Your real estate agent headshot is much more than just a photograph—it’s your first handshake with potential clients. In real estate, your photo isn’t just about looking good; it’s about making a lasting impression that radiates confidence, professionalism, and approachability.
The secret to a winning headshot? Hire a skilled photographer, dress the part, and let your smile do the talking. Practice poses, groom yourself impeccably, and remember: The eyes are the gateway to trust. Take multiple shots in various outfits, and involve trusted friends in choosing the best one. A polished headshot speaks volumes about your ability to deliver results and sets you apart from the competition. Dive into this guide for all the details you need to perfect your real estate agent headshot.
Real Estate Headshots That Talk!
It’s not just about your face on a glossy piece of paper that says “Hey, it’s me, and I’m an agent.” Your real estate agent headshot is arguably the first impression you make on potential clients. It’s completely up to you to make it a lasting one or just the last one!
While you’re eating, sleeping, or even bathing, it’s your headshot that markets you on business cards, billboards, or your social media. So, as an agent, you need to have a professional headshot that exudes confidence, builds trust, and sets you apart from others.
Learn from the best: See how others have done it
Seeing headshots of realtors will give you plenty of ideas to craft your unique look. The good news is that wherever you turn your head, you can find countless real estate headshot examples to learn from.
For instance, Google phrases like “realtor headshots” or “real estate agent headshot near me.” You can even narrow down your search and use phrases like “female real estate agent headshots” or “real estate agent headshots [city]” to find more related results.
Once you’ve found a good source, take your time and go through the samples. Take note of details that catch your eye. See how those agents smile or pose. Pay attention to their clothes as well as the background. Together, these details create the perfect real estate agent headshot.
Have a look below at these real estate agent headshots and see how they differ. Do they all leave the same impression on you? Which one would be your first choice if you were to buy or sell a property?
Dustin Walsh
Treasa Stephenson
Diana Tommingo
Henry Herrera
Trust the pros: Hire a photographer
Taking a good real estate agent headshot is no DIY project. You will only waste your time if you ask your friend or fiance to do the job using their smartphones. If you want to do it right, you need to find a professional headshot photographer with a high-tech camera that provides tips regarding how to pose, what to wear, where to take the shot, and so on.
It’s an investment, and you should look at it as one. Taking a headshot isn’t something you do every day, so there’ll be no recurring cost. Moreover, you’ll be using the same headshot for a considerable amount of time. So, lose those purse strings and get a headshot you’ll be proud of!
It’s all in the eyes of the subject!
Since your face will be the focal point of any headshot, it’s no wonder the eyes–the centerpiece–are among the first features to draw attention. If they shine with happiness, confidence, and warmth, anyone looking at your headshot will feel an instant connection.
So, how can you ensure your eyes make the right impression? For starters, don’t force them wide open as it won’t look natural! It’s sort of a given, but instead, keep them relaxed and avoid squinting when the flash goes off.
You could also use harmless eye drops so that your eyes look whiter and brighter. Another thing you can do is to wear contact lenses to add clarity and definition.
Last but not least, don’t look away. A real estate agent headshot isn’t a Vogue or a Met Gala photoshoot! Look directly into the lens or slightly above it so that your gaze appears confident and attractive.
Why so serious?!
A stern look in your photo might be perfect for facing off with a former debate opponent or silencing a particularly nosy neighbor, but definitely not for your real estate agent headshot!
As an agent, you’ll be constantly in touch with different individuals like sellers, buyers, tenants, photographers, and many more. So, you must come across as a likable individual who can quickly build trust and make others comfortable. In short, you must be approachable and easy to talk to.
And when it comes to that, nothing makes you more approachable than a nice smile that radiates friendliness and sincerity. In 2019, a study on the effect of smiling on perceptions of personas found that people feel a stronger connection to photos of individuals who smile, compared to those who don’t. So, never undermine your smile, especially one that shows a beautiful set of teeth.
It’s the best time to look your best
What you wear should reflect professionalism and align with your target market. Solid colors are a smart choice as they convey confidence and photograph well, while busy patterns often convey the opposite. If you work in a high-end market, a suit or formal blouse is ideal, whereas business casual may be more fitting for a relaxed, local market.
Also, keep in mind that you should prepare your outfit ahead of time. Iron your clothes and have them ready to prevent any last-minute stress. Bringing a couple of options to your shoot is a good idea, too, if you’re unsure about what will work best. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident, as it will shine through in your headshot.
Finally, look sharp. As a real estate agent, you want to appear polished, so style your hair neatly and avoid bold accessories that might distract viewers. A well-groomed appearance and carefully chosen attire will ensure your real estate headshot reflects the trusted professional you are.
Don’t be yourself too much!
That’s right. Every photo should send a clear message to the viewer, and that message is conveyed through your posture. Don’t just stand rigidly in front of the camera and expect your photo to impress others. If you’re looking to convince others that you’re the one who can handle property transactions for them, you need to project confidence, professionalism, and trustworthiness in your shot.
But don’t take me wrong! You’re neither a bodybuilder to show off your chest line nor are you a novelist gazing wistfully into the distance to suggest that there are things only you see!
The right pose for a realtor isn’t that complicated. Just stand tall, maintain a poised stance, and let your body language communicate that you are capable, approachable, and ready to deliver results.
Take multiple shots, obviously!
As you can see, preparing your real estate headshot comes with a price. You have to take a day or two off, hire a photographer, groom yourself, and probably invest in some wardrobe choices. So, don’t be content with just one good shot. Now that you’ve come this far, why not make the most of your day?
After all, you’re going to update your profile sooner or later, and this means you have to have a variety of photos ready to go. Different angles, locations, lighting, clothes, and expressions can help you keep your profile fresh and adaptable for various contexts, whether it’s for social media, professional listings, or marketing materials.
Time to Get in Front of the Camera!
Four eyes see better than two, right? So, after getting the results, show them to others and ask for an honest opinion. This might take a day or two but it helps you make the right choice.
You can post your headshots on your social pages and ask people to tell you what they think of them or which one(s) they like more. Pick the most popular one and confidently use it to represent yourself, knowing it resonates well with your audience.
Done with your real estate headshot? Now, it’s time to learn about the best real estate advertising ideas to stand out in the market. Happy reading!
FAQs
Real estate agent headshot pricing isn’t fixed. How much you’ll pay depends on the photographer you hire, the location, the complexity of the setup, the number of shots, and whether or not you want to hire a makeup artist. According to Headshots Inc., depending on those factors, you might have to pay anything between $89 and $1500.
