How Often Should You Update Your Professional Headshot?

It feels like you had your headshots done yesterday, doesn’t it? Surely it’s not time to update them again…right? Then you take a good, hard look and realize the professional headshot you’re using is 10 years old! So, how often should you update your professional headshot? Let me explain.

You’ve probably heard all the clichés:

• “It’s your digital handshake.”
• “First impressions matter.”

Sure, they’re true, but there’s something even more important to consider: trust.

Think about why you have a professional headshot in the first place. It’s to give colleagues, employers, and clients a sense of who you are before they meet you. It’s the first impression you present to the world.

Now imagine your headshot is a decade old. Your hairstyle has changed, your features have matured, or maybe your weight has shifted. When someone meets you in person after only seeing that outdated headshot, it can create a sense of unease.

Why? Because the person they meet doesn’t match the person they saw in your photo. Even if it’s unintentional, it can come across as being less than honest. And that’s not the best way to start building trust.

This has happened to me personally. I’ve met people for business meetings who represented themselves with outdated images, and it threw me off. They had to work harder to earn my trust because they didn’t match the image they presented.

There are plenty of reasons to update your professional headshots regularly. Here are a few of the most common:

You’ve Grown Older

Sadly, the clock only moves forward (assuming it’s working properly). For instance, I’ve noticed more grey in my beard than I had a few years ago. That’s just life!
The key is to look like the best version of yourself at the age you are now. Embrace it—every stage of life is worth celebrating.

Your Weight Has Changed

Weight changes happen to many of us, whether it’s a few pounds gained or lost. And even though headshots only focus on your head and shoulders, these changes can still be noticeable.

Personally, I notice weight changes in my face before anywhere else. Whether it’s subtle or significant, your headshot should reflect who you are today—not who you were a few years ago.

Your Style Has Evolved

Styles change—there’s no getting around it. I’m old enough to remember when avocado green appliances were all the rage. (Yes, I’m dating myself a little here!) Now, if you walk into a kitchen decked out in that once-desired color, it feels outdated.

The same goes for personal style. Maybe you’ve changed your hairstyle, updated your wardrobe, or swapped out a bold lipstick shade for something new. If your style has shifted, it’s time to update your headshots to match.

I once worked with a client who had incredible long hair. We captured amazing headshots, and he was thrilled with the final images.

Two weeks later, he posted on social media—he’d chopped his long hair into a very short style. His brand-new headshots were already out of date. I dropped him a message and then saw him a week later.

Your Career or Branding Has Shifted

Sometimes your headshots need an update because of changes in your professional life. Maybe you’ve taken on a new role or adjusted your personal branding. Your headshot should align with where you are now in your career.

For example, if you’ve transitioned into a leadership role, your headshot can reflect that confidence and professionalism.

As a general rule, I recommend updating your professional headshots at least once every two years.

Of course, there are exceptions to this. If you’ve gone through a significant change—like a new hairstyle, weight loss, or a major shift in your personal brand—then it’s time for an update, even if it hasn’t been two years.

Keeping your headshots current ensures that you always look like you in your personal marketing. Whether it’s your website, LinkedIn profile, or business cards, consistency builds trust and makes a strong first impression.

Your professional headshot is more than just a photo. It’s the face you present to the world, and it’s worth investing in. Keeping it updated helps you build trust, reflect your current self, and stay ahead in your personal and professional branding.

So, is it time to refresh your headshots?

If you’re ready to update yours, I make the process easy. Simply visit benmarcum.com and use the online scheduler to book your session