The Science Behind Your Headshot: First Impressions Happen Fast

In 2009, elementary schoolchildren in Switzerland accurately predicted the outcome of the French presidential elections based only on seeing pictures of the candidates. And this wasn’t a fluke. Tests have shown that the outcome of a political race can be predicted with 70% accuracy by people looking at the headshots of candidates for just 1 second, as long as they don’t know the candidates or anything of them yet. Why would this be?

Alexander Todorov of Princeton University researched how we react to facial traits. He found that we all agree on social judgement of faces. We are able to, and will, form a snap decision about someone just by looking at their face. Sometimes as fast as 1/100 of a second. (http://goo.gl/bqUaZa)

So, how you come across in your headshot within the first few fractions of a second is crucial to what opinion someone forms of you when they see you for the first time, let’s say, on your web site. This happens so fast that by the time anyone has a chance to notice any details, their opinion of you is already biased. At C1M, we understand this, and we focus on creating headshots that will speak to that subconscious judge in the heads of your potential clients.

Next week we’ll be looking at what character traits are most important to project in your headshot to make a most favorable first impression.

More on Executive Portraits and Business Headshots …

Walter Schnecker, CPP

Walter Schnecker is the owner of C1M Photography, LLC, in Amherst NH. He specializes in Executive Business Headshots and crafts hundreds of headshots each year for businesspeople in a wide range of professions.

Deb appreciated the way that Walter fine-tuned the details of her headshot for the best first impression.

“I needed a refined and professional executive portrait, and Walter guided me in order to create the impact I wanted my image to have. Walter understands that the story starts with who you are and what you want someone else to see in you. I was impressed with his ability to capture that and with his ability to look at every detail and say, “no, let’s try this,” even down to my stance and the way the light was shining on me. I was so pleased with what we captured.” – Deb, Manchester, NH