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So...How Old is Your Photo?

I have seen a lot of members here on the rain updating their photos lately. I was thinking about it and wondering how old are the photos here of all of our members? How often should you update your photo?

I know many of us use the same photos for our business cards, flyers, postcards, etc. but how often do we think of updating them? Now I will be the first to admit that I probably have the oldest photo here on the Rain. The one I am currently using is almost 9 years old. In fact I had it taken in May of 1999, right before my High School Graduation (and please don't remind me that I have a reunion coming up).

Well with my partners advice, well not so much advice as it was more of a dragging me to the photo studio situation, we decided to get new photos. We decided to do both a casual and business shot. All in all there were about 50 photos taken. Now, I hate taking being in photographs, however I knew I needed to get some new ones, not that much has changed, but the hairline has been receeding for years now (Thanks Mom!).

I was not impressed with the photos that were taken. She got so close to my face that it made me look like I hadn't shaved in days and I had zits all over my face, hence the photos below. Out of the 50 some odd shots, we only liked one of each (hers and mine). Sure there are some goofy shots(see below) but all in all I think she was somewhat inexperienced in the use of a camera.

Goofy!

Anyways, I personally believe that we should update our photos every 3 years or so. We forget that we change hairstyles (yes, going balder counts), change our glasses, gain or lose weight, etc. and need to let people know that. In fact, we have an agent out here (not on the rain) who uses a photo for her advertising. It is over 20 years old! You know when a potential client meets her they are going to notice and ask those questions about age. In fact, I think if we don't keep our photos updated, we may have some initial trust issues with potential clients. So everyone who has a photo that is over 3 years old, get out there and get some new ones taken!

Posted by Charles Tharp ~ Inland Empire Real Estate & Short Sale Specialist on 03/27/2008 09:28 PM

Comments (128)

photos

128 Comments on So...How Old is Your Photo?

MAR

2008

Boy you said a mouth full. I don't like to see someone with a 20 year old photo on their card.

Hi Charles - I agree, frozen photo is not a good thing to have, I probably should be thinking about getting my redone, it is hitting the 3 year mark.

Pam - It's probably a good idea. I was dragged down to do it but please volunteer to do so, lol.

Charles - I wrote about this back in August in a post. My photo is about a year old. The main difference is that my hair is now down to my waist.

Jason - At least yours still grows, lol. I'm going to look like Patrick Stewart in a few years.

I agree with you Charles. I really think our photograph should be representative of us as professionals. I never want anyone to meet me and say that I look nothing like my photograph. What is the purpose of pouring all the money into advertising if consumers on the street don't even recognize you when they meet you. I agree it can cause some trust issues. I don't know if you should say 3 years but you should update your photograph to match your image.

Kimberly - I agree. Not everyone needs to change it at the same time, but on average I would say 3 to 5 years should be good enough. We see ourselves everyday so we never notice the gradual changes that someone would if they haven't seen you in a year or more.

Is it bad to have my beard braided in a professional photo?

LOL. I guess it depends on if you actually wear it that way, although I would try some corn rows or a pony tail for it. It may look nicer, lol.

Corn rows - awesome! I like your style, Charles.

CHARLES - I just had this photo taken, but I'm not sure whether I want to use it for professional purposes. I'm sticking with the old one for now. What are your thoughts?

Lol. Just remember to send me a photo when they are done!

Adam, That is awesome. It will definately attract something, although I'm not sure what. You could tell everyone that your head is just like a porqupine for defensive purposes, although I don't think anyone would buy that. LOL.

CHARLES - There is a guy named Paul Slaybaugh on here also. He had to take a new photo because it would create too much fanfare if he used his photo from when he fronted the 80's band Dead or Alive. Check out the side-by-side comparison...

Here are my two pictures side by side. Let me know what you think, buddy.

JASON - I like the new photo with the long hair. No pink shirt in that photo (I know...salmon). I've heard that one before!

LMAO! I know Paul "KAPOW" Slaybaugh and that photo does look like him.I have to admit I like the old hairstyle better with eyepatch and all.

Salmon...coral...whatever. It's all the same.

Wow Jason, on what deserted island were you? See, you should have gone with the cornrows or ponytails back then too. Geez, I guess I have to think of everything, lol.

