Client Stories: Digital Engagement Expert Vineet Thapar

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do? 

My name is Vineet Thapar, I'm an award-winning digital engagement veteran with a successful career spanning two decades with top-tier digital agencies. Before founding HalftheSky, LLC, I shaped and ran ScienceAffinity as Global President, a science commercialization venture. I've nurtured and scaled digital-first concept, brand, design, and experience teams, grown organic business, won clients, and garnered hundreds of millions in revenue for my agencies.

What motivated you to get a new headshot?  How old was your previous headshot?

I started in a new and much more entrepreneurial direction with HalfTheSky. With that came the need to be in front of people I didn't know, many times before they had even met me. Getting a good headshot was essential in putting my best foot forward.

How did you feel about your old headshot, and what were you looking for in your new one? 

My old headshots were candid pics taken by family or friends. Nothing compares to the eye of a professional and the studio setting.

In what ways do you think your new headshot has impacted your business, visibility or job search? 

Everyone comments on my new headshot, and given the comments, I know that it represents me well in absentia, wherever needed.

Have you received any feedback on your new headshot?

Tons. Always positive.

How important do you think a professional headshot is for someone in your field? 

A good headshot is essential if you want people to take you seriously. Especially on the entrepreneurial journey, where people will see and form opinions pretty rapidly about you before you ever set foot in front of them.

What advice would you give to someone considering getting a new headshot? 

Get a professional to work with you. It shows.

Were you nervous or uncomfortable with the idea of having your photos taken and if so how was the experience in the end? 

Having worked in advertising, I didn't think I was nervous. But in reality, I needed the help and coaching from someone with a finely tuned way of seeing. It's the difference between dressing yourself and dressing yourself by a professional stylist.

How did you prepare for your headshot session, and do you have any tips for others on how to get ready for theirs?

I 'acted out' in front of a mirror to plan my poses. Turns out those weren't my best. Your eyes will always look at you in a biased way. You need a professional photographer's objective detachment. He knows how to light and position your best to bring out your personality.

How was your experience working with S72 for your headshot session?

It was great. I appreciated you working through my nervousness.