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So, What Picture Should I Use?

Boy am I setting myself up on this one!

I know I'm getting to the age when it may be time to stop using a picture. I've already stopped using them on my business cards. My first one for real estate was in 1991. I liked that one but I can't find it anymore. I know we have met up with agents and done a double-take. Some haven't changed pics in decades. I've had about 5 done over the years and I think I've about had it. Well, maybe I'll do one more. Problem for me is I can't seem to get a photographer to capture the image as I see it! I look at the proofs and think, "when did my mother get in the picture". Sort of like when you show a picture to the barber and say, "I want that look" and come out looking stupid instead of like Kevin Costner. OK, maybe it's just me.

So here's where I set myself up. Which picture should I use. 1997 This one taken in 1997.

Or, 2006 This one taken in 2006 Or, Dec 2006 This one that makes me look embalmed!

You see my dilemma! So, I'll let you decide or not. Yellow one, Turtleneck, Embalmed. I know, I know, I could take another one and take my chances. I'm leaning that way and having the photographer cut it in half like Krystal Kraft's. I love that look in her profile pic. But then I'd be setting myself up again, just like at the barber.

So what do you folks think about my quandary? I'll trust in your kindness and good judgement.

The none at all may be a popular choice too!!!

Posted by Bob Volanti Fresno and Clovis, Ca Realtor on 05/12/2007 07:19 AM

Comments (99)

Post is included in group: Point 2 Agent Sites

99 Comments on So, What Picture Should I Use?

MAY

2007

Bob, I like the one that you have up on your profile or the 1997 one. You look more approachable and still professional. :)

Okay...here's your first response:

You are totally cute in the yellow, HOWEVER, by the time you get to the "embalmed" picture, you look kind of tired of selling real estate.

Get that fresh smile back !!!

Good luck with your decision.

I like the turtleneck one for what it's worth.

I don't think you look that different today than you did in the yellow picture! Wish I were that lucky. I vote the turtle neck pic because it looks sporty but professional.

-"I'll trust in your kindness and good judgement."

Don't do that!!!!!

Choose one that expresses you. I'm working with the same issues. See my image on AR and the one I use on my blog.

YOU should pick it! Choose based on what message you want to convey about yourself. Be different.

Good Luck!

Sean Stark

What Ever you do, Do Not use an older picture more than 6 mos. old - your prospects will consider you a liar! And smile!!

Sean Stark

Now Sean...

I believe this blog was supposed to be about the guy with the 3 pictures... but your Options Realty photo is perfect for your website.

Dang...I'm voting for the one on the Options Realty website... Nice site by the way.

Bob-Gald you asked. I love giving my opinion! It really depends what you're suing it for. I have a couple of different ohots and a caricature that I use for different purposes. For AR I like the turtleneck. For more upscale marketing the suit is good. But, I do think that particular shot is not the most flattering. I'd consider reshooting. You need a photo that will show a twinkle in your eye and that there's still some life in the old boy yet!

"It really depends what you're suing it for." ...quoted from above

Just curious...was SUING a typo?

It is about you Bob, That's what we are talking about! But don't be like everyone else i swhat I'm saying...give something "real" for your people to connect to. Me, I favor sailing as a hobby, so you see my pic. there is nothing compelling about your 3 choices, so...None for me.

Sean Stark

PS: If you think it "makes you look embalmed", why did you put it up for consideration any way? You already told us you were neg. on it just in that statement alone.

Sean Stark

I believe in having a picture on everything. I don't want to give anyone shock when they meet me.

It also makes me more recognizable. If you do not like the pictures, have some taken a studio and bring a couple of changes of clothes. I like the suit and tie picture myself. It depends on your market. I am in Hawaii so we use an Aloha shirt.

i like picture number 2. go for it. it looks nice and professional

I like the embalmed one - if you take it into photoshop and change the lighting a little bit I think it will make all the difference. Maybe something like this:

For what it is worth, I like the turtleneck picture.

Here's an fun idea: Send something to you client database that capitalizes on your years of experience. Use a few pictures from over the years and then ask underneath, "Which one of us sold you your last house?"

Hello, may I call you Bob?