Yeah, lose the salmon/pink/orange/buttugly shirt. Wear Purple instead, lol.

That photo was taken in Rancho Cucamonga.

I probably know exactly where it was taken too, lol.

By the way, you are one to talk about pink shirts:

Hey! Wait A Minute! Two Can Play At That Game. Lets See How You Look In Purple. On Second Thought, It might actually make you look better, lol.

Charles - If you don't like it, I will delete it, or you can. I just thought it was funny. I think the purple would be great - knock yourself out!

LOL. Now, thats ok. I like a good joke and can take em as well as dish them out.

Charles - You seem like a good guy. I subscribed to your blog just now.

Thanks Jason. The more the merrier. Hopefully I don't sound too borning.

I am afraid to update my photos .. it could drive business away.. Real Estate Agents don't always age well due to stress.

Thanks Jason for a great post and a good point, I've been amazed in the past when I receive a business card and then later meet the Realtor and I cannot believe the difference between the photo and the person!

Is pink the new in color? Maybe I need to take a new photograph. Sheesh. I just took one yesterday. To bad I did not read this blog until today!

I am the Partner that dragged Charles down to the photo studio. However, he did not post the rest of the goofy pictures he took. I am sure he frustrated the new photographer. Encourage him to share.

Love this post & the comments. You guys are too funny. I replaced my photo last year The one before it was 4 years old and my hair was much longer. People would always ask, "is this really you?" Funny thing is everyone says I look younger now than then. What do you guys think?

kristal kristal

Old Pic New Pic

Eric - That is very true. As you can see my hairline has receeded. Actually I think it ran for cover and never came back!

Christopher - Even though you thought Jason wrote the article, I appreciate the comment. It is always amazing (not to mention shocking) when you meet someone and they are much older than their photo. It makes it very awkward indeed.

Ryan - According to experts (morons to me) pink is becoming the new black. When that happens I will be seen on the news jumping from a bridge.

This is going to get interesting...I can just tell. :) By the way, I like the hot pink!

Kathryn - You don't have to give away all of our secrets! Next time I will pick the photographer, lol.

Kristal - I think that is a very good photo and looking younger is the best thing that can happen. Of course with men it is almost impossible to look younger.

Lola - I hope this gets interesting. I want to see all of the goofy photos out there of our members. Come on people, start posting!!!

By the way, Thank You for making this a featured post. I feel honored to have two in one week!

Doesnt matter how recent the photo is, there is no telling what color my hair is that week...I used to have, um a pink mohawk. Stopped using that one when I left NYC...

Regina - We all have done weird things with our hair at one point. I spiked mine and dyed it blonde, but like all weird things they must die.

P.S. If you have a photo of your pink mohawk please post it here!

Kristal - Your photo above looks great. You should post the older one as a comparison.

Charles - Stick with me and you'll get featured more often. :)

Charles -

About 10 years ago, an older gentleman came into our Real Estate office using a cane, very sharply dressed.

The picture on his business card was black and white, and pictured a young man, with a wide, wild tie, a Zoot suit, complete with big watch chain, and appropriately-matching wide-brimmed Fedora. He said he had the photo taken the day he returned home from The War - no, not The Gulf War, or The Vietnam War. Or even the Korean War!

Go back further!

I forgot the name of the agent. But I'll never forget his card.

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

I see my alter ego already beat me here.

Both of Kristal's pictures look great. Jason has never looked better.

Much better than my most recent one turned out. I think it was the lighting or something.

I've shot a new photo every 18 months. Tomorrow is the next edition

LOL. Thanks Jason. I appreciate it. Didn't I read an article about blog-jacking, lol.

Dean - Wow that is amazing.

Paul "Kapow" - Yes, your alter ego has been here several times today. I like the photo, it makes you look....whats the word....oh yeah! CONSTIPATED!

Ted - I think 18 months is a little too soon but thats just my opinion.

Jason, the first above picture was the old - I have now taken your advice and posted the before & after...

Charles,

This time I am forced. I left vcentury 21 and my Gold Jacket Picture really does not go with Keller Williams.

Wow..this has turned into quite an entertaining read, with all the comments and everything. I update mine whenever people have to say - is that really YOU? Luckily I've never had that happen, but I think it would be a good rule of thumb.

