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Real Estate Agent Headshots: How to Get the Best Close-Up

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Jessica Cates Creative

real-estate-agent-headshots

Before meeting you in person, all of your leads form their initial judgment of you based on your agent photo. Follow these agent headshot best practices to make sure your close-up makes a fantastic first impression.
 

Real Estate Headshot Tips: 

  1. Invest in a Professional:

    When it comes to agent photos, I’ve seen it all – from pixelated, low light cell phone photos to 1980s glamour shots and everything in between. You are the face of your business - make sure your headshot does a good job of professionally representing your brand by hiring a professional who specializes in headshots. Trust me, it will be money well spent (and it's tax deductible!).

  2. Select Your Wardrobe Carefully:

    When it’s time to choose your wardrobe, opt for a simple, classic style and stay away from busy patterns. Don’t be afraid to wear color as long as it contrasts well with your skin tone. Be wary of very bright colors or anything that gives your skin an unnatural hue. If you typically wear glasses, wear them for the shoot. The main rule is to wear something you feel comfortable and attractive in.

  3. Strike a Natural Pose:

    When you are about to get in front of the camera, move around and stretch a little bit to relax your muscles. Don’t contort yourself into any unnatural poses - try to act as natural as possible and try not to force a smile, it will show. Instead, imagine that you’re talking to a good friend and they have just told you something funny. This is another area where a professional can really help - they will talk you through the process and help you feel as comfortable as possible.

  4. Tips for the Ladies:

    Don’t go crazy with makeup or jewelry – natural is better. If you do choose to wear jewelry, choose something subtle. If you typically wear really heavy makeup, tone it down and go for a more natural look that compliments your features. Overdone makeup can appear harsh. If you have long, straight hair, style it to add some body for more visual interest.

 

Follow these tips for a flawless agent headshot and you’ll be ready for your close-up in no time!


 

Ready for your close-up?

Click here to download our Free Real Estate Agent 

Headshot Best Practices Guide

Posted by

Jessica Cates

Connect with me on LinkedIn

 

Comments(53)

Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you for sharing the great tips. I will read this post again.

Jul 26, 2015 09:40 PM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Absolutely.  We only use our picture here and on our website.  No cards or signs.  It's time for a new one, haircolor has changed, lol.

Jul 26, 2015 11:14 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

If I can only get my lips to move on the picture...I would be done here

Jul 26, 2015 11:42 PM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I once read an article about taking head shots that said you should slightly jut your jaw out to improve your neckline.  Have you heard of this?

Jul 27, 2015 12:09 AM
Jessica Cates
Jessica Cates Creative - Gilbert, AZ
Real Estate Marketing Expert + Blogger

Chris and Dick Dovorany - :)

Margaret Goss - I have heard that before. You just have to be careful because it can be easy to overdo it and you'll look goofy! :P

Jul 27, 2015 02:54 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   I'll be getting a new "headshot" soon for my marketing materials and website.   Your advice is great.  Thank you!

Jul 27, 2015 03:38 AM
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

Great advices for close up photos. I like the fact that smiles can't be forced otherwise it will show. My last close up was taken by a local photographer and I still remember the joke he told me while taking the shot.

Jul 27, 2015 03:39 AM
Jessica Cates
Jessica Cates Creative - Gilbert, AZ
Real Estate Marketing Expert + Blogger

You're welcome Fred Griffin! Say "cheese!" 

Jul 27, 2015 03:39 AM
Jessica Cates
Jessica Cates Creative - Gilbert, AZ
Real Estate Marketing Expert + Blogger

Sarah & Les Oswald - everyone has that fake smile that looks like you're equally happy and in pain. It's much better when a geniune emotion comes through in the photo!

Jul 27, 2015 03:40 AM
Mary Stewart
HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, Homes for Everyone - Wilsonville, OR
Wilsonville and Surrounding Portland Metro Areas

I just had my headshot redone and am happy with the results.  This is how I look almost most of the time except when perhaps I am out in the garden or scrubbing floors.  I do always use a professional, and needed to have it done again as I grew my hair out and the last one was with very shorthair.

Good advice for most of us.

Jul 27, 2015 05:03 AM
Jessica Cates
Jessica Cates Creative - Gilbert, AZ
Real Estate Marketing Expert + Blogger

Mary Stewart - thanks for your comment. Your photo looks great!

Jul 27, 2015 05:41 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

 I cringe when I see DIY photos. Not a good plan, or your best foot forward. You many look pretty good in that tank top, but if it's not conducive to business, well you know. ;)

Jul 27, 2015 07:00 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Ouch, Jessica! You're stepping on my toes.  You are correct, of course.  Profession photo, solid color top, natural make-up. The only thing I got right was natural make-up!! 

Jul 27, 2015 07:13 AM
Jessica Cates
Jessica Cates Creative - Gilbert, AZ
Real Estate Marketing Expert + Blogger

Aw c'mon Pat Starnes - all things considered, your candid is a great one! :) I've seen much, much, MUCH worse!

Jul 27, 2015 07:16 AM
Thomas F. Scanlon
Borgida & Company P. C., CPA's - Manchester, CT
CPA, CFP

Jessica Schweppe - Well done. I am overdue for an update. I'm guessing I'll look more 'mature.'

Cheers,

Tom

 

Jul 27, 2015 09:04 AM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

Like Tammy, I get the same comments, OMG your HAIR? But I do agree to hire a professional. For years I did the $100 shot guys and I was never happy. Last time around I chose a commercial photographer who is extremely expensive but I'm worth it. Plus he listened to me and gave me what I asked for.

Jul 27, 2015 10:11 AM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

YIKES! My top is a busy pattern AND my hair has grown out! Oh my!!

Jul 27, 2015 10:28 AM
Jessica Cates
Jessica Cates Creative - Gilbert, AZ
Real Estate Marketing Expert + Blogger

I'll forgive you Joni Staples - but just this once. :)

Jul 27, 2015 11:14 AM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jessica Schweppe Good advice for getting that perfect headshot.

Jul 28, 2015 12:12 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I agree, less is more. I'm so happy those time of big hair and heavy make up are over:) 

Jan 08, 2018 10:55 PM