work well; a button-down shirt and jeans might look good for residential real estate agents. Dressing in an outfit that displays your confidence and represents your clients is vital.

Women can consider feminine headshots for female executives, but all genders should avoid brightly colored, patterned, or ill-fitting clothing. 

Power Pose

How you feel will be displayed in your photos; therefore, do all you can to boost your confidence. Even if one of your most important deals fell on the morning of your shoot, you can boost your confidence with power poses. Raise your arms above your head for a minute to boost your sense of power and hype yourself up. It can also help to think about what pose you want photographed before you get to the shoot—if your photographer helps you pose, you may feel uncomfortable with the posture.

Hire A Professional 

Hiring a professional photographer can help you get satisfactory results. There are many factors that affect the quality of a photograph, so if you choose to work with a local Phoenix headshot photographer, make sure you check their work for skillful lighting and good poses.

Background

When considering your background, make sure it doesn’t have distrating features that could prevent viewers from focusing on the subject—solid, neutral colors are usually best, especially when used with small photos that will appear online.

Smile

When you smile in your photo, it conveys trustworthiness, and though it doesn’t truly determine your competence, many clients prefer to hire people who look happy.

Regularly Update Headshots

Updating your headshot regularly is crucial to getting clients and building relationships with them. Customers believe in those who look like their photos, so be sure you at least update your photos when you change your hairstyle, lose or gain weight, or move to another firm. 

Build relationships and scale your realtor business by getting modern realtor headshots at Duane Furlong Studios, right here in Phoenix. We’ll help make the process simple and provide fantastic headshots that will be an effective way of increasing visibility and influencing your brand across online and print.

What to Wear For a LinkedIn Headshot

A proper headshot is vital to improving your business and personal brand—it portrays that you’re trustworthy, confident, and professional, and it can help attract more clients. Preparing well for your headshot portrait will help you enjoy the session and feel satisfied with the results. If you’re doing it yourself, you need to learn about the best way to take a corporate headshot, including what clothes to wear and how to style your hair. If you decide to invest in professional headshots from a Phoenix, Arizona photography studio, consulting your photographer in advance will help you feel relaxed and confident, which can have a big impact on the photos.

If you’re a real estate agent–you are in the business of relationships, and the best way to market yourself is by having modern realtor headshots–so be sure you do it right.

Wear Well-Fitting Clothes

Baggy clothing may feel comfortable, but it rarely looks good in photographs. Larger clothes can add bulk up and make you appear heavier than you are, and tight clothing can be equally unflattering on the other side of the lens. Wear clothes that fit you well and compliment your body.

Think About the Use of the Photo

Corporate portraits have specific functions. Be aware of your viewers, where the picture will be used, and, if you’re trying to attract clients, what clients you are appealing to. Match your presentation to your target audience.

How Men Should Wear

Men can relax their dressing a bit by avoiding a formal business suit, unless the man in question dresses like that daily at work. Choose plain colored clothes with no stripes, or consider the classy look of a suit jacket with a shirt and no tie. 

How Women Should Wear

Women should wear plain, solid color attire that makes them feel great. Do not wear anything sleeveless or too revealing. You can put on a dress, jacket, sweater, or blouse, as long as your attire is free from stripes or prints. 

Colors

Colors can convey different meanings and impact our moods and energy. Wear colors that display the message and energy you want to communicate to potential clients. If you’re unsure, neutrals are always a safe bet.

Jackets

In terms of body language, the shape of your shoulders can show your ability to handle responsibilities—if they appear square, you may be perceived as a reliable person. However, wearing a jacket or not depends on the message you want to convey. If you want to be seen as capable of leading a team and handling a project, you might want to choose a jacket. If you want to prioritize being seen as friendly, skip the jacket altogether.

Necklines

Necklines should not be an overwhelming consideration for your wardrobe plan. Consider what you want to convey to your viewers and what you feel is flattering to you. Necklines are interpreted differently depending on what people see—a low-cut top could mean you are comfortable with your body and position, but it could also be seen as unprofessional. If you have broad shoulders, consider a v-neck or a cut that breaks up your torso lines.

