Personal Portraits
why you should get some done.
I’M BACK!
Tuesdays with Adam is officially back for 2025, and this time, it’s here to stay! Every Tuesday, you’ll find me in your inbox with updates on recent shoots, a bit of inspiration, some quotes, music recommendations, and anything else that caught my attention during the week.
Which leads me nicely to today’s topic:
SHOULD I GET PORTRAITS DONE?
As a professional photographer, I shoot a lot of headshots, portraits, events—you name it. Just this week alone, I shot 87 corporate-style headshots. And it got me thinking: why do we even need photos of ourselves?
Let me cut straight to the answer: yes, you do need photos of yourself—and not just any photos, but good photos. If you work with people, this is non-negotiable.
But before we dive into the why, let’s address the most common phrases I hear during portrait sessions:
“I hate having my photo taken.”
“Can you make me look 10 years younger?”
“How much editing do you do?”
“Let’s get this done quickly.”
“Please don’t show me the photo—just pick one where my eyes are open.”
I’ve heard it all, trust me. Ironically, most photographers, myself included, started taking photos because we didn’t want to be in front of the camera ourselves. (Spoiler: I’m rarely in photos.)
Now, let’s break down why these phrases aren’t helpful—and why good portraits matter.
1. Your Words Shape Your Mindset
Saying things like “I hate how I look in photos” plants a seed in your mind. It reinforces insecurities. I’m not saying you have to love how you look, but it’s worth giving yourself more credit.
Take corporate headshots, for example. They might end up on LinkedIn, a company website, or even your ID badge. These photos serve a purpose—and how you approach the session matters.
2. Your Online Presence Matters
We live in a digital world. People relate to people. A good portrait makes you more approachable and authentic. For artists and designers, environmental portraits (photos showing you in your creative space) can highlight not just who you are, but also what you do.
3. Portraits Are More Than Just Photos
A great portrait tells a story. It’s not just about your face—it’s about the setting, the mood, the details.
For example, I took a portrait of my friend Jake, a furniture maker, in his workshop. The dust in the air, the tools, and the lighting all added to the story of who he is and what he does.
Another example: a photo of my artist friend standing beside her massive art installation in a stunning home. The setting gave her work context and made the image even more impactful.
4. Credibility Is Key
A good photo builds trust. Whether it’s on your website, LinkedIn, or even your email footer, putting a face to your name helps strengthen relationships. It creates a sense of connection, even if you haven’t met the person yet.
5. Stay Current
No one wants to meet someone who looks nothing like their photo. It’s jarring and can unintentionally create distrust. Professional photos should be updated every 5 years, minimum. If you’ve significantly changed your look, it’s even more important.
6. Capturing a Moment in Time
One of my biggest gripes with the modern world is how we’ve stopped preserving memories. We take thousands of photos, but we print fewer than ever.
Good portraits capture who you are right now. Years from now, you’ll look back and be glad you documented this moment. These images serve a purpose now and will hold even more meaning in the future.
So, if you’ve been putting it off, this is your sign: get your portraits done.
And if you’re an artist, architect, creative, designer or small business owner in Perth, send me a message—I’d love to help.
Music Recommendation: Amble – an incredible folk band out of Ireland I’ve been obsessed with this week. Soulful, heartfelt, and absolutely worth a listen.
See you next week!
Love,
Adam