Do you suffer from HAS (Headshot Avoidance Syndrome)?
LinkedIn Post – Do you suffer from HAS (Headshot Avoidance Syndrome)?
Many people avoid having their headshot updated, suffering from HAS – it affects millions of people each day from all industries and walks of life. It appears to be highly contagious but we don’t know much about how it is spread – the most likely causes are poor photography techniques, lack of understanding about how to look your best in front of a camera, and a general feeling of dread in even scheduling a headshot session. While studies are still ongoing, early research suggests that people who suffer from HAS have had a poor headshot experience in the past, and are reluctant to try again. They often use selfies, cutouts from pictures taken by family members or at events such as weddings, Bar Mitzvah’s, or their graduation.
These sufferers often understand that a professionally done headshot is an important element for their LinkedIn profile, website, and even social media – yet they procrastinate, come up with reasons to avoid scheduling a session, or simply say it’s not the right time.
Photographers have been working on cures, with very promising results. The cures involve a combination of therapeutics and processes that help people overcome their anxiety, get headshots they actually love, enjoy the session, and learn some new skills. This is combined with expert lighting that is soft, flattering to all skin types, colors, and conditions. People who have worked with photographers utilizing these cures have been extremely pleased with the results.
The key elements to this new approach include:
- Pre-session phone consultation – preparation call to discuss what to expect, help with clothing/hair/makeup choices, and so on
- Soft, great lighting that makes every skin color/condition look amazing
- Expression coaching – showing you how to smile naturally and genuinely, and convey confidence, approachability.
- Tethered shooting – you get to see the images as we progress on a monitor – you’ll see and learn what works as I coach you, improving as we progress
- Unlimited clothing changes – bring different options and we’ll see what works
- Expert retouching – images will look like you on your best day (or even better) yet will look natural
- Fun, relaxed atmosphere – many clients who would rather have had root canal say they actually had fun and love their headshots
Layna recently had her headshot done using these techniques:
‘Initially I reached out just inquiring about out how the process of taking headshots work, recommendations for background/attire/accessories/hair and makeup etc. he replied in a very timely manner and from the start was incredibly accommodating, knowledgeable and kind. I decided to book a session and the process from start to finish was so seamless. ….gave great tips throughout the session for posing/smiling/head positioning and resulted in me having such a hard time narrowing down which picture(s) I wanted to use because there were just so many good shots to choose from….end results were unparalleled”
People who are seeking a cure to HAS are encouraged to look for photographers who are skilled in these approaches – pay careful attention to the how the images look, read Google reviews, LinkedIn reviews, and talk with the photographer. You’ll also want to work with photographers who specialize in headshots vs. ones that also do other types of photography. Headshot photographers are constantly improving their skills and therapies to provide even better cures and results.
For more information, visit www.barrybraunsteinphotography.com.
If you suffer from HAS, there is help – visit www.barrybraunsteinphotography.com to learn more.