I just had to get a new one taken with my sister who is my new real estate partner! The first photo was in 05, this one was taken in February 08.

Ted- I understand that and agree with you. Gold doesn't really suit anyone except a C-21 agent.

Kim - Congratulations to you and your sister on making a team! I agree when they start asking you if it is really you, then you should go get one taken. Of course that doesn't apply to drivers licenses (mine anyway) lol.

Charles, I personally have mine retaken every two years. Here's a comparison. We do change every year, and I have my photos taken professionally......at Glamour Shots......;-)

This one was taken in 2003

This one in 2005

2007 version

Wow Teri, Those are some great shots. I wonder if they are out here so I can go get mine redone.

It always cracks me up to see rEALY old head shots! Like, you look at the photo on the card, which looks like a high school yearbook photo, and you look at the agent, who is about 68 years old. I just redid mine after 4 years, because so many people said the picture didn't even look like me. Personally, I prefer to put my logo, and no photo sometimes.

Carol Lee Coldwell Banker westlake, Realtor Logo It looks better than I do, and never has a bad hair day!

Teri, I was going to say your 2007 was my fave. Then, I found your rookie photo from way back in the early 90's! (Still in Red). Hey, Charles, fun post! Kim, you and your sister are absolutely adorable.

What if I still think I look like my photo from 15 years ago? The hell with the photo. I'll opt for plastic surgery!

Carol - Very true that a logo doesn't have a bad hair day, but I personally find that if you put your picture on a card or flyer, it allows the client to start to get to know you without actually meeting you. Some people don't like surprises.

Natalie - Thanks.

Wayne - lol. Plastic doesn't bother me, lol.

MAR

2008

Great post! There are agents in my town that use headshots that are so old you can't even recognize them on the street from their pics. My pic is a year old and my hair has grown. Someone told me the other day that my pic doesn't look like me now. I guess I either need to get new headshots or cut my hair. I think I will use Glamour Shots from what I have seen here!

I'm more bald than not and shave my head for the difference so I'm not really affected by changing hair styles. I have gotten new glasses in the past year, does that warrant a new picture?

I like your new picture. I think that you can catch a lot of client with your new pix.

Sometimes when a photo is so old you end up meeting the person and being very surprised.

Very true. Nice pix!

I have been needing to update mine. Krystal you do look younger. Love the Lady In Red look. Can you put a picture of you and your spouse on your card if your spouse is not a licensed Realtor?

I really liked my 20-year old photo, but I finally had to give in and replace it. LOL. Kinda glad I did, since I've been meeting ActiveRainers in my travels and there's some chance they could recogize me from my photo. Not sure they would have with that old thin one. With digital photography and photo editors, it's possible to look 20 years younger (or 20 pouns lighter) anyway!

So Natalie, do you think I've changed much? That would be a fun picture to use.....maybe I should change my lady in red? Candace actually colored that in since it was a black and white originally - of course!! ;-)

Charles, our photo is only a couple of years old, we usually let them go for around 4 or 5 years. I think it's best to have a photo that looks like you so that when you finally meet a client, you don't scare them to death!

Great post! I agree with the comment about the trust issue when a client meets you for the first time and you look nothing like your photo. That would concern me a little if I was a client....

Yup, gotta look like your pic. I always try to see the pics posted here on AR from when people have an "AR meeting" to see if they look like their pics....some do.... but some DON'T

When I was an agent, I made it a point to have a new photo taken everytime I ordered new cards. That seemed to run in the range of 1 1/2 to 2 years. My opinion is it contributed to the professional image that I was attempting to project. I would order new stationary and make sure my advertising sources had a new photo on file.

You look like a kid in that photo...now you look like a man:) Mine is from last summer so I on't think I look any different.

I try to update my pic every time I change my hair color. I have seen photos around here taken in the 80s and the agent will not update it becuase she likes it! Shock when you meet her in person. There is another agent I know that always kept a really bad shot out there so people would tell her she looked better in person!

