‘Digital Handshake’: Local Photographer Shares Value of Up-to-Date, High-Quality Portraits | News, Sports, Jobs

Tim Jacquot of Shepherdstown pretends to sneak out of Evolve with his portrait photo taken by Stirling Greer in 2023. Photo courtesy of

SHEPHERDSTOWN — There were plenty of flashes of light at Evolve last week as Stirling “Stir” Greer showed several residents around the neighborhood, teaching them how to take professional headshots.

The Shepherdstown resident founded Brand Necessary Headshots in January 2020. Since then, she has found much success in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

“Almost Everyone, Seriously, Needs a Portrait Photo” Greer said. “Headshots are portraits of a person’s face, showing a neutral or pleasant expression to convey confidence, professionalism, and approachability. They are used for professional purposes, usually framed from the shoulders up, emphasizing the head and upper torso. They should clearly show your features to aid recognition and memory.”

To capture the perfect headshot, Greer spends about 30-45 minutes on each photo session. She specializes in creating flattering yet accurate headshots.

According to Greer, too many people underestimate the value of having a current headshot.

Greer

“It depends on what you do and how often you take a new portrait photo of yourself” Greer said. “Every real estate agent needs to do this more often than they do. If you’re constantly in the spotlight, you should take a new picture of yourself more often. If you’re going to do a new billboard, definitely take a new picture of yourself!”

Headshots are often used on billboards to help potential clients identify professionals in their area, Greer says, but they are also essential for posting on professional profiles, job applications, social media, school applications, business cards, company websites, actor or modeling portfolios, personal branding for entrepreneurs and startups, book covers and press releases.

“When your photo no longer resembles you because you have a new style, a new fitness level, a new hair color, or a different amount of hair, you need to take a new one” Greer said. “This usually means taking a new portrait photo every year or two.”

Greer says headshots should be no older than five years. A new headshot should also be considered by people who want to present themselves in a different light, such as because they have graduated from college, changed career paths, or want to be seen as qualified for a more responsible position in the eyes of an employer.

Not every portrait photographer is right for every organization or individual. Greer personally believes that clients should always research the work of photographers they are considering working with. Only when they find a photographer who meets their standards should they schedule a meeting for themselves or members of their organization.

Stirling Greer’s portrait equipment was set up at Evolve last week. Tabitha Johnston

“You have to like their photos – that’s the most important thing” Greer said. “They should have a pleasant personality that makes you feel comfortable, an easy way to contact and schedule with them, social proof of their work, and clear fee schedules. They should also shoot “on the fly”—that way, you know they’re getting the shots you want during your session.”

Details like these about Greer’s work as a headshot photographer can be found on the Brand Necessary Headshots Facebook page and at https://brandnecessaryheadshots.com. For more information, contact Greer at [email protected] or 202-604-8300.

“A good portrait photo makes you look like you on your best day” Greer said. “They serve as a first impression in a professional context—the digital handshake.”