Why Authentic Headshots Make a Better First Impression

When It Comes To First Impressions, Nothing Beats An Authentic Headshot

When someone looks you up online, they often see your headshot before anything else. Whether you're applying for a job, running a business, or leading a team, that image says something about who you are. And the truth is, people can tell when a headshot looks stiff, generic, or fake (I’m looking at you AI headshots). In a time where authenticity is appreciated, your headshot should feel like a real, confident version of you.

A strong first impression is about connection. That’s where authenticity comes in. A headshot that feels genuine makes you seem approachable, trustworthy, and real; qualities that matter no matter what field you're in.

For Job Seekers: Look Like Someone THEY WANT TO MEET

If you're on the hunt for a new job, your headshot may be the first thing a hiring manager sees. Before they read your resume or your cover letter, they look at your face. A real, confident, and professional image can go a long way in helping them see you as someone worth calling in.

Too many headshots look like selfies, were taken by low quality headshot photographer, or AI. They lack personality and creativity. But if your headshot reflects who you actually are you'll stand out.

Employers aren't just looking for skills; they’re looking for people they want to work with. An authentic headshot sends a message that you're genuine, professional, and confident in who you are.

For Business Owners: Build Trust Before the First Conversation

As a business owner, your headshot is often the face of your brand. Whether you're a consultant, coach, freelancer, or small business owner, people want to see the person they're thinking about working with. A headshot that's polished but authentic can help them feel like they already know you.

Trust is everything when you're trying to attract new clients. If your photo looks overly edited or stiff, it can put people off. But when someone sees a real person with personality and presence they're more likely to feel comfortable reaching out.

A quality headshot on your website, your LinkedIn profile, or even your email signature builds credibility and helps potential clients feel confident in choosing to work with you.

For Executives and Professionals: Leadership Starts with Presence

Executives and professionals are expected to lead with confidence and clarity. A headshot should reflect that. But many corporate headshots look nearly identical: formal, forced, and forgettable. That’s not the kind of first impression you want to make.

An authentic headshot helps you stand out without looking like you're trying too hard. It shows that you take your role seriously but you're still approachable and grounded. That kind of balance matters.

Whether you're leading a team, sitting on a board, or building your network, a custom, creative, and authentic headshot shows that you have professionalism and personality.

For Creatives and Independent Professionals: Let Your Personality Show

If you're in a creative field—design, writing, marketing, the arts, your headshot is a chance to express yourself. You don’t need to look corporate. In fact, you probably shouldn’t.

This is where creativity matters most. Many photographers will use the same lighting, background, and expression for everyone. That’s the photographer being lazy and lacking creativity. Your headshot should match your aesthetic, personality and reflect the tone of your work.

Authenticity here means embracing your style and allowing your headshot to reflect it. That could mean something more relaxed, more dramatic, or more colorful. Your photo should help tell people about you.

Why AI Headshots Are A Bad Idea

In a time when AI-generated images are becoming more common, it's important to understand what they can and can't do. While they might look slick at first glance, AI headshots are not real. They aren’t photographs of you. They’re digital approximations, and more often than not, they don’t actually look like the person they're meant to represent.

AI headshots often smooth away the very details that make you who you are. They create a version of you that might look "perfect," but lacks personality, presence, and authenticity. Employers, clients, and colleagues can usually spot an AI image right away and when they do, it may come across as impersonal or even misleading.

A professional headshot taken with care and intention conveys something AI can't: your actual presence, your unique expression, and a sense of the real person behind the image.

Why Most Headshots Fall Flat

The problem with many headshots is that they try too hard to be "professional" and end up looking like nothing at all. They're over-lit, over-posed, and overly edited. They don’t feel real.

What makes a headshot strong isn’t just technical quality, it’s how well it captures the real you. That means working with a photographer who takes time to get to know you, understands your goals, and creates a space where you feel comfortable. It also means using lighting and composition creatively, not just going through the motions.

What Makes S72 Different

At S72, I focus on creating headshots that are high-quality, creative, and authentic. I don’t use the same setup for everyone. Instead, I take the time to talk with you about your goals, your personality, and the impression you want to make.

Every decision, from the lighting and background to the lens and expression, is made with your brand and individuality in mind. Your headshot should feel like you on your best day, not like someone else's idea of what "professional" looks like.

Most photographers stick to a formula. I don’t. Because your headshot shouldn’t look like everyone else's.

A Headshot That Works for You

When done right, a headshot isn’t just a picture. It’s a tool that helps you connect with the right people. Whether you're looking for your next job, trying to grow your client base, or building your reputation, an authentic headshot helps you make the right first impression.

Investing in a great headshot is worth it. It lasts for years, works across every platform, and shows that you value your image and your brand.

If you're ready to create a headshot that actually feels like you, reach out today. Let’s create something custom, professional, and completely authentic to who you are. Get in touch with any questions or book a session below.