An older gentleman said that whenever he smiles nowadays, it looks like a frown. Have your picture taken upside down. Kidding!!!

The last one looks very distinguished but your first one showed your true personality. Have another one taken and smile really wide. :D

Yolanda

I like the one where your not wearing a tie.

Not as much of a problem for men than it is for women. Women are judged more on their physical appearance and old is not cool. Just be thankful that you are a very distinguished looking man. :)

I vote YELLOW!!! However...have you ever considered taking a "less posed" photo and let the natural YOU out of hiding? My best pictures are taken in a more casual atmosphere and then I just crop them. Anyone can do a GLAMOUR SHOTS photo and if the client sees THAT before they meet YOU...will they recognize YOU? GOOD LUCK...I'll be curious to see what you pick! :-) Smiles from FL

The smile in the yellow is the best; it's not so much how you really look now (the age thing) but definitely more approachable:)

Hi there! The question of which picture to use... I hate this whole situation. I took my picture off my cards. Anyway, find a friend who has a nice camera. Go outside to a place you enjoy, then have your picture taken there. You will look relaxed, happy and approachable. Good luck!

I like the photo from 1997. It's the smile and your a "little" dressed down from the other two pictures.

Bob,

How about a new photo that has the same enthusiastic smile that you have in your 1997 photo? And unless you wear the suit coat every day, ditch it. (Of course, consider your target audience too, don't just listen to me.) The 1997 photo is the obvious choice, but for those reasons, not because you were younger then. Many clients want an agent who is older and has more experience! Just show them you are excited about helping them and get that message to come across in your photo like it did in 1997. I think that is your best option!

Hi Bob...I like "Yellow". It makes you look approachable, like a good guy. I do feel, however, that one picture is not enough. You might want to think about having a file of pictures that you can draw from depending upon the occasion. Like one for your blog...one for high-end properties, etc.

Regards...Jay

Get a Photographer who will use a Digital Camera. Shoot, shoot, shoot again. Change angles, clothes, looks. Just keep shooting. Our family picture is always about 300 shots and there is usually only about 3 where everyone is looking and smiling and something isn't going on... Thank goodness for digital cameras, huh?

Hi Bob: You know, when I have photo cards delivered to me with offers or when I see someone's image online and then meet them at closing, (Broker closing state/Colorado), I often think, "You've got to be kidding! What was that, her/his high school year book photo?" You are who you are and people love you, (or don't) for who you are. I am a very heavy lady in my fourties, but I sound like a young cutie on the phone, so I just put my photo right out there...no shocks. You know what? I can't tell you how many clients, associates, title people, bankers and lenders, etc...tell me, "Lania, we just love you. You are so sweet and you really take care of business." I know appearance is important, but people don't pick by how great you look in a suit. Many people will feel more comfortable that you look experienced. Also, studies say that folks are 85% LESS LIKELY to throw away your business card if it has a photo on it, so don't lose the photo. Much success! Lania

I prefer the yellow shirt photo...its bright, you're smiling wide and ready to take on the world. I am much like you - my old photos would do better, like 15 years ago in my Navy uniform - 15 years ago and 30 pounds less! Of course, the embalmed photo makes you look "seasoned" (no pun intended). Thanks for the post.

Go with the yellow. That smile will put people at ease.

Bob, IMHO all of your photos are nice. You are a good looking guy and you should use the most recent photo of yourself. If you don't like the most recent one, get another. I think it's important to have a photo on your business card so people can place your face with your name. This is not a beauty contest - your photo is just another way to connect in people's minds. But please use a current one.....good luck!

Bob,

You gave me a giggle this morning - thanks! This was a very humorous post and we all need humor in this world! You are who you are and the picture on the card won't please everyone so go with the one that you feel portrays who you feel you are. The picture on my card was taken in 1998 (not the one on our AR profile page) and I haven't changed it because it was done professionally and I don't feel like doing that again and/or paying for having the business card company doing a new proof. Thankfully I haven't changed all that much so I go with it. I've never had anyone look at my card and say - "what's this your high school picture or something?" Just do the one you like - they all look fine to me!

Love the turtleneck.

