The Ultimate Guide to Headshots for Real Estate Agents
If you’re a real estate agent, you know the power of a great photo. It’s not just about having one polished headshot anymore—you need a collection of images that can work across different platforms and really elevate your brand. Whether it’s LinkedIn, social media, or marketing materials, having a diverse set of professional photos will help you look your best in every situation. So, let’s jump in and talk about headshots for real estate agents and everything you need from A to Z.
The Essential Photos Every Real Estate Agent Needs
Let’s be honest, headshots for real estate agents need to be more than, well, just headshots. Here is a list of some extremely useful types of images you need to help you market your brand online.
1. The LinkedIn Headshot
First up, your LinkedIn headshot. This is the bread-and-butter of your online presence. A clean background, sharp outfit, and a confident smile go a long way. You’ll be using this one not just on LinkedIn, but also on your website, email signatures, and even on business cards.
2. Three-Quarter Length Photo (with Transparent Background)
Next, you’ll want a three-quarter length shot (head to knees) on a transparent background. Why? This photo is perfect for dropping into brochures, flyers, and even digital listings. It gives you flexibility and keeps your marketing materials looking consistent, polished, and professional.
3. Full-Length Photo for Team Composites
Now, if you’re part of a real estate team, don’t forget a full-length shot of yourself. Trust me, this one is key. Full-length photos of each team member allow you to easily update team photos over time as people come and go. Instead of constantly re-shooting the entire group, you can simply swap out individual images, saving you time and hassle.
4. Editorial “Business Casual” Shot
Finally, let’s get a bit more creative. A business casual shot in an editorial style is fantastic for showing off your personality. Taken in a more relaxed, natural setting, these images are perfect for social media and less formal marketing. It’s a way to let potential clients see you as approachable, yet still professional.
Dressing for Success: Wardrobe Tips for Your Session
You’ve got your shoot scheduled, but what are you going to wear? Well, don’t stress. I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to think through your wardrobe choices:
1. Professional, Business Casual, and Casual Options
To really get the most out of your session, bring a variety of outfits. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Professional: This is your classic, buttoned-up look—a well-fitted suit or blazer for when you want to project authority and confidence.
- Business Casual: Think a polished, yet approachable look. For example, a blazer with no tie or a chic blouse and pants combo works perfectly.
- Casual: For more laid-back shots, a simple, clean look like a smart shirt and jeans can strike the right balance for those editorial photos.
2. Choosing Colors and Styles
Here’s where it gets fun! When choosing your outfits, don’t just go for what’s trendy. Instead, think about how your clothes can enhance your personal brand. For example, if your real estate branding uses a lot of cool tones like blues or greys, consider wearing complementary colors in your photos. Avoid loud patterns that can distract from your face. Ultimately, keep it simple and timeless.
3. Wardrobe Checklist
Before you head out for your session, double-check that your clothes are clean, pressed, and ready to go. Bring a few backup options just in case. A lint roller is always a good idea too—trust me on this one. Solid colors and classic styles will make sure the focus stays where it belongs—on you.
Preparation Tips for a Flawless Shoot
Now that you’ve got your wardrobe sorted, let’s talk about how to prep for the day. You want to look and feel your best, so here are a few steps to help you do just that:
1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
It might sound obvious, but getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to make sure you look fresh for your photos. A tired face can be tough to hide, even with a great photographer. So, do yourself a favor and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep the night before.
2. Avoid Alcohol the Night Before
Skip the happy hour! Alcohol can make your skin look dehydrated and puffy, which is not what you want on photo day. Instead, hydrate with water and your skin will thank you.
3. Clothes: Clean and Pressed
Have your outfits ready to go at least a day before the shoot. Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be scrambling around for an iron 10 minutes before you need to leave.
4. Hair and Makeup Tools
Whether you’re doing your own hair and makeup or bringing in a pro, make sure to have a few essentials with you—like your favorite hair product, a brush, or makeup for touch-ups. That way, if a strand of hair goes rogue, you can tame it on the spot!
5. Consider Professional Hair and Makeup
Speaking of which, if you really want to knock your photos out of the park, consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist. They know exactly how to create camera-ready looks that will make you shine. Plus, we have some fantastic artists we can recommend, so don’t hesitate to ask! Our list of professional hair and makeup artists is here in our headshot FAQ.
Wrapping It All Up
At the end of the day, great headshots for real estate agents are an investment in your career. From polished headshots to full-length team composites and casual editorial shots, your portfolio should be versatile enough to cover all your marketing needs. And of course, a little preparation goes a long way—whether that’s picking out the right outfits or simply getting enough rest before the big day.
For more from us, follow us on LinkedIN or Instagram
WANT TO UPDATE YOUR REAL ESTATE HEADSHOTS?
Not only do our clients get stunning headshots, but they get ALL the headshot tips to help them be prepared for a great session. If your headshots or branding images need an update, fill out the form below to get in touch!
