Why Real Estate Agents Need a High-Quality Headshot

In the fast-paced world of real estate, first impressions matter more than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting out, your headshot plays a crucial role in how potential clients perceive you. Before a buyer or seller even picks up the phone to contact you, they’re likely checking out your website, social media, and business cards—and the first thing they’ll see? Your headshot.

Your Headshot is Your Brand

Real estate is a relationship-driven industry, and trust is key. A high-quality headshot does more than just make you look professional; it helps you establish credibility before you ever say a word.

A great headshot can communicate:

·      Trustworthiness – Clients want to work with someone they feel they can rely on.

·      Confidence – A confident expression can instill confidence in potential buyers and sellers.

·      Approachability – Looking friendly and inviting makes it easier for clients to reach out.

·      Competence – A polished, professional image signals that you take your career seriously.

On the flip side, an outdated or unprofessional headshot can send the wrong message—even if you’re the best agent in town!

Signs It’s Time to Update Your Headshot

If you’re wondering whether your current headshot is helping or hurting your business, ask yourself:

• Is my headshot more than 2-3 years old?
• Does it still look like me? (A client should recognize you when they meet you in person!)
• Was it taken with a smartphone or cropped from a group photo?
• Is the lighting, background, or resolution poor?

If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time for an upgrade!

What Makes a Great Real Estate Headshot?

When investing in a new headshot, consider the following:

·      Professional Lighting & Background – A clean, neutral background or a subtle real estate setting can work well. Natural light is great, but studio lighting can work well too.

·      Wardrobe Matters – Choose professional attire that aligns with your brand. Solid colors often work best, avoiding distracting patterns.

·      A Confident, Approachable Expression – You want to look polished yet inviting. A genuine smile can go a long way!

·      Brand Consistency – If you use your headshot across marketing materials, ensure it aligns with your brand colors and style.  If you are on a real estate team, consider hiring me to take portraits of your whole company.

Make Your First Impression Count

Your headshot is more than just a picture—it’s a powerful marketing tool that can help you stand out in a competitive market. Investing in a professional headshot isn’t just about looking good; it’s about winning trust and attracting more clients.

Get a Headshot That Sells Your Brand

At Steven Hankins Photography, I specialize in professional headshots for real estate agents and business professionals in Los Angeles. I know how to create images that help you connect with clients, project confidence, and stand out in your market.

·      Convenient Locations in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Culver City

·      On-Location Sessions Available—I’ll Come to Your Office

·      Fast Turnaround & Retouching for a Polished Look

Let’s make sure your first impression is working for you. Book your professional real estate headshot session today!

 Call: 323-493-2552

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Ever wonder what goes into prepping for a professional headshot session? It’s more than just showing up with a camera! For me, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful shoot. Here’s a peek into how I need to prepare for my shoots:

1.     Power Up: Fully charging camera and flash batteries is non-negotiable. I don’t want the batteries to go dead in the middle of a shoot.

2.     Fresh Start: Wiping memory cards ensures ample space for all those perfect shots.  I’ve had too many clients where I haven’t wiped the memory cards.  This causes the client to have to wait longer while all of the photos load on my computer before importing them.

3.     Safe & Sound: Backing up my hard drive is crucial.  I don’t do this as often as a should and thankfully I haven’t lost many photos, so I need to do this more often.

4.     Crystal Clear: A clean camera lens is essential for sharp, crisp images. Dust and smudges are the enemy of professional photography.

5.     System Check: Turning the camera on and off, along with a quick test run, confirms everything is functioning correctly. I want to catch any potential issues before the client arrives.  Thankfully I have two cameras in case one fails.

6.     Flash Test: Syncing and testing my flash and trigger ensures proper lighting and avoids any unexpected surprises during the shoot. Consistent, flattering light is key.

In the end its about creating a relaxed and professional atmosphere.

Also, are you looking to update your headshots? Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to set up a photo session.  I will travel throughout Los Angeles for photography clients.  Plus, I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice and Culver City.

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As a professional headshot photographer, I take pride in providing an excellent experience for my clients—from booking to delivering the final edited images. To ensure my schedule stays organized and my time is respected, I require a non-refundable $100 deposit at the time of booking an individual headshot session, which also serves as a cancellation fee if a session is canceled within 24 hours. If a client gives at least 24 hours’ notice, I allow the deposit to go towards our future shoot.

This policy isn’t just about securing payment—it’s about creating a professional, reliable experience for both me and my clients. Here’s why it’s essential:

1. It Ensures Commitment

A headshot session is an investment in your professional self, and I want my clients to be fully committed to the process. When someone pays a deposit, they’re more likely to show up to their photo session because they’ve already made a financial commitment.

2. Last-Minute Cancellations Affect My Business

Photography is appointment-based, and each time slot is reserved specifically for that client. If someone cancels last minute, I often can’t fill that space on short notice, resulting in lost income and wasted time. A deposit helps ensure that my schedule stays on track and that last-minute cancellations are minimized.

3. My Time is Valuable

Just like my clients’ time is valuable, so is mine. Beyond the actual session, I spend time preparing for the shoot, setting up equipment, and editing photos afterward. A deposit acknowledges that work and ensures that my time is respected.

There was one time I was already on the road to meet a client at my office in Santa Monica when he texted me saying that he felt sick.  That is fine because everyone gets sick, but why didn’t he text me the night before or earlier on in the morning.  Plus, he never rescheduled and never gave me a deposit.

4. It’s a Fair and Flexible Policy

While the deposit is non-refundable, I offer flexibility for clients who need to reschedule. As long as they provide at least 24 hours’ notice, they can apply the deposit toward a future session. This way, clients aren’t penalized for legitimate scheduling conflicts, and I can still maintain a structured calendar.

5. It Creates a Smoother Booking Experience

Requiring a deposit sets clear expectations from the start. Clients know that their session is secured, and I know that they are serious about moving forward. This simple step eliminates confusion, prevents last-minute scheduling issues, and helps keep everything running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

A deposit is not just a payment—it’s a sign of commitment, respect for time, and a way to create the best experience possible for both myself and my clients. By implementing this policy, I’ve seen fewer cancellations, a more organized schedule, and clients who arrive ready to get the most out of their headshot session.

If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for a professional headshot—whether for yourself or your entire team—let’s connect! I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, and I can travel to your location anywhere in LA. Call 323-493-2552 to book your session today!

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