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Making a first impression with a face for radio

May 19, 2017

Article from radioinfo.com

Your social media profile photos are creating a first impression whether you like it or not, and they can help or hinder you getting your next job

If you are not using an image on your CV, chances are that your potential employers or customers are checking you out on social media. What impressions do you think your social images are projecting?

To read the full article click here

That’s the message from Karen Merry from Merry Images.
radioinfo’s feature Faces for Radio is your personal profile page where you can display your details and showcase your CV and Demo. Employers often search this section when looking for new employers. So, if you haven’t already uploaded your details or if you are already featured with us, take the opportunity to make sure your profile pic is the best representation of you and make sure you stand out to prospective employers.

In fact, a study by job website theladders.com, indicated that recruiters spend more time looking at your photo than reading your resume.

An eye-tracking heat map found that they spent 19% of their time on your photo and significantly less time reviewing your skills or past work experience. Karen Merry, a professional photographer who specialises in headshots says “people spend a lot of time putting up a profile, creating content and documenting evidence of their experience and successes, but their profile shot might not even get them past the first hurdle.”

“The message you send with your image is always going to be open to interpretation and although you can’t control your audience’s response, there are definitely photo types you can avoid to improve your chances,” she says.

Here are some tips about the types of images to avoid:

1. No photo: Silhouette image of generic head
If you haven’t found time to add your profile photo, remember that you are 14 times less likely to be viewed on social media. You may think that it shouldn’t make a difference, but it will be interpreted as “what are you hiding?” Projecting a great image of yourself will create a memorable first impression and an authenticity in that connection.

2. Webcam or phone selfie
We’ve all done them, right? The truth is that a webcam angle is never flattering. The extra chins from the angle alone should be enough to stop you from taking these shots! Phone selfies can afford a better angle but can make you look narcissistic, especially if you use the pouty Kardashian look! The connection with your eyes is usually not good on a selfie because you are too busy looking at the screen instead of your camera.

3. Poor Composition
Cropping your chin out of photo creates an imbalance that will put people off subconsciously. They will know that something is not quite right, but might not recognise why. You have only 1/10 of second to connect, so don’t give people a reason to move on.

4. Photo with alcohol
You’re all dressed up and feel confident in the photo, but you just happen to have a drink in hand. Is that so bad? Yes, it is. It sends an unprofessional message to your audience which may have human resources or agents moving on to the next candidate very quickly! ​Leave the social shots for social media like Facebook or Instagram feeds but not for your profile photo.

5. Sunglasses
Our eyes are the most important way we can connect with others. They are the window to your soul and will demonstrate your authenticity. Without showing your eyes, there is no connection.

6. Photos with other people
What was the first thing you looked at in this shot? Was it the half face? It’s quite confusing to have half of someone else’s face in your profile shot, and the viewer is drawn to the half face as they try to make sense of the shot. The impression is that something is not quite right.

When your profile shot is only viewed for a short time, you want it to be as memorable as possible and for all the right reasons. People will want to find out more about you when you look approachable and project a professional image. Create a reason to connect and generate opportunities.

Karen Merry says, “As a headshot photographer, I have seen some interesting before shots! I can tell you that the difference a professional shot makes to the success of your profile is immeasurable. It’s not about how attractive you are, it’s about the professionalism of the image that you are projecting.”

Now you know what not to do, next week radioinfo will share Karen’s tips on how to make your profile pic stand out.

Your professional headshot doesn’t have to break the bank but it will have a huge impact on your personal image.

What out customers say..
  • Karen has been a fantastic resource both for head shots and product showcasing. She has quickly identified what has been required and the resulting images have really helped improved our position.

    Warrick Batt, General Manager Porta Group
  • Karen was very professional and made me feel at ease straight away! I loved the photos she took at my business. The professional head shots in my workspace are natural and show off what I do!!

    Lisa Eddy, Katamatite Garlic
  • It was a pleasure to work with Karen and the resulting photo’s were the best I’ve ever had done. I’ve used the head shots taken by Karen on my website and social media and have received many positive comments. I’m very happy with all the results.

    John Ger, Tamarind Tree Gourmet Sauces
  • Karen is the best head shot and portrait photographer I know! She took the best shots I have ever had for my website and social media profiles! I have subsequently used her for photo shoots for my PR clients and everyone loves both her work, her prices and her personality! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Karen and Merry images for anyone wanting some great shots at a reasonable price.

    Jules Brooke, Handle Your Own PR
  • Working with Karen in a professional photo shoot was a great experience. Makeup with Kate Castle from Arbone (optional) was well worth it. I am very happy with the resulting photos and I can use them well. Karen’s skills and clear communication are excellent- which makes her a professional in her field. She is inspired to learn more about portrait photography and has done courses to be the best she can be in her field. Thanks Karen!

    Susan Spelic, The Reading Mountain
  • “You get way more than photography when Karen photographs you.  It’s obvious she really cares and connects with clients and it shows in the images.

    Karen has this amazing ability to put you at ease so the photographs are of the natural you. Being photographed has always been uncomfortable for us and it often showed in the strained smile on the images. Not with Karen – it is a gift and a special one that allows her to bring out the real you and it is obvious from the final result.

    Without doubt, Karen’s work were the best set of photographs we have ever had. Brian’s comment was – I didn’t know I could look so good!”

    Helen Maguire

    Helen Maguire, Clarity Matters
Blog
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    May 28, 2018
  • Lowest common denominator
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    February 27, 2018
  • Next 10 minutes
    November 9, 2017
About

Photographing people over the last 10 years from all walks of life has given me an amazing perspective of the human psyche. Understanding how to get the best out of people is much more about psychology than photography!

I love to hear your story so that I can create images that project the real you, project that first impression you deserve.

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