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The Headshot Refresh: When to Update and How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, staying visually relevant is key and your headshot is often the first touchpoint. You may already know how to prepare for your photoshoot with tips on grooming, wardrobe, and expressions (if not, check out our guide: Expert Headshot Tips for Picture-Perfect Professionalism). Or perhaps you understand why keeping your headshot fresh matters for your brand and digital presence (Why Fresh Headshots Matter). But how do you know when it’s time to refresh your professional image and what else should you consider to get the most out of each session?

In this blog, we’ll explore how to spot the signs that it’s time for new headshots, how often to update them, and a few bonus tips to keep your headshot game sharp year after year.

Update Every 1–2 Years Or Sooner If You’ve Changed

As a rule of thumb, your headshot should reflect the current you. A lot can change in a year or two, your hairstyle, your role, your brand. If you’ve undergone a significant style change or career shift, it’s likely time to update your photo to stay aligned with your personal and professional evolution.

Still not sure? If someone wouldn’t immediately recognize you from your profile photo on LinkedIn or your company site, it’s time to book a session.

Career Milestone? Update Your Headshot

Did you just land a promotion? Launch a business? Join a new team? These milestones are ideal times to capture fresh imagery that reflects where you are now, not where you were three jobs ago. A new role often comes with new responsibilities, audiences, or branding, and your photo should communicate that evolution.

Rebranding or Website Overhaul? Don’t Reuse Old Photos

If you’re redesigning your website, marketing materials, or logo, don’t make the mistake of using an outdated headshot that doesn’t align with your new look and feel. Investing in updated photography ensures your brand presentation remains polished and cohesive across platforms.

This is especially important for teams, coordinated headshots build visual unity and send the message that your business is detail-oriented and invested in its people.

Your Expression and Energy Matter Just as Much

You might not think your “vibe” has changed, but your energy and expression can evolve over time. Maybe you’ve grown into a more confident version of yourself, or perhaps your target audience has shifted and you want to appear more approachable, creative, or corporate.

Check out our post on headshot prep tips to explore how practicing expressions, choosing the right outfit, and styling your hair can help you match your headshot to your current energy.

Bonus Tip: Refresh Without the Full Shoot

Sometimes, you don’t need a complete re-shoot. A mini headshot session can be a cost-effective way to get updated images without the commitment of a full session, ideal for seasonal refreshes, new hires, or quick LinkedIn updates.

Ask us about our headshot refresh packages, we offer team and individual sessions that make it easy to stay up to date.

Keep Your Image as Current as Your Credentials

Your headshot is more than a photo, it’s a visual handshake, a digital first impression, and an extension of your personal and professional identity. By knowing when to refresh and how to prepare, you ensure that the image you present is always aligned with your goals, message, and audience.

Need help deciding if it’s time to refresh your headshot? We’re here to guide you, whether it’s your first session or your fifth. Let’s make sure your image keeps up with your ambition.