Hey Active Rain!
That is not me in the thumbnail - that is a random photo I found from pixabay.com. (A great resource for royalty free photos!)
I've personally been using the same professional headshot since 2016, but change my personal Facebook profile photo everyso often.
Here are some tips for updating your headshot:
1. Do you NEED to update it?
It might not be necessary, but some of us go through changes over the years. You don't want to "catfish" your potential clients - meaning your online/marketing photos are not representative of how you look when you meet your prospects in real life. For many of us, the headshot that we are using is perfectly fine to continue using.
2. Do you like the headshot you have now?
If YES, I'd strongly recommend using the same photographer if possible. Good photographers will maintain the style and image quality that you enjoy about your current headshot.
3. Keep it neutral
By this I mean don't go overboard with wearing patterns, jewlery, and a 5:00 shadow - facial hair is okay, as long as it is maintained. The reason behind this is because you might need to photoshop your headshot into different graphics. Or you might need to insert it into a brochure or flyer. Neutral colors will help assure your photo matches the aesthetic of whatever medium you are using your photo on. (Feel free to ignore this tip if you have established yourself with vibrant colors, laidback attitude, or any other color scheme that helps you stand out)
4. Use a professional headshot photographer
You can tell the difference between a professional headshot photographer and an amatuer with an expensive camera. Find a photographer that specializes in headshots. Your wedding photographer or your listings photographer offer two different end-products. They might not be the best choice when it comes to professional headshots.
The next question is - how often should you update your profile photo on social media?
