The Silent Sabotage: How an Outdated Headshot Can Damage Your Brand

First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

In today’s highly visual world, your headshot is more than just a picture, or photo — it’s your digital handshake, your personal brand’s first impression (even when you’re unaware, someone is looking). Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your website, or in printed materials, that image shapes how people perceive your professionalism, credibility, relevance and your authenticity.

But what happens when your headshot no longer reflects what you look like today?

You might think it’s harmless to use that polished photo from five or ten years ago — but in reality, an outdated headshot can quietly undermine your reputation and leave potential clients or employers with a bad taste.

When the Picture Doesn’t Match the Person

We all age, grow, and evolve. Hairstyles change. Clothing styles shift. Your energy, expression, and overall presence may be completely different today than it was in that old photo. But when your headshot hasn’t kept up, you’re sending an unintentional — and damaging — message.

Imagine this: a potential client or hiring manager has seen your headshot online and formed an expectation of who they’ll be meeting. Then, they meet you in person — and there’s a noticeable disconnect. That moment might seem small, but it sparks a cascade of subtle but serious reactions.

The Emotional Fallout for the Viewer

Psychologically, humans crave congruence — we want what we see to match what we experience. When there's a misalignment between your photo and reality, it creates aversive feelings, including:

• Disappointment: "This isn't who I thought I'd be meeting."

• Distrust: "If they’re presenting an old image, what else might they be glossing over?"

• Uncertainty: "Am I working with someone who’s not keeping up or who lacks confidence?"

• Disengagement: The initial spark of interest or trust can fade quickly.

• Confusion: Have you ever tried finding someone based off their profile image alone? Imagine they looked totally different now

These aren’t overreactions — they’re instinctive. People interpret visuals faster than words, and those first few seconds are hard to undo.

Brand Damage You Can’t Afford

An outdated headshot sends subtle signals that can undermine even the strongest resume or reputation:

• Credibility: If your image is out of date, viewers may wonder if your skills are too.

• Authenticity: In a world that values realness, an old or heavily edited photo reads as disingenuous.

• Missed Opportunity: A current headshot gives you the chance to connect, build trust, and reinforce your brand identity.

In short, the disconnect creates friction — and friction costs you relationships and revenue.

What to Do Instead

The solution is simple and empowering: update your headshot every 2–3 years or whenever you undergo a significant visual or professional change (highly recommend). Choose a photographer, if it’s not me, who captures more than just your face — someone who understands brand storytelling and lower your walls, helping you show up as you.

• Be confident in your current appearance — age, style, and all.

• Dress as you would for a real meeting with a client (my brochure addresses attire, we’ll discuss further).

• Most folks would say to smile; I do agree it adds “approachability” (key to great headshots) however, I never say, “smile” —instead I always elicit genuine, unforced facial expressions.

The Takeaway

You’ve grown. So should your images.

An outdated headshot doesn’t just look old — it feels out of sync. Today’s clients, collaborators, and employers want to work with people who are present, aligned, and authentic. That starts with a next-level headshot image that says: “This is me, right now — and I’m ready to work with you.” If you’re concerned about aging, remember that today is the youngest you will ever be.

Don’t let yesterday’s image hold you back. Update your headshot. Update your brand. Show up as the you people are actually meeting — and trusting — today.

Hot take: Headshots aren’t [just] about how great you look

"Please tighten your cerebellum slightly, and loosen your left lung a bit"

Okay, so I should've said that headshots aren't JUST about how great you look. Obviously, in a professional first impression, you're aiming to look -well, professional. So what in the heck is up with that crazy second line, Josh?

Well, I first should complete the second part to the headline: Headshots are about what your audience "feels" when they see your headshot. I believe it is 4 seconds you have for someone to form a first impression -not very long to hopefully say a whole lot -and make it what you want it to say!

The nutty line? Psychology. Hang with me a second; You see, most clients walk into the session with a whole lifetime of preconceptions built up around being photographed (heck, I had them before beginning this journey years back). Some of you think you'll be made to "pose" (often awkwardly), others swear they "can't take a good picture", some are nervous, some are in their heads about "my crooked nose", "that slightly bigger ear", the list goes on.

Point being? You're not present. You're brain is going a million different directions. That true you? The you that shows up confidently for a big meeting, an important interview, a presentation, speaking on stage? Odds are I've not met that you when you walk into our session.

My job, all the technical photography stuff aside, is to bring out that best version of you. Telling you to do something completely out of left field sort of accomplishes two jobs in one -it instantly brings you into the moment AND helps bring down those walls. Of course, it's not just humor, there's many different tactics to help you shine through.

That's the end result and goal though, that bundle of nerves, that person stressing about tomorrow's to do list, all of those block us from your authentic, confident and 'awesomest' self. If you hear me say, "two schmillimeters to your right" -know it's for good reason. Plus, come on, schmillimeter is a far more fun word than millimeter!

Why though, why's any of this "real me" and whatnot even matter? Headshots are up close, they're literally in your face, PERSONAL. This means every micro expression, a slight change in your eyes, your demeanor, your smile -matters. No, most of your audience probably won't know why BUT they will feel something when seeing your headshot image for their first time.

My goal, your goal -should be to make certain they see AND feel the best, most authentic, genuine and star-destined version of you. So click your heals together 2.7 times, unscrew your right earlobe, just a bit and let’s talk

-I guarantee I'll teach you how to make those 4 seconds draw your next viewer right in!

✅ Everyone, do you have any favorite lines, or things said that made you laugh, or got you to shake off the nerves and become more present