Should I Wear Glasses?

If you wear glasses, keep them on for your headshot—if people are used to seeing you with them on, it can look strange to see you without them. If you’re taking your headshots yourself, make sure you’re aware of possible reflection in your lenses.

With these tips, you’ll have fantastic headshots in no time. And remember, if you change your look, update your photographs so your online presence reflects who you are. 

Ready to take the leap with an experienced, professional Phoenix photographer? Reach out to us at Duane Furlong Studios today–we’re ready to help!

How to Take Corporate Headshots

Demand for corporate headshots has been on the rise as more and more professions require them—from a classic photo for a company website to modern headshots for real estate agents, working with a professional headshot photographer has become nearly standard practice for some people. You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and your headshot is your first introduction to many potential clients.

What Should a LinkedIn Photo Look Like?

The right LinkedIn photo is crucial to presenting a good impression and personality–this means that you have to find the perfect outfit for your LinkedIn headshot. A corporate shot is different from a wedding or fashion photoshoot, meaning it has to be simple and formal with no elaborate poses. Here’s how your photo should appear:

• Your face should fill the majority of the frame.
• The image should look real.
• There should only be one person in the photo.
• The subject should have a confident, genuine, and friendly expression.
• The subject should dress for the occasion by wearing what they would wear to the job.

How Is a Corporate Headshot Different From a Common Photo?

A corporate photo is not different from a standard headshot when it comes to composition. The objective differs, however—a corporate headshot aims to show professionalism, and a solid photographer will be able to make sure this happens.

Steps of Taking a Professional Headshot Photo

Before you start, research the kind of photo you need. Here are a few steps to help you get satisfactory results:

Choose an Indoor Location With Good Lighting

One of the best places for photographing a headshot is indoors. The subject should stand away from direct sunlight in front of a solid backdrop color. It can be hard to get good lighting, so it is crucial to look for the right place; if you don’t want to shoot indoors, outdoors can work as long as you choose a backdrop that makes it look like a professional photography studio. 

Simple Backdrop

Because this is a professional headshot, the background should be simple. The focus is on the subject, and a busy background can distract the viewer from the subject.

Camera Height

While taking a headshot, the height of the camera should be on eye or nose level or just a little higher than eye level—higher or lower, and the subject could appear even slightly distorted.

Take Several Shots

Your photographer should take several shots so that you have multiple options to choose from. Be sure they take multiple headshots of one pose from different angles to avoid issues of focus or the subject blinking.

Lean In

This is a casual and comfortable posture for most subjects, especially at the beginning of the session to get them used to the camera. Try sitting and leaning towards the camera and resting your chin in your palm or on yourfist.

Of course, an experienced and professional Phoenix photographer at Duane Furlong Studios can help you achieve your corporate headshot goals, and will take all of these aspects into account so you don’t have to! We’ll make sure you feel at ease and look as professional as possible, no matter how comfortable you may be in front of the camera.

Modern Real Estate Team Headshots

Having a professional real estate headshot is one of the most effective ways to communicate professionalism, confidence, and attract more clients. Of course, the best way to take a corporate headshot is through adequate planning, including choosing the right photographer, clothes, and poses, among many other things. Before you book a session with a professional headshot photographer in Phoenix, here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Check Out Other Team Photos for Inspiration

Websites like Pinterest have many photos which you can use to find inspiration for ways to enhance your personal brand with a professional headshot. You can also visit the profiles of other renowned real estate companies to get ideas, and then discuss options with your team’s headshot photographer.

Dress the Part

Everyone needs to be dressed for success. Treat your photoshoot as a meeting with a potential client. If you’re looking for something less formal, you can ditch the traditional suit and tie and go for a business casual look. 

However, it’s important to wear complementary colors–otherwise, the group shot may not come out as desired. Consult your photographer for tips on what to wear. 

Here are a few things you should avoid:

• Excessive or statement jewelry pieces
• Extremely brightly colored or flashy clothing
• Baggy or ill-fitting clothing

Posing

As the session continues, you’ll find that team members will get more comfortable posing in front of the camera. Don’t worry too much here, as your photographer will direct the best poses for your group and help everyone feel more at ease. They’ll help your team to mix up poses as needed to make sure you get the best group headshots possible.

