Before a potential client ever shakes your hand, they have already met you. They found you on LinkedIn, your website, a Google search or the staff page of your company. And in that split second, your headshot did the talking.

So here is the big question: what is your headshot saying about you right now?

If the honest answer is "Um, that photo is from 2017" or "It's a crop from my cousin's wedding," you are in very good company. Most of the professionals I photograph walk in saying the exact same thing. The good news? That is an easy fix, and it can make a real difference in how people see you and your business.

I have been photographing people in northeast Ohio since 2009, and I have watched a great headshot open doors for realtors, financial advisors, attorneys, small business owners, job seekers and entire teams. Here are five ways a quality headshot works hard for your business, plus practical tips to get one you actually love.

Your headshot is your first impression, and it is working around the clock (even while you are on vacation, which is my favorite kind of employee). A warm, inviting portrait tells people you are approachable and easy to work with. A dark, blurry or overly stiff photo can quietly send the opposite message.

Tip: Think about the feeling you want a new client to have when they see your face. Welcomed? Reassured? Energized? We plan your expression, lighting and background around that feeling.

People do business with people they trust. A polished, professional headshot signals that you take your work seriously and that you pay attention to details. That matters a lot in fields where clients are trusting you with something big, like their home, their money, their health or their legal matters.

Tip: Consistency builds trust, too. Use the same current headshot across LinkedIn, your website, your email signature and your Google Business Profile so people instantly recognize you everywhere they find you. It doesn't have to be the exact same shot, but the same outfit and background with a slightly different expression or pose will maintain this consistency.

When a potential client is deciding between you and someone else, a friendly, confident photo can be the nudge that gets them to pick up the phone. It helps them picture working with you. And when they finally meet you in person, you look like you! (No awkward "Oh, you look... different" moments.)

Tip: Update your headshot whenever your look changes in a noticeable way, such as a new hairstyle, new glasses or a big change in your style. A good rule of thumb is to refresh it every two to three years.

We remember faces far more easily than names. A strong headshot helps people connect your name to your face, so when they need what you offer, you are the one who comes to mind. This is especially powerful for realtors, insurance agents, financial professionals and anyone whose business grows through referrals.

Tip: Put your headshot to work in more places than you might think: your LinkedIn profile and banner, website About page, Google Business Profile, email signature, speaker bios, press releases, social media profiles, print marketing and even your business cards.

A real smile and direct eye contact create an instant sense of familiarity. In a world of logos and AI photos, your face reminds people that there is a real person behind the business who cares about them. Holy smokes, that is powerful!

Tip: Genuine expressions come from feeling relaxed, and that is my specialty. My whole approach is built around keeping you comfortable and confident from start to finish, so the person in your headshot looks like the best version of you on a really good day.

If you nod "yeppers" to any of these, it is time:

• Your current photo is more than two or three years old

• You cropped it out of a group photo or event picture

• It is a selfie (we all have one, no judgment)

• Your hair, glasses or overall look has changed

• You are starting a new job, launching a business or going after a promotion

• Your team's photos on your company website do not match each other

• You feel a little uneasy every time you send someone your LinkedIn profile

You do not need a brand new wardrobe. A few simple guidelines go a long way:

• Choose solid colors. Rich jewel tones, navy, gray and soft neutrals look polished and timeless. Skip busy patterns and big logos.

• Fit is everything. Wear clothes that fit well through the shoulders and neckline, since that is what shows most in a headshot.

• Dress for your clients. Wear what you would wear to meet your ideal client, maybe one step dressier.

• Bring options. Bring a couple of tops or jackets and we will choose together at your session.

• Keep accessories simple. Classic jewelry and glasses you wear every day are perfect.

I keep the process simple and stress-free:

Step 1 - Consultation: We talk about how you will use your headshot and the impression you want to make.

Step 2 - Your session: I guide you through every pose and expression, and I handle the lighting. You do not need to know how to pose. That is my job!

Step 3 - Choosing your favorites: We look through your images together and pick the ones that feel most like you.

Step 4 - Delivery: You receive edited, downloadable digital files in the formats and sizes you need. I am happy to work directly with your web or graphic designer, too.

Studio sessions take place at my home studio in Louisville, Ohio. I also offer location headshots at your office or another meaningful spot throughout Stark County and northeast Ohio.

• Basic Studio Headshot ($150): 1 background, 1 outfit, 1 edited image

• Studio Headshot Plus ($300): 2 backgrounds, up to 2 outfits, 2 edited images

• Location Headshots ($450): at your location, 3 edited images (travel fee applies outside Stark County)

• Team and volume headshots: custom quote

A staff page full of mismatched photos (one selfie, one vacation photo and one from 2012) can make even a great company look disorganized. Team headshots give everyone a consistent, polished look that builds trust in your whole brand.

I come to you, set up at your office, and photograph your team with matching lighting and backgrounds, so you get a cohesive look with minimal disruption to the workday. It is a perfect fit for onboarding new hires, website refreshes and annual reports. I have photographed realty teams, wealth advisory offices, funeral homes and more. And when you hire someone new later, I can match their headshot to the rest of the team.

How often should I update my professional headshot? Every two to three years, or anytime your appearance changes noticeably. Your headshot should look like the person clients will meet.

I hate having my picture taken. Can you still help me? Absolutely, and you are not alone! Most of my headshot clients tell me this. I coach you through every pose and expression and keep things light (my corny jokes are included at no extra charge).

Where are headshot sessions held? Studio sessions are at my home studio in Louisville, Ohio. Location sessions are available at your office or business throughout northeast Ohio.

Do you photograph teams and offices? Yes! I offer volume headshots for businesses of all sizes, with a consistent look for your website, staff directory and marketing. Contact me for a custom quote.

How will I receive my images? You will receive edited, downloadable digital files in the sizes and formats you need for LinkedIn, your website and print.

How long does a headshot session take? That totally depends on your needs. I have had a Basic Studio Headshot session completed in ten minutes, and I have had location headshot sessions take an hour. We work until we get it right.