I like your photo as it is!  Just my 2 cents.

I think it is important that it is similar in appearance as to how you currently look.

I have run into situations where I have seen an agents picture on a business card or an add and when I met them in person it did not look anything like them. Some people use photos from 10 -20 years ago.

We all change for the better or worse.

JMO.....I think you should have new pics done every 2-3 years. You want people to recognize you. Also, have them done by a pro. This may seem expensive, initially. Take a photo of youself before you go to a pro. Make it your best shot. Then show your two photos to your family and friends. They will give you an honest opinion of which photo is best. Trust them too. Don't pick the one you like. BTW, I am going to assume you will like the professional shots after you comapre the two so take advantage of the time spent. Have several different shots taken in different poses or even in different clothes. Best of luck to you.

I agree with Andrew. We just had our photo updated because originally I did not have glasses, and my wife cut her hair shorter and people would stop and do a double take. I see some people in town that have not updated theirs in over 10 years and find it embarrassing. If you can't bother to stay current or take care of yourself what else can't you be bothered to do?

Your photo is sometimes the first contact a client has with you, whether they see it on your web site, in print or on your card they picked up in an open house. When and if you meet them, they are expecting to see the person in the picture.

Dress for your pic the way you dress daily. For the guys, if you take your nice business pic in a suit but were polos everyday, you will not be the person they were expecting.

And ladies, please do not use the "Glamour Shots" photo for your image... they rarely if ever look like you do on a daily basis.

Happy selling!

Lenn

Connie & I just had our new picture taken last month.  We've only been a team for about 7 months, so it was our first picture together.  The photographer kept putting us in "cozy" poses, like a family.  I kept telling her I didn't think it looked professional.  Finally, I asked her to pretend we were opposite sex, and NOT involved other than business and the picture you see if what we got - we liked it a LOT better than the hand on the shoulder look (for us!).

Like others have said, I like your pose and I think getting a similar pose is a good idea.

Tracie

One more thing - Connie-left - Tracie-right.

Tracie (the one who types stuff)

Carol & Steve,

I have always adored your photo. Yes I too would do business with you, because of your warm & friendly look. I had a feeling you were a couple, and love that very much!! Nothing like a family business.

My photo was done about 1 yr & half ago. Not much has changed, only hair color is more strawberry blond. From the shoot, I kept about 5 or 6 poses for marketing. But mostly use one & have it croped different ways which changes the look just enough. Okay ladies we all do it... have a little touch up done to our photos. I thank God still look heathy (39), but the great thing is when I'm out people still notice me. That will be my marker to change my photo, when some tells me I no longer look like it.

Tracie & Connie,

You have a great shot together. I would like to see it more croped..seeing your sunny smiles more.

Kindest regards,

Michelle

www.MichelleLaDuke.com

Pictures are really tough....I absolutely despise having my picture taken! I believe, though, that it should reflect your personality and your environment.

When I asked my friends and clients (now friends) how they "pictured" me, they told me professional, but barefoot.....beach, but in a dress.  

Where, exactly, do you go from there?  I don't know....I'm conflicted....

but I tried.

I can tell you that posed pictures, in a studio, are not me.  

Cathy Clark