Should I Update My Professional Headshot Regularly?

One year? Two years?

When to update your headshot

By Tina Smothers

We just had a wonderful headshot session, congratulations! You may wish for that captured moment in time to last forever, or at least for a few years…right? Whether you’re a new hire at your big downtown Chicago law firm or launching your own small business, you already understand the power of visuals and that your new headshot is key to your professional success. After 16 years as a professional headshot photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how much the right (or wrong) headshot can impact someone’s professional presence. From client trust to website engagement, your headshot does far more than simply show what you look like. It represents your brand. So the question is: Should you update your professional headshot regularly?

Short answer: Yes. And more often than most people think.

How Often Should You Update Your Professional Headshot?

As a general rule, I recommend updating your professional headshot every two years.

This timeframe keeps your image aligned with:

• Your current appearance

• Modern photography styles

• Your evolving professional brand

A headshot that’s even five years old can quickly start to feel outdated—not just because of how you look, but because photography trends, lighting techniques, and editing styles change too.

The Most Common Headshot Mistakes I See

Over the past 16 years, there are a few mistakes that show up again and again.

1. Using Cell Phone Photos

While phone cameras have improved dramatically, most still lack the lighting control, lens quality, and professional editing needed to produce a polished headshot that represents your brand well.

2. Overly Filtered Images

Heavy filters may work on social media, but they often reduce credibility in professional settings. Clients want to see a real, trustworthy version of you.

3. Inconsistent Branding

Many professionals use different photos across platforms such as LinkedIn, company websites, speaker bios, and press features. This creates brand inconsistency, which can dilute recognition and trust.

4. Outdated Photos

This is one of the most common issues I see. A photo that’s 8–10 years old might technically still “look like you,” but subtle differences in style, clothing, lighting, and grooming often make the image feel dated.

When an Updated Headshot Makes a Real Difference

You might be surprised how much impact a refreshed headshot can have. Over the years, I’ve seen updated headshots help professionals:

• Land new clients

• Increase website engagement

• Build stronger first impressions

• Create more trust before a conversation even begins

In many cases, the headshot is the first impression someone has of you online. And first impressions matter.

A Real Example: The 8-Year-Old Headshot

One of my clients was an attorney whose professional headshot was 8 years old. She finally decided it was time for an update and invested in a new, modern headshot session. After updating her website with the new image, something interesting happened: client inquiries began to increase. Those inquiries quickly turned into more signed clients. Did the headshot alone create the results? Of course not. But the updated image helped create a stronger first impression and increased trust, which made potential clients more comfortable reaching out.

Signs It’s Time to Update Your Headshot

Even if it hasn’t been two years yet, there are some clear signs that it might be time for a new photo. You should consider updating your headshot if:

• You’ve changed your hairstyle or hair color

• You’ve pivoted into a new career

• You’ve had noticeable appearance changes

• Your current photo uses an outdated photography style

Your headshot should represent the person people will actually meet. If it doesn’t, it may create an awkward or even distrustful first impression.

Milestones That Definitely Call for a New Headshot

Certain professional moments are perfect opportunities to refresh your image. Consider updating your headshot when you:

• Start a new job

• Receive a promotion

• Launch a business

• Rebrand your website

• Move into a leadership role

These milestones often represent a new stage of your professional identity, and your headshot should reflect that evolution.

What If You Can’t Afford a New Headshot Yet?

One piece of advice I give clients surprises people. If your current photo is very outdated, it may actually be better to remove it entirely until you can invest in a new one. Using an outdated photo can unintentionally damage your brand by creating confusion or reducing trust. Your professional image should always support your credibility, not undermine it.

What Makes a Great Modern Headshot Today?

Headshot photography has evolved significantly in the past decade.

Thanks to advancements in lighting technology, editing tools, and camera equipment, we’re now able to create images that are brighter, more natural, higher quality, and more authentic than ever before. Modern headshots focus on capturing your best, most approachable professional self, not a stiff or overly posed version of you. The process is also faster and more comfortable than it used to be, making it easier than ever to keep your image current.

Your Headshot Is Part of Your Brand

For marketing directors and professionals responsible for brand perception, this is especially important. Your headshot isn’t just a photo, it’s a visual extension of your professional identity. Updating it regularly ensures that when someone visits your website, LinkedIn profile, or company page, the image they see reflects who you are today.