Quick question: When was your current professional headshot taken?

If you had to think about it, or if the answer is 'more than two years ago,' we have a problem.

Your headshot is telling people you're stuck in the past. And in business, the past doesn't close deals.

The Expiration Date Nobody Talks About

Professional headshots have a shelf life. Not because the photo degrades—because you change.

Two years is a long time. You:

- Look different (hair, weight, age, style)

- Carry yourself differently (confidence, energy, presence)

- Operate at a different level professionally

- Present yourself differently in person

When someone meets you after seeing a 3-year-old headshot, there's a disconnect. And disconnect kills trust.

What Outdated Headshots Actually Signal

When you show up with a headshot from 2019 or 2020, here's what people think:

'This person isn't current.' If you can't be bothered to update your image, what else in your business is outdated?

'This person isn't investing in their business.' Professional headshots aren't expensive. If this isn't a priority, what is?

'This person might not be actively working.' Outdated photos signal inactive professionals. Are you even still in business?

'I can't trust what I'm seeing.' If your photo doesn't match reality, what else are you misrepresenting?

None of this is conscious. But all of it affects whether people decide to work with you.

The Recognition Problem

Here's what actually happens with outdated headshots:

You show up to meet a client. They saw your LinkedIn photo—the one from five years ago when you had different hair and weighed 20 pounds less.

They don't recognize you.

That split second of confusion? That's your credibility taking a hit. They're wondering what else doesn't match expectations.

Or worse: they recognize you look older than your photo. Now they're wondering why you're trying to hide aging. Trust drops before you even shake hands.

When to Update Your Headshot

The standard is simple: Every 2-3 years, minimum.

Update sooner if:

- Your appearance has changed significantly (hair, weight, style)

- You've changed industries or professional positioning

- Your current photo looks amateur compared to your current standards

- You cringe when you see your current headshot

- People comment 'this doesn't look like you'

If any of those apply, it's time.

The COVID Photo Problem

Special mention: If your current headshot was taken during COVID with a mask, home setup, or makeshift background—it's expired.

That was survival mode. We're not in survival mode anymore. Your professional image shouldn't look like it is.

What Current Actually Means

A current professional headshot:

Looks like you today. Not aspirational you. Not past you. Today you.

Reflects your current professional level. Your headshot should match the sophistication of your business now, not five years ago.

Works with your current brand. Your image, your website, your materials—all should be coordinated and current.

Signals active engagement. Fresh headshots signal you're actively building your business, not coasting on past momentum.

The Investment Perspective

'But I just updated my headshot three years ago.'

Three years ago:

- Your business was different

- Your positioning was different

- Your presence was different

- You were different

Your headshot is working 24/7 representing you. Is 3-year-old you really who you want representing today's business?

The cost of updating your headshot: $300-800.

The cost of prospects choosing competitors because your image signals 'outdated': Incalculable.

What Fresh Headshots Do

New professional headshots:

Signal momentum. You're actively investing in your business. You're current. You're engaged.

Build credibility. When your image matches reality, trust stays intact.

Reflect growth. Your business has evolved. Your image should too.

Eliminate friction. No more 'you look different than your photo' moments.

The Action Step

Open your LinkedIn right now. Look at your profile photo.

Ask yourself honestly: Does this represent who you are professionally today?

If the answer is anything other than 'absolutely yes,' it's time to update.

Not next quarter. Not when you 'get around to it.' Now.

Your professional image is representing you in rooms you're not in, to people you haven't met, for opportunities you don't even know exist yet.

Make sure it's representing the current you.

Find professional headshot photographers and get your professional image current.