We’ve all done it.
Uploaded a photo to a website or social media profile, thought “that’ll do for now” – and then watched “for now” quietly turn into three years.
The thing is, your photos are doing a job whether you’re paying attention to them or not. Every time someone lands on your website, finds you on LinkedIn or scrolls past your Instagram, they’re forming an impression of you and your business in seconds. And if that impression is based on an old, inconsistent or just-not-quite-right image – you’re losing people before you’ve even had a chance to say hello.
Here are five signs it might be time to do something about it…
1. You’ve been using the same headshot for over a year
Or worse – it doesn’t even look like you anymore.
Your hair is different. Your style has changed. You’ve launched something new, pivoted your business or grown into a completely different version of yourself as a professional. But your photo is still you from three years ago, sitting awkwardly in a corner of someone’s office looking slightly nervous.
First impressions happen online now – often before anyone has spoken to you, visited your premises or read more than a line of your bio. The photo they see in those first seconds is telling them who you are. Make sure it’s accurate.
A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t recognise yourself from your headshot in a crowd, it’s time for a new one.
2. You cringe when someone asks for a photo of you
You know exactly what I mean.
Someone needs a headshot for a press release. A podcast host asks for a photo for the show notes. An event organiser wants something for the programme. And instead of confidently sending over a brilliant image that makes you look like the expert you are – you spend twenty minutes scrolling through your camera roll looking for the least bad option.
That feeling – that cringe, that slight panic, that “ugh, I hate this” – is your subconscious telling you something important. You shouldn’t dread that moment. You should have a folder full of images you’re genuinely proud to share, ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Because opportunities don’t always give you time to sort your photos out first.
3. You’re using phone selfies or stock images
Both have their place. But neither says “trust me with your business” in the way that professional brand photography does.
Stock photos say “this could be anyone.” They’re generic by design – chosen to appeal to the broadest possible audience rather than to represent you specifically. And the moment a potential client sees the same stock image on two different websites, the trust is gone.
Phone selfies say “I did this in a rush.” Even the best phone camera in the world can’t replicate the quality, the lighting and the intentionality of a professional shoot. And your ideal clients – the ones you really want to work with – will notice the difference.
You don’t have to look glossy or corporate. You just have to look like a professional who takes their business seriously. Because you do.
4. Your online presence doesn’t feel consistent
Different photo on LinkedIn. A different one on your website. Something else entirely on Instagram. And your email signature is still using that one from the conference two years ago.
When nothing matches, something subtle but significant happens: people can’t quite place you. They’ve seen you somewhere before but they’re not sure where. The recognition that builds trust – the “oh, I know her” feeling – never quite clicks.
Consistency is one of the most underrated tools in personal branding. When the same warm, professional, recognisably-you image appears everywhere your ideal clients might find you, it does quiet but powerful work. They start to feel like they know you before they’ve even reached out.
And the people who feel like they know you are the ones who book you.
Dr Connie Kerali has a palette of greens & neutrals
5. You’re about to do something exciting
- Launching a new service.
- Rebranding.
- Starting a podcast.
- Writing a book.
- Speaking at an event.
- Collaborating with someone brilliant.
A new chapter deserves new photos. Not because the old ones were bad – but because new photos signal that something has changed, something is happening, something worth paying attention to is on its way.
There’s also something genuinely powerful about investing in yourself at the start of something new. It sets an intention. It says “I’m taking this seriously.” And it gives you a gallery full of fresh, confident images to launch with – rather than scrambling around trying to find something that fits when the moment arrives.
New chapter. New photos. It really is that simple.
Sound Familiar?
If you recognised yourself in any of these – even just one – it might be time.
Brand photography doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. My Vivid package starts at £395 for a focused 30-minute shoot and 15 beautifully edited images. Enough to refresh your headshot, update your profiles and have something you’re genuinely proud to share.
Or if you’re ready for the full experience – the planning, multiple locations, a stunning gallery of 150+ images that gives you months of content – my Spectrum package is where most of my clients start.
Either way, I’d love to help. Let’s have a natter.
This post is part of Bright Ideas – my series of tips, advice and the occasional hot take on brand photography and showing up online. Because good advice should never be beige. 🌈
