Ask an Ambassador: what's appropriate for an agent's photo?

My profile photo is about 3 years old, and pretty standard. Many of our agents are getting new photos showing more of a relaxed setting - such as outdoors. I think your photo should reflect your personality and how you wish others to see you. For some a very traditional photo works. For others, a photo with their dog, horse, etc is a better choice.

Hi Tammy... often the very first thing people say to me when they first meet me is "you look just like your photo." I always find this amusing as what am I supposed to look like? So I guess for now the photos I use are good, as people do recognize me from them.

Good morning Tammy. I am with you on this. I just don't get using old pictures or ones with others.

I agree that photos should be a reflection of who you are and what the consumer can expect of you.  We don't do business professional photos because that is not who we are.  You also draw and attract (and potentially repel) people because of your photos.  We have had many people choose us because they liked and trust us from our photos.  Of course it's possible that people have chosen NOT to use us because of our photos, possibly because they don't believe us to be professional enough and that is okay as well.

My photo is maybe 8 years old, but at this point we still look exactly like the photo (I even still wear that sweater) so  I don't think it's yet time for an update. 

-Kasey

Tammy, first off, love your hair! It's fun to have long hair, I think....and not just on 30 year olds. Okay, got that out of the way.

There has been discussion on this topic often on ActiveRain. I wrote a post about it within the last six months, I believe. For me, I am not selling myself, but am selling the beauty of my community, so I have my fall photo of Fishhawk Lake on really good card stock and it always generates a conversation when someone asks me about Fishhawk Lake. I bring out my business card and show them the autumn with its splendid colors and without fail, people say, "Gosh, it's so beautiful! No wonder you live there!" Believe me, a business card with my mug on it isn't going to generate the same kind of interaction!

Hi Tammy, I agree with you- no one wears suits  here either- I definitely think your card should be a reflection of who you are... for many agents a suit or more formal business attire is the norm.

(and no,  you would not recognize me now because I decided I didn't like my grey hair and dyed it brown! :-))

Tammy, Not many wear suits in this area either.  I'd say business casual is the norm.  My photo is only about a month old.

Tammy our market is similar to yours - more laid back and relaxed. I rarely see anybody in a suit (plus it's way too hot for that in the summer). When we meet in person I'm pretty sure we'll know each other right off the bat because everybody else I've met knows me by my smile! A friend of mine who is a professional photographer took a bunch of photos for me about 4 or 5 years ago I think. Like you I want one that is friendly and approachable.

I've been thinking about changing my photo because I grew out my hair, like you, last summer. Now it's mostly silver with a little blonde and fairly curly. But that's always been my dilemma, changing hair styles. I need to get more photos of my team in action, too. Kinda waiting for summer when the market dies down a little bit to do it.

I think one would recognize me now - except my hair has gotten a lot longer than any of my profile photos! I do need to change it up but, I hate getting my picture made!  LOL  

Love yours, Tammy!

I must admit that mine is older than it should be but people still recognize me. I am not photogenic and really hate having to sit in front of a photographer.

Yes, you would recognize me by my photo. We dress casual here in Lewisburg WV. Can't imagine wearing dresses or suits to show land :)