You're a professional, right?

Do you still use a "selfie" for your email, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media profiles? Camera phone raised at arm's length, bad light, distracting background?

Or maybe a photo from your wedding (or your friend's, since you were dressed up)?

The front seat of the car is a also popular studio.

Please stop. Now.

I'm not being critical; I'm here to help. Really.

If you think of yourself as a brand, and your photo represents the first thing people see, would you buy from you? Is that picture helping people get to know, like, and trust you?

We've covered this before and there's really no reason to not have a professional photograph of yourself—or even a series of professional photographs that can build your brand. 

• The Wall Street Journal reports that LinkedIn profiles with photographs get seven times more views than those without photos.

• A recent eye-tracking study revealed that viewers spend 19% of their time looking at the photo on your LinkedIn page.

• A New York Times article showcased the lengths some professionals are taking to build their personal brand identities. If you're not doing this, your competitor is.

Last fall I did a little case study at the studio, complete with a behind-the-scenes video. I let my friend Karisa take a selfie and then I made her picture (shown at the top of the post). If you could choose between one of these photos for her social media profiles, which would you select?

But you're still not sure you need professional images? Too much time?

We can make your picture at the studio in about an hour and have it ready for you the next day.

Too expensive?

What does winning (or losing) one customer cost you? Probably a lot more than the cost of a headshot session.

I've photographed professionals right here in Lincoln, and I've had folks drive to the studio from Peoria, Springfield, and Bloomington/Normal. We made great pictures. We can do the same for you.

If you want to try something more elaborate like the NYT article describes, we can do that too. Maybe add some video as well? Could be a lot of fun and you'll end up with something that no one else around here is doing: a social media branding package.

I'm happy to help--just let me know.

So, working professional, lose the selfie. Please.

You're only hurting yourself(ie).

(NOTE: The photographs below are NOT selfies. Just wanted to make that clear.)