Job hunting can feel like throwing applications into the void. But after 22 interviews and refining...
I wasn’t planning on a professional photo shoot, but the universe had other plans. Here’s how a networking event, a door prize, and a little bit of fate gave me the headshot I never knew I needed.
Why Personal Branding Sometimes Takes a Backseat
I knew I needed a new headshot. My personal brand has been growing, and an image that truly represents me is a key part of showing up the way I want to. But when you are job searching, every financial decision feels like a strategic one. A professional photoshoot? That felt like a luxury I could justify later.
In the meantime, I had been making it work with a remarkably good and lifelike AI-generated headshot. It did the job. It looked polished, natural, and professional. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t really me. There is something about a real photo, one where your energy, personality, and presence come through, that an algorithm just can’t replicate. So when I won a door prize at a networking lunch, a discount certificate for a photoshoot with Joanna Kilgore, it felt like the universe was stepping in to say, “No more postponing.”
The Glam Squad and Unexpected Conversations
Sitting in the stylist’s chair, something funny happened. You know how we tend to open up to hairstylists? Apparently, hair and makeup stylists have that same magic. Meghan Rose, who worked on my look, was an absolute pro at making me feel comfortable. Before I knew it, I was spilling my entire romantic situation, like full-on plot summary, complete with side characters and dramatic twists.
There is something about getting ready, having someone pamper you, and seeing your transformation that invites vulnerability. Maybe it is the under-eye patches or the curling iron or just the energy in the room. Whatever it was, I left the chair not just looking refreshed but feeling lighter. Beyond the fun of it, styling is a critical part of branding. The right look is more than an aesthetic choice. It tells a story. My stylist understood that, enhancing my features while making sure I still looked like me. Blue hair and all.
The Photo Shoot: Real Connection, Real Confidence
By the time I stepped into JoLee’s studio, I felt ready. I already knew her from networking, and because she is such an authentic person, I felt completely comfortable being myself in front of her camera. Instead of feeling stiff or overly posed, I was relaxed. We laughed. She captured my personality, not just my image.
The best photographers know how to bring out the real you. It is not just about angles and lighting. It is about trust. The right photographer sees you, helps you show up as your best self, and makes sure that energy translates into the final image. I know we got the shot. I will be back at her studio on Saturday to pick it, and I cannot wait.
Benefits of a Professional Headshot for Personal Branding
- First Impressions Are Digital: Your LinkedIn, website, and speaker bios are often the first things people see. Your headshot sets the tone.
- It Communicates Your Brand: A low-effort selfie does not build credibility. A professional image signals confidence and intention.
- Your Brand Evolves: The headshot you took five years ago may not represent who you are today. Your audience deserves to see the current version of you.
- Trust and Connection Matter: People work with those they feel connected to. A strong, authentic image helps create that connection before a conversation even begins.
Personal Branding as a Strategy
What I took away from this experience was not just the unique, awesome photo I know I got. It was a reminder that personal branding is not about creating a version of yourself that fits a mold. It is about being clear on who you are and making sure that comes through in every interaction, visual or otherwise. Your headshot should not feel like a costume. It should feel like you. If you have bold blue hair, own it. If you prefer a minimalist look, embrace that. If you feel best laughing instead of posing seriously, let that energy shine through. Personal branding (a crucial part of career growth) is most effective when it is authentic.
Investing in Your Brand
If you have been putting off updating your headshot, consider this your sign to make it happen. It is a small investment with a big impact. Your online presence is an extension of your work, and every piece of it should be aligned with who you are today. And when you book that session, make sure to find a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and confident. The best images come from a place of real connection.
If you could capture the essence of your personal brand in one photo, what would it look like?
