These days, there are a lot of resources on marketing looks for headshots.
With “Type Me” classes, look workshops, personal brand coaches, and stylists all giving you advice on looks, sometimes it can create more confusion than clarity.
But back to my story, IF THE ADVICE YOU’RE GETTING IS CONTRADICTORY, WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO? 🤔
Haley Leitman: Intern / Guys’ Girl / Hero
Jane A. Johnston: Upscale Grandmother / Henry Kemp: Professor
One of my clients hired a coach for advice on how she should market herself. Then, she hired a stylist who also gave her advice.
Turned out those two people had slightly different opinions regarding her looks.
Kevin Chacon: Blue Collar / Cartel / Gangster
When she walked into my studio and while finalizing our choices for wardrobe, you can imagine how confused she was when my opinion was also different than the other two people she hired and paid money to! 😵
Anadelle Phillips: Hipster / Urban Hip
Martina Weidenmo: Student / Edgy Substance Abuser
Advice is just a professional’s opinion, based on their own experiences. It isn’t the end all and be all; opinions vary from one professional to the next.
However, to avoid feeling like you’ve wasted your money 💸 on a bunch of conflicting advice, YOU have to do the work and come to understand your looks rather than pay someone to tell you what your looks are.
I repeat.
You have to understand your looks rather than be told what your looks are.
Arial Eleazar & Barber-Stephens / Kid’s Headshots
Charee Devon: Office Girl / BBQ Mom
Kaitlin Moose: Young Politician / Secretary
Here’s how! 👇
1️⃣ Make sure the suggested look resonates with you. Your gut never lies.
2️⃣ There is a difference between what you want to play vs. what you look like you can play. Always choose what your look supports.
3️⃣ There is a difference between what you want to play vs. what your essence suggests you can play. When building a resume, you have to lean into who you are naturally, not who you can push yourself to be in character… that comes after you’ve built a career.
4️⃣ Do your homework. Watch one episode of every single hot show on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO and more. Learn what characters are being cast in co-star and guest star roles, match them to your list of looks and make sure you fit those characters both VISUALLY AND IN YOUR ESSENCE.
Mario Peoples: Edgy Bad Guy / BBQ Dad
If you do this work, you will not be blindly relying on anyone’s opinion about how you should market yourself.
Now don’t get me wrong peeps… this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire someone to help guide you.
BUT…
Justin Becker: Jock / Prep School Student
After hiring someone, when you’ve done the homework and a photographer, a stylist, an agent, a coach, a friend or ANYONE gives your their opinion, you’ll know immediately if they are off or if they are correct.
Period.
Larisa Southerland: Quirky Office / Hipster
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I love helping you by putting out this free information (often written on weekends and evenings) so please help me spread the word by commenting and or sharing this post on your social feed! 🙏
Thank you for this helpful info!!!
The info makes a lot of sense and is very helpful
Great info thank you.