My photo was taken in 1999 or 2000 and THERE WILL BE NO MORE.

Lenn Harley

Hey Bob:

LOL! What a dilemma. Here in Phoenix there are several realtors who are industry giants. They have been around for a long time and are wonderful Realtors. Unfortunately, some of their photos are from another era (and no, they do not look like that anymore). It is unfortunate, but it has opened them up to ribbing from others in the industry, not in a mean way, but in a Poke-At-You-In-Fun and a What Are You Thinking? kind of way.

So, I agree that photos should be current (don't use the 1997!) - and I too think you should SMILE and let your personality come through.

I vote for picture number 4: You in the nice suit wearing the smile from the "yellow" picture. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Yours needs to exude professionalism coupled with a down home warmth. It's very difficult to show this without smiling.

For a man, earning the grey hairs can make you look distinguished. BUT ONLY IF YOU SMILE!

Show the real you and put on a BIG smile in your best professional attire.

You have a nice smile and an 'open' look in the old picture.

You still have that smile in there somewhere. ;-) Try some new photos with lots of shots and I'll be that smile will pop out in several of them.

Hi Bob-

I like the Yellow one - mainly because you look like you're in a great mood.

You have the same problem I do - I look so great in all of my pictures, I never can settle on just one!

LOL!

You should use the most recent picture and update it about every three or four years. There are many, many Realtors locally that look nothing like the picture they are still using in their marketing campaigns.

However, I like the "Yellow" one because of the smile.

Michael Thompson, MBA, Realtor
Century 21 Anderson Properties
http://www.MichaelThompsonProperties.com/

I like photos that show a little personality. The latest ones seem a little serious. I agree with the folks who suggest taking a new one with a smile so big it makes your eyes sparkle.

I've got to take another photo too. It was intimidating to post it. I still don't have a picture on my business cards. I'm taking the comments to your post and considering them before I have my photographer shoot my next one.

I have taken my picture off all of my marketing including my website. Very positive results. My AR picture is going next as soon as I come up with a replacement.

If you don't like the head shots try a distant photo with you opening a door with a jester of come on in or something of that nature.

The question is dead or alive, choose life. Go for the smile.

Ralph

Hi Sean, I'm the worst one for taking pictures, but I agree with you - everyone needs a fresh one every few years! If it was me, I'd just retake the pictures and SMILE... That's all you're missing. It has nothing to do with age...

Good luck!

I'm not a big fan of pictures on business card period....

Bob

Hey Bob,

I love this post, thank for the smile this a.m. It really hits home for me too, I've got the same darn problem! So I just decided to do a little editing myself and cut off as much of my face as I could without stealing KK's idea. I've been in r.e. since 1971 so you can just imagine the bad hair years (not just days) I've had, large and small. My last photo is 2 years old, but I loved what Lenn said about being her last.

Bottom line, at this point in life, turtlenecks are our friends!

Hi Bob,

Great post--and very brave of you, too.

My personal opinion is that you should use all three pictures. Then just market yourself as a "Team". I believe clients will feel they are getting the best, most experienced member of the team when you show up.

You have a great sense of humor. Let that come through, too. Just my 2-cents worth.

The subtext to your post is the agents who look NOTHING like the agent in the picture. This is especially true of the glamour shot a lot of women take. Don't get mad. It's just an observation.

definately use the shirt and tie from 97. You look more happy and someone people would want to deal with.

Bob,

It's a tough one. Why not rotate all three for a month at a time and then look at your stats and decide from there.

I like the 1997 picture. Maybe take an updated shot of that one. I don't like turtlenecks.

I vote for #4. Yellow is too old, but you DO need to smile in the photo. Have A lot TAKEN, not all posed, and then pick one. Professional look of #3 is good unless you're in a market where you never wear a jacket.

WoW look at all your comments! Now look how many more people know you. Good marketing!

The turtleneck is my preference but I still use my "sweet 16" photo.

Bob-Get a current one made. Be proud of who you are and what you look like because that is really who you are. I think you look like a distinguished professional in any of the above pictures. Aloha!