Remember to Smile

In a profession like real estate, you cannot afford to look dull–you don’t want to lose customers! People who smile during photographs appear trustworthy and kind, and trustworthiness is one of the most valuable skills clients look for in a real estate company.

Hair and Makeup

Ideally, your team’s headshots will be used across your agency’s social media, website, and advertising, so it’s best to put your best foot forward on shoot day. You should consider hiring a hairstylist and make-up artist to cater to each individual’s skin tone, hairstyle, and attire and keep them all as camera-ready as possible.

Choosing the Background

The background shouldn’t overshadow the image’s focal point. To be safe, consider a neutral background; however, if you want your organization to stand out from the crowd, you may want to choose something more colorful. Talking to your photographer will help narrow down the background that works best for your team’s branding goals.

Ask for a Second Opinion

You may be biased about your team headshots, which is why you should consider asking a neutral third party what they think. Choose a few shots and ask your colleagues which ones they think are best, which you can then use to increase brand awareness and catch the eyes of potential new clients.

Final Thoughts

Having professional real estate headshots is one of the most effective ways to communicate professionalism and confidence. Draw inspiration from websites and other real estate agencies to create your vision, and make sure that everyone looks their best and feels comfortable during the photoshoot, as this will shine through in your photos. Of course, an experienced Phoenix photographer from Duane Furlong Studios is ready to help your team do just that!

Professional Personal Branding Photoshoot

Having professionally taken photographs goes a long way in your branding. When choosing a seasoned photographer in Phoenix, it’s paramount to find one who can be sure you get quality photos that communicate professionalism–a solid photographer will help bring your ideas and visions to life through collaboration and guidance.

What to Do Before Your Photoshoot

There are a few things you need to have at the back of your mind to ensure you have the best possible photoshoot to reach your desired clients, such as:

• Understanding the brand image you want to communicate
• Identifying your ideal target client and the message you want to convey
• Knowing what makes you stand out from the competition

Moreover, having a consultation with your photographer will help you learn how to enhance your brand with a professional headshot. They will then show you some ideas, and if you come across something that catches your eye and feel the photographer is a good fit, it’s time to book your professional headshot session. Adequate planning is one of the most effective ways to ensure you pass the intended message to your clients.

Hair and Makeup

It’s important to pay particular attention to your hair and makeup–if your budget is flexible, consider hiring a makeup artist and hairstylist for your shoot. They’ll be able to make sure your hair and skin look perfect for the camera at all times.

What to Wear

Did you know certain colors can help boost your confidence when in front of the camera? Neutrals are always a safe bet, but power colors, like red and blue, can portray an air of authority and confidence. Here are a few things to consider when choosing an outfit:

• The message you want to convey–do you want to be known as an authority figure or be seen as creative? All-business or down-to-earth?
• Pay attention to your brand identity–what kind of clothing aligns with the services your clients are looking for?
• Choose your attire in advance–make sure you have enough time to check fit, comfortability, and cleanliness, and be sure it’s wrinkle-free before the shoot day.

Conclusion

A professional personal branding photoshoot doesn’t have to be an uphill task–with proper planning, you’ll be setting yourself up for a seamless photoshoot session. A Phoenix photographer with years of experience will help make the process a breeze–we’re ready to help here at Duane Furlong Studios!

Looking specifically for tips on professional corporate headshots for men or modern headshots for real estate agents? Take a look at some of our recent posts.

Male Professional Corporate Headshots

In this day and age, you cannot overlook the importance of professional corporate headshots for men. In this article, we will cover some tips to help you look your best during your photo session, as well as what to consider when finding a professional headshot photographer near you in Phoenix, Arizona.

Clothes and Wardrobe

Most people often struggle with what to wear when taking professional corporate headshots. Thankfully, you can choose to go formal, business, or business casual. All are viable options and depend on the message you’re wanting to convey with your headshots. By working with a seasoned photographer, they will advise you on which one of the three will work best for you.