It's been since 2005 for me. I guess it's time! Too funny some of the comments above but Teri Ellis hasn't changed a bit! WOW

I think it's partly a matter of personal preference. With the digital camera, you literally can update more than once a year. If you haven't changed that much in the past couple of years you can rotate pictures on various sites. Nothing wrong with a studio shot, but I happen to like the more casual ones.

I love looking at Realtor photos! We have one agent whose daughter is also in the business. The daughter appears to be older than the mother in the ads. She hasn't clued in with the hints that we've given her! I use a pic that was taken at home with a digital on all my business cards. My active rain pic is a shot from my Installation as Board President. We were all cracking up about the past president having to touch my chest to pin me. I'm rather large in that area - so it definitely broke the tension.

Oh,, I once went to a photo studio. She took close ups that looked like I had a map on my face! LOL Garbage can!!!!!

This is a great post. I was just reviewing an offer with a client, and he pulled out a newspaper and we looked at all the realtor photos . . .

This has got to be one of the funniest posts! I love it. And it's so very true. We hang on to those pictures. I'm going to hang on to mine for dear life! I say back off with the close-ups, baby. And bring on the spackle!

Your right about getting new pictures taken... im up for a renewal... but first i have to loose 10-15 pounds as my wife and I just had a baby. LOL

A few years back I had a house listed. A young couple from Alaska put in a full price offer sight unseen. The mother of the buyer was representing them, she lived in another town 65 miles away so I did not know her. The Mother/agent sent me her card in the mail. About a week later the mother/agent who had not seen the house either made an appointment with me to at least see the house. I was there before her, this vehicle pulls up and a lady gets out, I am thinking this is some one just driving around and saw me standing outside so they thought they would ask me how much the house was, NOT it was the mother/agent. Now her photo on the card and her in person was about 30 years a part, she was probably in her 60's the card looked more like some one in there 30's, you never would have thought they were the same person. Definitely upgrade your photo.

Charles ~ I enjoyed this post! Personally, I think you should go with the new picture within your post! ; )

My picture will be 2 years old in August. I believe I still look the same, in that short time, except my hair is not curly!

Charles- I actually use both- the logo and photo. But only the logo is on my busness cards. And people always take a second look- which is a good thing.

Teri, you are you, signature and all! No, you really haven't changed much. I figured some one must have colored your dress. That should have been a dead giveaway.

Thank you Natalie.....;-) Very, very sweet you are. I can't see it, and as you know, about 1/2 of the Rainers couldn't figure it out either during the contest! ;-)

Shelby - I think I am going to use Glamor Shots as well. I love the photos everyone has been sharing and how they make you look.

Ken - I think the consensus here is that when people start asking if that is really you, it is time for a new picture. Personally, I would only take a new one if you felt is was necessary.

Tina - I was actually trying to think of a slogan that I could use that picture for like "Housing Market Got You Worried" or something like that. I haven't made up my mind yet though, lol.

Bob & Carolin - Very true.

Donna - Sure you can. If you are going to put their contact information on them, just list him as an assistant. Check with your dept. of real estate and ask if they have to have the word "unlicensed" on it.

Margaret - I couldn't agree with you more. I wouldn't mind looking better with some added hair and airbrushing. I really need to take that photoshop class, lol.

I just wanted to put my two cents in as a photo studio owner. Updating your photo when you make a long term change or after a couple years time passes is perfectly fine in most cases, but when you do update take your time and think about what image you're going for because a quality photo can say a lot to potential clients! If you're going to use a professional photographer - don't stress! Stress and negative tension is your worst enemy when it comes to professional portraits. A few blemishes or a few extra pounds are no big deal at all, in fact, to be honest, whether you're a real estate agent, a professional model, or a beautiful rose bathed in sunlight you WILL need some retouching so don't even concern yourself with that during the shoot. Just use due diligence when selecting a photographer and when you're in the studio number one priority is to relax and do what makes it fun for you- fun makes for the best photos!

A few quick tips for choosing a photographer:

1. Try to find out what the photo(s) will be used for if you're not handling the marketing materials yourself; for instance, is a third party going to cut your image away from the background in order to put you on some materials?
(It's best to let the photographer do any editing on the photo, including cutting away the background and sizing for print)

2. Have an idea of the look you're going for.
(Do you want a casual look or formal? What fits best with your marketing material? Bring examples if you can.)