I am truly humbled by your responses and I'll try to get through them, although this could take me into next week!
Valerie, I agree, thank you
Pam, thank you for the compliment
Ashley, I do too! Thank You
Sandra, how kind, thanks
Sean, you make some very good points, thank you
Marlene, Thank You, I've got a twinkle!
Randy, Thank You for commenting
Maria, Thank You for you comment
Abraham, Wow, thanks very much. I'll use it.
Beth, Me too, great idea. Thank You
Yolanda, yes you may. Thank You
Robert, Me too ! Thanks
Theresa, thank you for the compliment.
Susie, Thank You very much. Smiles from California.
Ed, good point. Thank You
Both Christina's, I thank you for your comments.
Jay, Great Points, Thanks
Lania, Thank You. Much success to you too!
Gary, Thank you. I know what you mean.
Tina, (my wife's name) Thank You
Peggy, I'm blushing ! Thank You
Lisa and Robert, Glad to make you giggle. Thank You for the compliment.
Lenn, You're a treasure. How about one more picture? LOL
Marilyn, Thank You for you're comment.
Steven, You're right. Thanks
Jim, thanks very much. I'm smiling.
Marc, Thanks. Yep, it is a dilema of gigantic proportions!
Michael, Thank You Pal
Jennifer (my daughter's name) Thanks, Sparkle and Smile!
Greg, results do count. Thank You
Dan, might work. Thanks
Ralph and Susan, I'll choose life. Great reminder. Thank You
Irena, good point. Thank you
Bob, I'm with you. Thanks
Lynda, You're welcome. Turtlenecks and Photoshop. Thank You
John, great idea, funny what I write when I'm all liquored up. Kidding!
Chris, Right you are. Thanks
Keith, good point. Thank You
Golden Beach, I used to straddle! Thanks for stopping by.
Esko, what a great name! Thank You
Tim, Thank You. No turtleneck? Give it time!
Sharon, Thanks for your insight. Smiles
Margaret, I am amazed at the response. Your Sweet 16 photo looks great. Thank You.

the mortician did a good job with that one! haha

I get criticism for my open collar picture... I've been told to find a picture or schedule a shoot in jacket and tie to look the part... but for my part, I rarely wear a tie!!

I don't think you really look embalmed in the last one. It's funny how critical we can be of ourselves. I think you should retake and do it in casual setting. Just be you.....

Use the one from 1997.

David and Tonya, Thanks for the compliment and for your service to our country. That is truly important!

David P. - Yeah he went a little overboard. I don't wear a tie too often either.

Christy, Not embalmed? OK, maybe softened a bit. When that photo was taken, it was by a fairly new photographer and we were laughing and joking until he said OK here we go. Then I tensed up, he touched up, trimmed my hair, erased most lines, charged me 110 bucks and emailed the picture. I do think casual will do the trick and reflect my personality. The turtleneckpicture was by a different photog. I told him I wanted an Author type pic in a closeup. Didn't turn out that way. At least it didn't match the vision I had or the example he showed me.

Thanks for all of the responses. I am humbled.

For All of you Mother's out there, I wish you a wonderful and Happy Mother's Day. You deserve our thanks and respect.

I like the one that looks like you the "most." You need to like it though, and as others have said, you haven't aged that much. I think if the last one is the one that looks like you, then go with that one or get one taken that you do like. I also agree that we could have different photos for different venues. Great critiques. As you can see, everyone has an opinion.

The one with the suit for your cards for sure.

Bob, I think they all look great! Stick with the most recent, you don't want to look outdated. That always seems to be a big dilemma with me as well, my clients tell me they prefer the people more relaxed. Suits can be intimidating to some.

I think the one you're using in your profile. It's not "fake" looking . It's casual but, not uptight looking.

Kudos to you,for updating your picture. I've seen some pictures of real estate agents that they must have been in their 20 s or 30 s and in real life they were hitting close to 50.

We should update our photos every once in a while so we don't "shock" our clients. LOL! :)

Bob, I think your picture should be current. A 10 year old picture is not being truthful. I use this one.

