Define Your Career Goals—And Make Sure Your Image Projects Them

Your Headshots Should Work as Hard as You Do

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.” That quote from Yogi Berra applies just as much to your professional image as it does to your career. Your headshots are more than just photos—they’re tools that help you connect, lead, and make an impact.

Take Miranda, for example. As the VP of Oracle’s AI division, she needed headshots that would allow her to move seamlessly between audiences—young startup entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, board members, and keynote events. She understood that a single image wouldn’t be enough to communicate her authority and relatability across these different settings.

That’s why we took a strategic approach. Working together with my makeup artist, we crafted six distinct looks, each tailored to a different audience. Whether she was presenting to executives or engaging with the next generation of AI innovators, her headshots sent the right message: I am one of you. I belong here. You can trust me.

A Headshot Should Be a Bridge to Where You Want to Go

This is what I mean when I say you need to know where you’re going with your headshots. They should align with your career aspirations and the impact you want to make. Your image needs to work for you—helping you build trust, open doors, and reinforce your message in every professional setting.

Take a moment to define your story. Go beyond your resume and think about where you want to be in the next three to five years. What values do you want to project? What qualities will help you get there? Your headshots should reflect that vision, ensuring that when people see you, they see the leader you are becoming.

If you’re ready to create images that work for your career, let’s talk. My Palo Alto studio specializes in professional headshots that help executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders present themselves with confidence and clarity. Learn more here.