3. Look at a lot of portfolios.
(There are A LOT of photographers of extremely varying ability out there, but it all comes back to what you're looking for.)

4. Talk to the photographer... meet in person prior to shooting if you can.
(You should be able to feel relaxed around the photographer.)

5. Look for a photographer who will take time to get the right shot and offers to work with you until you're satisfied.

Tony & Darcy - I agree. If a potential client has a business card with your photo, they already know what to expect when they meet you. If you look 20 years older they are going to be in for quite a shock, and not necessarily a good one.

Julie - I couldn't agree with you more.

Kim - That is why I made this post, and I am probably the most guilty person on here with a 9 year old photo, lol.

Neal - Thank God the photo doesn't show how old I feel. Too many war wounds, lol.

Shannon - That isn't a bad idea of keeping a bad photo out there to get compliments. I will have to think about doing that, lol.

Renee - I agree, and Teri doesn't look like she has aged a day. Teri, share the secret with me!!!

Steve - It just depends on how you want to project yourself. Personally, I find in my business that people are more comfortable when I dress casually than professionally.

Sandra - I bet that made an interesting moment for everyone, lol. If you have it on tape please post it so we can see it, lol.

Sharon - See, now you will start to wonder just how old those people really are, lol.

Charles, truly a great topic. My picture is almost 4-years old. I love it when I see an agent's advertising and then see them in person. Luckily I've never said, "Are you so-and-so's daughter?" A picture from close to high school is okay, that's assuming you haven't had your 20th reunion yet.

Terri - Bring on the spackle and bondo for me. I need a tune-up, lol

Freddy - You aren't suppose to gain weight! Your wife is! Congrats on the new addition to the family.

Alan - I really think that agent needs to update the photo she has. That would freak me out seeing her 30 years or so after the photo was taken.

Kathy - Thanks for the comment on my goofy photo. I was thinking about doing some advertisement with it, lol. If only your hair has changed I think you are fine.

Carol - There is nothing wrong with a second look, as long as there isn't a look of horror when it happens, lol.

Dan - Thanks for all of the wonderful tips. I agree that it takes some planning, which I why I chose to have both casual and professional shots taken, I just didn't get along with the photographer. I don't think she knew how to use the zoom out feature on some of the shots.

Nice post Charles! I just don't like the camera, but our image is crucial to our line of work. Whether we agree or not, we our judged on appearance, and sometimes only appearance, by our potential customers daily.

Joseph - I agree with ya and thankfully I have never had to ask an agent if they were the parents or even worse....Grandparents, lol.

Joe - Very true. Clients immediately start to form a picture in their minds when they see our cards and it can be quite shocking if you are much older or have gone through a major change.

This is a topic I have made comment to several times, especially being in a small town its hard to hid the fact that some are still relishing on the younger days and not being realistic! Look, if you are going to put your mug on business cards, flyers and websites...just use a photo of you that looks something like the you today! Otherwise is the photo really necessary?

Just depends on you, I change my photo when I see fit. Could be 6 months, 1 year, or more.

I came back to pick at the responses you got since I commented and WOW!! This is too funny... I needed this laugh today. Great job and congrats ont he gold star Charles. Keep up the good work! I look forward to seeing more of your writing.

My photo is about 9 months old - I have gained 20lbs since then but still look the same :) - Gosh can't believe I said that - OH well, I stopped smoking 14 months ago so I am using that as an excuse -

Here is my very first Real Estate Picture - yep back in the day where Glamour shots where the craze! 1994

That is just too funny!!! I didn't even have "big" hair in the 80's!! lol!!

You guys are too funny!! I have changed pics twice in the last 2 years on my business cards and I have recently gone with a fun group of girls to have some fun real estate pics made(SOLD, holding signs, etc.) and have started using some of those in my ads! Business card has remained the same though!

Hair growth...hmmm...you know those chia pets? They have some of that magic seed that you paint brush on your head...(kidding) Good post. Neat if people say you look better in person..but if the image is 10 years old and taken before the car accident, probably should be updated.

This is way too funny ! My picture is 2 yerars old and I have gained a few # after a surgery.

Or should I go with one of my "VOGUE" Pictures?

Happy guy

I get comments from borrowers about realtor pictures.