It really captures my essence:)

Pete, thanks for stopping by.
Teri, thanks for the compliment.
Gene, you may be right. Some swear by the suit and tie.
Suzanne, thank you for the compliment also. The most recent is the suit. I'm going to have a casual one done, one of these days.
Edith, thank you too. I agree we don't want to shock.

Bryant,

You da man. That Austin Powers look weakens their knees. I can see why you use it. I'll bet it captures more than essence!LOL

By the way, I saw where you had a milestone bday recently. I remember a few years ago when I had mine.

The best years are ahead of you.

Happy Mother's Day to the woman your photo reeled in. TLW ROCKS and ROARS

Go for the new one, I need to as well.

I like the "embalmed" one, but think that a candid pic would be great, too- you're very photogenic! It doesn't look embalmed!

I think you need a casual one, maybe one in a BBQ apron holding a fork!

You're not the only one out there who struggles with the photo issue. I really like the one where you are wearing yellow.

Bob,

I like embalmed. Very professional and classy. Also, your family won't have to look very long for an obit photo!

Your 1997 Pic is very warm and inviting...you have a great smile. Any chance one more pic maybe possible with the turtle neck and a smile?? I drive my husband insane when choosing my pics...I always find something wrong...kind of nice to know that men can have the same dilemma. :)

All the Best!

Bob:

Oh, it only you Bob. A line form a movie, but one I find to be true. Honesty, is characteristic you can only lose once. I could go on an on; but wil stop now.

I reaally dislike the twenty or thirty year old pictures. If I were to use one from that time frame it would have a full beard and a head of hair. If you can not be host abott yorself, how are to to treat their requirements and interests.

IMO, it's all about looking like your picture so get something recent, even if you think it's not the most flattering, at least you'll be recognized, right? I dunno, maybe I'm wrong?

MAY

2007

1997 ... you look happier and more approachable and more friendly.

Just my 2 cents.

Carolin Benjamin
Bob and Carolin Benjamin
The Benjamin Team
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty
Gold Canyon, Arizona

I love all of them but the one where you are smiling is the best, even though it is your oldest pic! I am naturally drawn to smiley faces!

I like the one 2006/ suit and tie. For men I like to work/hire professionals who seem to take themselves and their business seriously. After all of the hype, and confusing messages about housing I think we consumers want someone who feels solid...and fine conservative. Agents who look to casual don't give me a good vibe. I also won't work with the female agents whose pictures are too sexy. If I am hiring an escort fine, but I am buying a house not your breasts so please dress like a professional women!

(I am a buyer/seller and not a professional: I stopped by for information)

Michael- Thank You
Laurie-Thanks for the compliment. It doesn't?
Dena- Thanks, you bring the steak!!
Diane-Thank You. You needn't struggle from the picture I saw on your profile.
Stefan- You're so right.
Therese- Thank You for the compliment. Very nice!
Robert- I agree. Yours is a friendly pic.
Ryan- You're right. Thanks.
Bob & Carol- Thanks, I was more relaxed in 97', but I'm still a happy guy. Funny how the photog and I joked around and when the camera went on I got serious. Thank You again.
Renee- Thank You "inspirational one". I should have a pic taken while reading your work. Then I'm smiling! Keep up the great work.

Hope all of you Moms had a great Mothers Day. I know my wife and 81 year old Mom did.

I thank all of you for taking the time to look at my pics and volunteer an opinion. Smiles and friendliness claim the day.

MAY

2007

Bob,

I'm with the smiley face crowd....

Go for another photo and smile!!!
And lose the suit if that's not your uniform d'jour

MAY

2007

Ginger and Roger,

Very good points. Seems the smiley face look is the most popular. I'll give it a shot. And you're right about the suit. Thanks for the comments.

MAY

2007

Wow... thought I would check back in and this blog posting has gotten an enormous amount of response.

Did you ever decide what to do?

Hello Pam,

Thanks for checking back in. I've been amazed at the response too! Grateful too.

No, I haven't had a new photo done yet, but the consensus seems to be, look approachable, friendly, smiling and so on. The compliments have been very nice and I guess I shouldn't be surprised, with all of the wonderful people on this forum and that includes you. Thank You again.

MAY

2007

I'd like to thank all of you for your comments. This forum is just outstanding. Keep those comments coming. We all gain something.