Color is another aspect you need to be aware of–consider wearing neutral colors, such as black and gray to be on the safe side, or power colors, like red and blue.

Hairstyle

Whether you have long or short hair, you need to look your best. It would be best to hire a hairstylist who can come to the session with you and style your hair as needed when trying out different attire. If you’re working on a tight budget, be sure to take time styling your hair yourself before going for the photo shoot.

Facial Hair

For those who don’t shave each day, consider bringing your shaving tools with you in case a touch up is requested, or prepare in advance by shaving the day before or the morning of the photoshoot to keep a fresh look.

Skin

These tips don’t just apply on the day of the photoshoot, but it’s also crucial to develop a routine a week or two before taking your headshot. After all, you only have one chance to make a good first impression. To ensure your skin looks the best, drink plenty of water, and consider exfoliating to wash away dead skin, which will help brighten your skin giving it a healthy glow for photos.

Posing

You don’t need to try too hard when posing for your headshot, as it’s best to look natural. The most important thing is showcasing your professionalism–smiling can help convey a sense of warmth and friendliness. A professional photographer will help you pose naturally to show off your best self.

Backdrops

Backdrops are influenced to a great degree by the industry. For professions that are more conservative, request backdrops in neutral colors such as black, navy, or gray. On the other hand, if you’re in a more creative industry, you can consider bold colors.

How to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot

To ensure you look your best during your professional headshot, it can help to do the following three things:

1. Be sure to get adequate sleep, exercise, and moderate sunshine a few weeks before the photo shoot. Don’t forget to stay hydrated to make your skin look healthy and flawless.
2. Try out your clothing days before your photo shoot. If you’re happy with what you see, be sure the outfit is cleaned, ironed, and hung properly to avoid any wrinkles. Trying your attire days in advance also gives adequate time to adjust it if it doesn’t fit well or look right.
3. Lastly, look at other professional headshot photos to find inspiration–if you find something you like, you can show it to your photographer.

Ready for your corporate headshot session in Phoenix? We’re ready to help at Duane Furlong Studios to make sure you can enhance your personal brand with a professional headshot. Need photos for your whole company? We’ve got you covered with creative ideas for corporate group photos, as well!

Creative Corporate Group Photo Ideas

Most companies understand the value of social media in driving brand awareness. To paint the picture of what your organization stands for, it’s important to use photographs; with so many companies using social media, you need to stand out from the crowd–thus, the need for professional, eye-catching corporate photographs. Here are a few creative ideas for getting fantastic corporate group photos:

Headshots

Headshots are a type of photo in which only the upper body is visible. There are many possibilities when it comes to headshots because they can be taken in various ways, including aerial views. When searching for the perfect photography studio in Phoenix, make sure to find a professional headshot photographer with experience in taking corporate photos.

Casual Candid

One trend that has gained traction over the years for businesses is taking candid photographs that show the subject in a natural, un-posed state. These are particularly helpful in showing the workplace in a good light when employees are in their work environment. The pictures can be taken when employees work at their desks, during breaks, or when conversing during meetings.

Event Photography

Event photography is a good way to showcase teamwork and camaraderie in an organization. These photos can be taken during company retreats, workshops, or interviews. Event photography helps capture the emotions of employees when they applaud, smile, or laugh in a group setting, portraying a natural sense of community and belonging.

Group Portrait

Portraits aren’t just reserved for individuals–taking corporate group portraits is a wonderful way to show a unified company with professionalism. These photos can be displayed in the office, as well as on company websites, brochures, social media, and business cards.

Tips for Taking the Best Group Photographs

Many considerations go into capturing a great photograph, but factor in a group of people and you may find it hard to coordinate everything for the right photo. Thankfully, we’ve put together some tips for taking the best possible corporate group photographs:

Clothing

Because the primary goal is to increase brand awareness, all employees must be dressed in formal attire. When it comes to color, less is more. Employees should be advised to come adorned in neutral colors, such as black or gray, which communicates professionalism. They should also consider simple, professional accessories, such as watches or earrings for women; for men, a matching belt and watch are always a safe bet.

