New Headshots for the New Year

professional headshot of man wearing suit with dark background in New Braunfels Headshot Studio | see more at www.erinvalknerphotography.com/blog

Why Updating Your Professional Photos Matters More Than Ever

The start of a new year has a way of inviting fresh starts and setting new goals.

It asks us to think about:

Who am I now?

How do I want to show up?

What do I want people to see when they find me?

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, corporate professional, or part of a growing team, if you’re in business, your headshot is the first impression you make online.

And in today’s digital-first world, that image matters more than ever.

Your Headshot Is Not Just a Photo — It’s a Representation of Your Brand

Your headshot isn’t about vanity. Sure you want it to be professional, high quality, look like you, and be flattering.

But more than that, it’s about clarity, credibility, and connection.

An outdated, rushed, or snapshot photo can work against you, even if your work is exceptional.

A thoughtful, professional headshot immediately communicates:

  • Confidence and approachability

  • Professionalism and attention to detail

  • Alignment with your role, industry, or personal brand

  • A sense of trust before you ever speak a word

People don’t just want to know what you do, they want to know who they’ll be working with.

A strong headshot helps answer that instantly. Just the fact that you have a professional headshot conveys to your potential clients and customers that you take your business seriously.

professional headshots done by erin valkner photography in New Braunfels Texas studio | see more at erinvalknerphotography.com/blog

Why Updating Your Headshot at the Start of the Year Makes Sense

The beginning of the year is a natural reset point. You’ve probably set business goals, maybe your team has evolved, or you could even be stepping into a new role or direction.

Updating your headshot now allows you to:

  • Start the year showing up how you want to be seen now, and not a version from years ago

  • Align your image with new goals, offerings, or leadership roles

  • Refresh your website, LinkedIn, email signature, and marketing materials all at once

  • Show consistency across platforms (something clients and employers subconsciously notice and makes a big impact)

If your appearance, role, confidence, or business has evolved, your headshot should reflect that. 

What Sets a Professional Headshot Apart?

A truly professional headshot goes far beyond a nice background and good lighting.

It’s about intention.

From wardrobe guidance and posing to expression and body language, every detail is there to support how you want to be perceived. The goal isn’t to make you look like someone else — it’s to help you look like your best self, in the way you want to be seen in your business.

A well-crafted headshot should feel:

  • Natural, not stiff

  • Polished, not overproduced

  • Confident, not forced

  • Authentic, not generic

Your headshot should also convey the overall idea of your branding immediately.

Maybe you’re brand is all about being approachable and have a sense of humor while maintaining professionalism.

Or maybe you’re wanting to convey a more serious, no nonsense, position of authority. 

All of this can be achieved through styling, posing and expression, which I’ll help you with. 

When done well, people recognize your message immediately — and feel at ease reaching out.

Who Are Professional Headshots For

Professional headshots are an absolute must for:

  • Business owners and entrepreneurs

  • Corporate professionals and executives

  • Actors, creatives, and freelancers

  • Teams and companies wanting cohesive branding

  • Anyone representing themselves or their work publicly

Whether you need a clean, modern corporate look or something more relaxed and personal/casual, your images should match both your role and your personality

headshot branding photo of woman wearing white suit jacket with white backdrop in New Braunfels Texas studio leaning against wall | see more at erinvalknerphotography.com/blog

Why Experience Matters When Choosing a Headshot Photographer

Anyone can take a photo. Not everyone can guide you through being seen how you want to show up in your business and your branding.

An experienced headshot photographer knows how to:

  • Put you at ease quickly

  • Give direction that feels supportive, not awkward

  • Read and guide subtle expressions and body language

  • Create images that feel confident and approachable

  • Use lighting in a way that achieves the look you’re going for

  • Deliver photos that actually work for your goals

This is especially important if being in front of the camera feels uncomfortable (which is more common than you think).

The right photographer doesn’t just capture what you look like — they help you feel confident enough to show up fully. 

Start the Year Fresh with Images That Represent You Well

If you’ve been putting off updating your headshots, consider this your sign.

The new year is the perfect opportunity to step forward in your business with intention. And to be visible in a way that feels aligned, professional, and true to where you see your business going.

High-quality, thoughtfully created headshots don’t just elevate your image, they boost your confidence, your presence, and how others experience you and your business.

And that’s something worth investing in.

I’m available for any questions you may have and if you’re ready to book, let’s go!

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