Holding onto outdated photos may cause customers to struggle recognizing you in person or weaken impressions online. Whether you’re updating your photos to reflect changes in your appearance or a new career direction, our headshot sessions will tailor your images to your desired goals. Discover the recommended timeline for getting new headshots that accurately represent who you are today.
How Often to Get New Headshots?
The standard advice for refreshing professional headshots is every one to two years, although this timeline truly depends on the specific demands of your industry. You need new photos whenever significant changes occur, such as a major shift in hairstyle or weight, an important career milestone, or any obvious visual aging that makes your current image look noticeably dated.
Your headshot should match how you look today, not five years ago. Knowing the right timing for headshot updates helps you present an authentic, current version of yourself that builds trust and opens doors to new opportunities.
Ideal Timeline for Headshot Updates
Most professionals should update their headshot every one to two years. Depending on industry demands, some careers may only require a visual update every two to three years—particularly in fields where professional appearance standards evolve slowly or where client-facing roles don’t demand frequent changes.
However, the 12-to-24-month timeline keeps your image fresh without making updates feel like a constant task. Thinking of headshots as an active asset, rather than a one-time purchase, guarantees your professional image evolves alongside your career growth.
- Establish a calendar reminder: Set an 18-to-24-month recurring alert that prompts you to schedule a session, treating it as a non-negotiable professional expense.
- Budget annually for imagery: Allocate funds each fiscal year toward your visual branding, making the eventual headshot session stress-free and financially planned.
- Coordinate with business cycles: Aim to update your headshots right before major launches, annual report releases, or your industry’s largest conference to maximize the immediate impact of your new images.
- Industry-Specific Frequency Guidelines
Different fields maintain varied standards regarding the longevity and style of professional imagery. Aligning your headshot timeline with industry norms demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and a sharp awareness of your target audience’s expectations.
| Profession/Situation | Recommended Frequency | Considerations |
| Executives and high visibility (sales, marketing, PR) | 1-2 years | High visibility demands a polished, current image for media and client recognition. |
| Specialized and client-facing (real estate, financial, insurance) | 1-2 years | Client trust and local reputation are built on easy, current recognition and active marketing. |
| Actors and models | 1-2 years | Appearance changes require frequent, accurate representation for casting and bookings. |
| Entrepreneurs and lawyers | 2-3 years | Maintain brand consistency, reflect career progression, and uphold professional credibility. |
| Healthcare and academia | 2-3 years | Lower frequency is acceptable unless a major appearance or career change occurs. |
| Creative professionals | 1-2 years | Portfolio freshness is key, reflecting creative evolution and development. |
| Job seekers | 1-2 years (immediately if outdated | Photo must match the person at the interview for instant credibility and recognition. |
Signs It’s Time for a New Headshot
Learn to identify the subtle and obvious clues that your headshot is getting outdated, so you can set a date to get fresh professional photos.
1. Significant Appearance Shifts
When you significantly change your look, potential clients might feel a disconnect when they meet you in person, which erodes professional credibility.
- Appearance changes: Update your photo immediately if you have major changes in hair color, hair length, or have gained or lost around 15 pounds.
- Facial feature changes: New eyewear, significant changes to facial hair, dental work, or cosmetic procedures also require a new headshot for accurate representation.
- Natural aging and style: Get a refresh to let photos reflect your current age and avoid looking outdated due to old clothing or makeup styles.
2. Career Changes or Milestones
Your old headshot might not convey the necessary authority or expertise for your current role.
- Job promotions: When achieving senior status or a promotion, you need a portrait that conveys the new gravitas, authority, and professionalism of your promoted role.
- Career/industry changes: Launching a new business or switching industries means your photo must completely shift in style to reflect the independence and new brand personality.
- Professional milestones: Utilize new headshots to visually showcase the expertise, maturity, and authority gained through major certifications, advanced degrees, or professional awards.
3. Personal Branding Updates
Fresh headshots let you introduce new visuals that authentically represent the current direction and personality of your branding.
- Wardrobe and attire: If your professional dress code evolves, like from suits to smart casual, update your portrait to reflect this modern shift in your everyday style.
- Background and tone: Change your location or background (studio to outdoor and vice versa) and your expression to signal a clear brand evolution and new professional personality.
- Visual brand alignment: A brand refresh necessitates new headshots to align with new color schemes, logo updates, and messaging for consistent visual communication.
4. Marketing Campaigns and Website Redesigns
When you invest in a major visual overhaul of your platform, make sure your headshot is part of that cohesive refresh.
- Visual consistency: Keep your new headshot’s color, lighting, and mood perfectly aligned with your updated website design and your current brand’s aesthetic.
- Diverse asset acquisition: Use the session to capture a range of varied poses and angles necessary for different website layouts and social media platforms.
- Future-proof content: Secure a large set of fresh, high-quality images to sustain your content calendar and make sure your future posts and marketing campaigns use the latest visuals.
Related Questions
How Long Do Headshots Last?
Generally, professional headshots maintain their relevance for about one to two years before they begin to look dated or cease to accurately reflect your current appearance. However, you may need to update earlier or later, depending on your work requirements.
Do I Need Different Headshots for Different Platforms?
Successful professionals utilize varied images to optimize engagement across different online spaces. While you use a polished, conservative portrait for LinkedIn, you may need a more approachable, lifestyle-oriented photo for your website’s “About” page or social media.
What Are the Best Practices for a Headshot Session?
For a headshot session, arrive with your wardrobe pre-selected and clean, and know the specific style required to match your current professional goals. Our headshot photographers will guide you through this process, providing expert direction on lighting, posing, and expressions to capture the bold, high-quality imagery your brand deserves.
Conclusion
Getting new headshots every one to two years keeps your professional image fresh and accurate. Knowing when to update headshot photos can help you better prepare for the photo shoot. Book your professional headshot session today and let our photographers capture your next chapter with a fresh, dynamic professional headshot.