Grooming

Although proper attire is key, it’s equally important to groom appropriately. Everyone’s hair should be styled appropriately and neatly, and men shouldn’t forget to trim or shave their facial hair.

Photo Posing

Good posing helps bring an element of realness to a group photo. Thankfully, the photographer will do most of the work here, and help groups looking natural and relaxed, even when folks may not be great at posing.

Props

If the photographs are taken at the workplace, there are limitless choices for props that will help a group photo stand out–these can include computers, newspapers, work desks, phones, or whatever else may make sense for a particular company showing off its professionalism.

Conclusion

There are many creative corporate photo ideas you can try out, but regardless of what your company chooses, be sure everyone shows up dressed well, groomed properly, and with a great attitude. Arguably, the most important factor that determines the success of a corporate group photo is choosing a qualified professional, such as those at Phoenix’s very own Duane Furlong Studios!

Looking for some tips regarding professional corporate headshots for men or headshots for business women, specifically? Take a look at our recent posts.

Women’s Business Headshots

Female business headshots are important for business branding, especially when creating a website. Having a professional headshot that sets you apart from the rest is a great place to start in helping build your ideal brand–it’s also a great way to portray the professionalism of the organization you work for and what it stands for.

If you’re looking for a professional headshot photographer near you in Phoenix, we’ve got covered! But first, let’s take a look at why business headshots are important, and how you can make sure you have a successful headshot shoot.

Impact of Professional Headshots on Success

Of course, getting clients is important–but attracting the right ones is vital. By having a headshot that portrays your intended message, you’re more likely to excel in your field by getting referrals. It’s crucial to carry the same message across all your social media pages. 

Tips for Professional Headshots

After you’ve decided that a professional headshot is what you need for your personal or business branding, the next step is to take the headshot. It might seem simple, especially because everyone has access to a camera thanks to the proliferation of smartphones, but here are a few ways to really ensure you have photos that convey professionalism:

Work With a Professional

Experience doesn’t lie–working with a professional can help you be sure you get the best possible headshot. It’s not a matter of walking to the first person or company you come across; you should research the photographer and look beyond their headshot portfolio to determine whether you should hire them.

Personal Branding

Before taking professional headshots, the most important thing is to think about the message and look you want to convey. Do you want to be formal or casual? Trustworthy or authoritative? You can discuss ideas with your photographer and they can give you advice on the best way to portray this through your headshot.

Preparation

Come prepared for your professional headshot session as this can show in the final product. Some ways to prepare include getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, choosing the right outfit, and arriving on time to ensure the photos are taken without rushing.

Attire

It’s often said you should dress the way you want to be addressed, and this is also true for professional headshots. In terms of color, less is more–it’s best to choose simple tones, like black or gray, or power colors, like blue and red.

It would be best to avoid bold, bright colors, such as pink and yellow, which can portray playfulness and work against your favor if you’re going for a formal look. Here are a few more clothing tips for female professional headshots:

• Avoid low-cut tops and spaghetti straps
• Avoid clothes with a high neckline, such as turtlenecks

Hairstyle

If you have a flexible budget to work with, you should consider hiring a hairstylist to get your hair camera-ready. If the stylist can come to the session with you, you can take different photographs while they alter the look as needed. This will help you get a variety of looks to more easily choose the right photos for your different social channels, website, or business card.

Cosmetics

A makeup artist can come in handy during a professional headshot session as they know exactly how to get your face perfectly ready for bright lights and a camera. It’s recommended to go for a natural or simple classic look; it can also help to avoid products that shine or shimmer.

Conclusion

When preparing for your headshots, make sure you pick the best clothing, makeup, and hair style that shows your professionalism and brand. Don’t forget to get plenty of rest the day before and show up on time the day of the photoshoot to ensure you have plenty of time to take different headshots. With a little confidence and collaboration with a reputable studio or professional, you’re bound to have a product that you’re proud of. 

Ready for your Phoenix, Arizona headshot session, or looking for creative ideas for corporate group photos? At Duane Furlong Studios, we’re ready to help!