4 Signs It’s Time to Refresh Your Headshots
Introduction: Your Headshot Is More Than a Picture—It’s a First Impression
In today’s digital world, your headshot often speaks before you do.
Whether it’s LinkedIn, your website, a conference bio, or your email signature—your photo is your handshake. And just like in-person impressions, a weak visual can stall opportunity, while a strong one builds trust fast.
At StoryMap Creative, we’ve helped hundreds of professionals—from business owners and creatives to educators and executives—step in front of the camera and finally feel like their headshot matches who they are.
So how do you know when it’s time for a refresh?
Here are four signs your current headshot isn’t cutting it anymore.
Sign #1: You Look Different—And You Know It
Let’s be honest. If you’ve aged, changed hairstyles, lost (or gained) weight, grown a beard, or simply evolved your style, your current headshot may not reflect the real you anymore.
Why this matters:
Clients may not recognize you in person
It creates a sense of disconnect between your image and your brand
It can subtly erode trust—even if you don’t realize it
You want your photo to say: “This is me—today. Confident, credible, and showing up.”
📸 Pro Tip:
If your current headshot is more than 2–3 years old, it’s time to update. Even subtle physical changes can affect how relevant your image feels.
Sign #2: Your Headshot Doesn’t Match Your Brand or Role
Your headshot should reflect the tone and energy of how you show up in the world.
If you’ve:
Changed careers
Moved into a leadership role
Launched a new brand or business
Rebranded your company
…your old headshot may no longer match the tone you need.
For example:
A Pre-K teacher who used to have a formal photo might now want something warm and inviting.
A tech founder may want to move away from a suit-and-tie look to something more casual and innovative.
A nonprofit director might need a headshot that balances approachability with authority.
Ask yourself:
“If someone only saw this photo, would they understand who I am and what I do?”
If the answer’s no, it’s time to refresh.
Sign #3: You’re Avoiding Using It
This is the biggest red flag of all: you’re actively avoiding sharing your current headshot.
You hesitate to upload it. You cringe when you see it. You say “I really need a new one” every time you’re asked for a bio photo.
That’s not just a personal frustration—it’s a branding problem.
Avoiding your headshot often means you’re:
Missing out on visibility
Hesitating to show up for opportunities
Sending a mixed message to potential clients, partners, or employers
You deserve to feel proud of how you present yourself.
And a great headshot? It fuels confidence.
Sign #4: You Cropped Someone Out of the Photo
Let’s just say it—this is a major red flag (and one of our biggest pet peeves). If your current “headshot” is actually a photo from a wedding or family event where you cropped someone else out, it’s time.
Why it’s a problem:
It screams unprofessional
It often results in poor resolution, bad lighting, and awkward framing
It sends a message that you're not fully invested in how you show up
Even if the crop kind of works, there’s an unspoken message:
“This will do... for now.”
But your first impression shouldn't feel like an afterthought.
📸 Pro Tip:
Your headshot should be intentional, not improvised. A clean, well-lit portrait that was made for this purpose always outperforms a half-hearted crop job.
What Makes a Great Headshot in 2025?
Headshots have changed. Today, they’re less about stiff poses and more about authenticity, style, and emotion.
At StoryMap Creative, we specialize in modern headshots that reflect the real you—with lighting, expression, and coaching that bring out your best.
Here’s what we focus on:
✅ Expression That Feels Natural
You’re not just smiling—you’re connecting. The right coaching helps you avoid the “deer in headlights” look and instead show up calm, confident, and open.
✅ Lighting That Flatters, Not Flattens
Good lighting isn’t about looking “perfect.” It’s about looking professional, clean, and dimensional. We train under world-renowned headshot coach Peter Hurley to deliver this every time.
✅ Styling That Matches Your Brand
From wardrobe tips to background choices, we help you match your vibe—whether it’s polished, creative, bold, or approachable.
✅ Images That Work Across Platforms
We give you a set of professional, high-resolution headshots tailored for LinkedIn, websites, speaking gigs, resumes, and more.
What to Expect From a StoryMap Headshot Session
🧳 We Bring the Studio to You
Our portable headshot studio makes it easy. Whether it’s your office, event space, or even home—we set up with professional lighting and backgrounds wherever you are.
🎯 Fast, Friendly Sessions
Most shoots take 20–30 minutes. We guide you every step of the way with prompts, poses, and feedback that actually make it fun.
✨ Retouched But Real
We clean up small distractions, but we never make you look like someone else. The final images are natural, modern, and professional.
Headshots for Teams or Organizations?
We do that too.
Whether you’re refreshing the leadership page on your website or organizing a headshot day for your company, we handle:
Scheduling
Setup and teardown
Individual image delivery
Style consistency across the team
Your brand—and your people—will look aligned, polished, and confident.
Still Not Sure? Ask Yourself This:
✅ Does my headshot look like me right now?
✅ Does it match my role, tone, or brand direction?
✅ Do I actually use it—or avoid sharing it?
If you answered “no” to any of those, it’s time.
Call to Action: Let’s Refresh Your Image
You deserve a headshot that helps you show up with confidence—online, in print, and in real life.
Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a teacher stepping into a new role, or a company ready to refresh your team’s look, we make the process smooth, stress-free, and even fun.
👉 Book your headshot session today
👉 Inquire about our team and event packages
👉 View our portfolio to see what a modern headshot can look like
Your face is your brand. Let’s make sure it says the right thing.
