What the Future of Smart Phones Mean for the Headshot Industry

If you’re older than 30 you probably remember a time before the mobile phone. They’ve definitely come a long way and their cameras are no exception. From simple rear cameras that took what looked like a 20-pixel image, to the robust rear and front, still and video cameras we have now. The last 2-3 years have brought a lot of attention on cell phone cameras and their ability to contend with professional-grade cameras on the market. I’m not going to lie, as a headshot photographer, this has worried me. Headshots are usually something professionals avoid and with the current access to cell phones, many try it themselves. Do I think they can get the same result? Absolutely not, but they can get the job done. For some of us, headshots are a way to get clients in the door. Experience-type photographers sometimes lead with a need to make the clients feel like the purchase is more practical, for us, that is the headshot.

With the rise in remote working and the number of platforms a remote (or on-location) worker may log into in any given day, the demand for variety in images has risen. Some platforms call for a more relaxed and personable image, while another one may need to be a traditional style. This can easily be done with a 5 minute of Youtube video and 20 minutes of your time. Editing apps are also helping to cover any deficit in skill.

Do I think headshot photographers are going away? No, but we are going to have to adapt and take a hard look at what we are offering and how we present it. Perhaps leading them into the studio with a different offer of practicality. For me, complimentary hair and makeup seem to do the trick, but at the cost of the offering itself.

As phones and AI technology develop, we might be revisiting this conversation, but for now, headshot photographers can focus on creating value beyond the final image.