Your photographer just sent you your new headshots. Here are some tips and best practices on how to show off your new look.
Soprano Ashley McKinstry
Post one new photo immediately!
Go straight to social media and drop your favorite photo on everyone. You look fabulous and fancy, and people love seeing great photos of you. Get the warm fuzzies from all the love.
Save your other photos.
Don’t post all your new photos to social media right out of the gate. Save them to share with news or a big announcement. A new photo will help bring attention to your story.
Update your website.
Add your new photos to your homepage, bio, press kit, and other pages. This is a great time to update your performance calendar. Then, make a social media post about your updated website and upcoming appearances.
Always include photo credit.
On social media. On your website. Always. Not sure how to indicate credit? Ask your photographer how they prefer to be credited. Tag them/link to their website.
Notice the composition of each photo.
Pay attention the orientation (horizontal or vertical) and crop (wide or tight) when posting to social media and your website. Instagram allows wide or square crop, so try each to see which is appropriate for the composition of the photo. Horizontal photos with negative space often look good on websites.
No filters necessary.
Your brand new photos are gorgeous, and your photographer has spent several hours expertly polishing each photo after the shoot to make sure you shine. There is no need to add filters or other editing effects to your headshots.
Soprano Ashley McKinstry
Consider the context.
You’ve got upcoming concerts, opera roles, or applications. Maybe you’re starting a teaching studio. Hopefully, you’ve discussed the reason for your new photos with your photographer before your shoot. This will help you when it’s time to choose a photo that is appropriate for the context. When sending photos to concert presenters, for example, think about the repertoire you’re performing. Use your photos to help tell your story.
Ask your photographer.
Have a question on usage? Not sure about photo credit? Can you print the photo on a CD? The best policy is to ask your photographer first if you’re uncertain about anything. We want to help you get the most out of our work.