I do....

Some realtors seem to get all of the comments. While the others actually look like their photo

Oh....

And my photo is 3yrs old. Been that long since I put on a suit.

I went to The Picture People because they were recommended for getting pics for business cards...Man, what a mistake... Mine made your new pic look good. So instead, my business cards went to print with no picture!!!

These days is is really inexpensive to have your photos taken. I wouldn't wait more than a year. It's a good habit and it will reflect your professional manner.

This is a great post because I have often had the same thoughts......some pictures on Realtor's business cards are at least 15 years old. Sometimes they don't even look like the person.

daniel

WOW.. Just had to come back and check the comments. This has turned out to be a really great post!

Donna - Thank you so much for saying I look younger! I love to hear that! Most people have no idea how old I really am!

Charles - Congrats on the Gold Star!

Oh man, did this need to be POSTED! You should have a dozen GOLD stars...lol I'm GUILTY of NOT having a new photo taken. In fact, my last "professional" pic was taken 3 yrs ago and I HATE it. So, instead, until I can make it to a pro again, I am USING a long range pic.' I am not as bad as some, though. Those who haven't had one taken in two plus decades (and they are OUT THERE!). I've had tons taken over the yrs and NOW I'm due again..... but I don't wanna!

Teri: YOU never change. You're photos look great! What's the secret, girlfriend?

The comments alone had me cracking up. It's scary when you see the Open House ads here and meet the agent in public.

HAHA....I haven't changed all the much unfortunately or fortunately. Old friends still know without a doubt it's me. I loved the look Paul. I'd go with the patch!

Do you think using my baby picture would be too old? LOL

I had an agent that had at least a 20 year old photo. She looked about 40 in her picture. When I met her, she looked like she was at least 70-80!

Christy, I KNOW of one right now (more than one, actually) and I am certain the photo with the long flowing blonde locks MUST be 25 or more yrs. PEOPLE, what is wrong with US???? LOL

MAR

2008

Great info. I thank you for taking your time to post this valuable info. I hope all others can use this to their advantage.

Thanks again,

Adam Affleck

Charlottetown Remax

Remax PEI Real Estate

1 902 629 4997

http://www.adamaffleck.com/

http://www.atlanticrealtysolutions.com/

Quite funny.

Every two to three years should be the standard.

Funny post but very true. I am sure some keep the older pictures up because that is their fountain of youth.

runningoldschool runningincolor

"A Quick Note"

Ha ha. Great post and comments! I have seen so many business cards with photos that I have had to refrain from doing obvious double takes on! Different hair styles and cuts, weight gain/loss, pictures from 20 years ago. My picture is less than six months old, so I'm good for now!

Haha, I am glad that I jsut a new set of pictures done last month

i had my first photo taken friday. hopefully it wil be downloaded to active rain by monday. it isn't great but it is what it is.

MAR

2008

I know of at least three agents whose photos are 20+ years old and they look nothing like their photos. I think it is misleading and shows laziness. If someone can't update their photo in 20 years, how quickly are they going to be servicing their listings?

This is a great post! I have been smiling all the while I'm reading down the comments. I updated my photos two year ago when I realized that mine were more than 10 years old (a client made a comment that I actually did have hair at one time).

My photo was taken in 1999 and there will be no more.

finis.

I had to update mine. I lost about 185lbs and everyone was commenting on it. The new one is definitely an improvement.

Do you mean my "sweet sixteen" photo is no longer acceptable?

Good post with lots of comments.

Great topic! It's always funny to see photos that were taken in the 80's on cards.

MAR

2008

I agree with Lenn. My face is not wine or cheese. Nuff sed!

APR

2008

This was a funny blog. We all get a laugh out of those old agent pictures. I'm sure everyone knows someone with a photo five, ten or even twenty years old. Thanks for the laugh.

APR

2008

I try to update mie every months but they always look somewhat the same. A friend of mine just updated hers and though she is great she went from a very professional picture in a suit to a pic in a leather jacket with questionable taste, is this the new norm? I have been seeing more of it.

Great post!

APR

2008

I should consider updating my photos soon as possible.

As, I have been in this blue smurf phase since the market slumped here in Wisconsin. I think that was back around October 31st.

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