Bob: If you want to call it embalmed, that would be the picture I like the most. If it's the most reflection of you, I think that should be what you use. Remember, we are usually most critical about ourselves - especially in pictures....

MAY

2007

Loreena, thank you for your comment. It was my wife who thought of "embalmed". The photog overdid it a bit. Yes, we are our harshest critic. Thanks again.

MAY

2007

Based on the 3 photos you offered for consideration:

1) Turtleneck

2) Yellow sweater (number one if facial expression is more important)

3) "Embalmed" it's not that bad, just doesn't show as much personality as the other two.

But - you really should base it on your market and the image you feel most reflects how you do business and is fairly recent. I also favor a smiling face (natural, not cheesy grins-but you seem to have that part down). For the record, I'm a believer in pics on business cards. It's like wearing a badge....it's not because YOU don't know who you are, it's to make it easier on your customers, clients and colleagues. Especially if I've met several people at the same time, it really helps to have pics!

MAY

2007

Beth,

Thank You for your opinion. I think you're right. For some of us the thought of going to a photo studio is just tedious and digital cameras have altered the way we have our pictures done. You just have to look around our forum here and see the variety of pics, from casual to very professional, but the common theme is happy looking and approachable. That's what I'm going for. Thank You again.

Without a doubt -- Yellow!!! Love the smile!!

Thank you Sue, I need to recreate it as it's from 1997.

I don't have the sweater anymore, but I would bet Lands End still has them. Thanks again.

You know, Bob, the sweater doesn't HAVE to be yellow. : ) Your smile is what makes it so perfect!

I like the one you are using for your profile, it is always best to use the most recent. you need to smile like your 97 photo for your next one.

Sue,

I mean I'll have to replicate my 1997 smile!! Any color sweater will do. I think. Thanks again

Steven,

Thanks. That's the one where I told the photog to make it look like an author. He had shown me a pic of his father-in-law,(not an author) dressed in black with that sort of look.

I just should have kept smiling as we were joking around and laughing until he started shooting.

I'll take your advice. Thanks

MAY

2007

Hey Bob! Now that I'm looking at all three again, the yellow IS very flattering. Decisions...decisions.... : )

Sure is Sue.

I met last night with a new photog who is taking pics of a listing I have that will be on the cover of a local homes mag. He had lights all over and we waited an hour or so to go across the man-made lake to get rear exterior shots. I didn't know it would be such an extravagant shoot.

I'm going to have him do my next business pic. He told me I won't look embalmed. I'll have him photoshop in the smile!!! Thanks for your opinions. I appreciate them alot.

My daughter would be real good at that -- the photoshop-smile thing. It's aMAZING what these kids can do with a computer!! Can't wait to see the finished product! : )

JUN

2007

I'm not Sue's daughter, but here are a few cheerier options.

Suzanne

Suzanne Hathcock Stephens
Point2Agent Design Partner
http://www.SuzStephens.com

JUN

2007

I've just got to ask... why did you quit smiling in your photos? Is real estate that bad? I'm a newbie, but I can't stop smiling!

Also, I believe the point of the photo is to be recognized when they see you. That means using an updated photo, and ladies... don't go to Glamorshots!!!

A friend once commented on a business card that had a picture from 10 years ago... "Hmmm... they haven't had a new photo taken in 10 years? They must not be busy enough to have gone through their last order of business cards!"

Thanks Suzanne not sure about the middle one though.

Deanna, Just was a different idea, and you're right about the glamour shots.

JUN

2007

Nice work, Suzanne!! I still think Bob needs to just recreate the 'yellow' one...it's a perfect smile...but get a recent one. Smiles are the best! :)

I think it should be a recent photo! If they see the photo and can't recognize you on the street, something is wrong! WE ALL GET OLDER! I don't look 40 anymore, but I want the customer to know who I am and if I use a photo that is 10 years old, it just isn't going to do the trick!

JUN

2007

Sue you make a good point. I'll recreate the yellow one this fall.

Bill and Barbara Jo, you do too look forty, if that. I mainly use the turtleneck photo which is about two years old. Thanks for stopping by.

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