How Often Should You Update Your Headshot?

A conversation with Rebecca from Socially Organised

Your headshot works harder than you probably realise. It appears on your website, LinkedIn profile, social media, email signature, press features and booking platforms - often long before anyone meets you in person. For many small business owners and professionals, it’s the first point of recognition.

I’m often asked how frequently people should be updating their headshot, so during a recent headshot session with Rebecca from Socially Organised, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore the question properly.

Meet Rebecca from Socially Organised

Rebecca set up Socially Organised after encouragement from friends and family during COVID. Although she had already worked in social media and marketing roles locally, it was the nudge from those closest to her that pushed her to start her own business.

Her first day was equal parts exciting and daunting - contracts signed, branding ordered, social media accounts launched and messages sent to friends and family asking them to follow along. Five years on, Socially Organised now supports businesses across Northumberland and Scotland, with Rebecca placing particular value on one-to-one relationships and in-person connection.

That personal approach carries through everything she does, from social media management to her much-loved training sessions, which she’s delivered to businesses across the North and into Scotland. Being invited by Visit Berwick upon Tweed to deliver social media training to local businesses remains a proud milestone.

Why headshots matter more than ever

Rebecca works daily in a world where visibility and credibility matter. She sees first-hand how quickly people form impressions online - often in seconds - and that’s exactly why she chose to update her own headshots.

She’s already refreshed her LinkedIn profile and plans to use her images across her wider online presence. As she explained, keeping headshots current helps people form a realistic impression of who you are, builds trust, and supports consistency across platforms.

From my perspective as a photographer, I regularly see a big shift in confidence. Clients often arrive feeling unsure, especially if they’ve been using the same image for years. After an updated headshot, they tend to show up more confidently online, update profiles they’ve been avoiding, and feel more aligned with how their business has evolved.

So… how often should you update your headshot?

In most cases, I recommend updating your headshot every one to two years, or sooner if there’s been a noticeable change. In reality, most people only book a new headshot when something prompts them - a rebrand, a new look, a new role, a website refresh, or the realisation that their photo no longer feels like them.

The most common reasons clients come to me are outdated images and rebranding. Changes in hair, personal style, image quality and visual trends all play a part. Even subtle shifts can make an older photo feel disconnected from who you are now.

An outdated headshot doesn’t just date your business visually. It can also lead to mismatched branding, awkward moments where you’re not immediately recognised in person, or a sense that your online presence doesn’t quite reflect your professionalism.

The value of a timeless approach

One reason my headshots tend to last well is that I keep things clean and straightforward. I avoid heavily stylised or trend-led filters and focus instead on good light, considered composition and subtle editing.

This approach creates images that feel current without being tied to a particular moment in time. A well-lit, well-posed headshot with honest expression will always outlast something that leans too heavily into fashion or editing trends.

For business owners and professionals, this means an updated headshot continues to work for you across platforms and over time, rather than feeling quickly outdated.

Headshots as part of business maintenance

While many individuals see headshots as a one-off task, I often see a different mindset with teams and organisations. When I photograph teams, I’m regularly asked back to update images as new people join, keeping everything consistent and professional.

For sole traders and small business owners, the principle is the same - just on a longer cycle. As your business grows and evolves, your visuals should quietly keep pace.

Rebecca’s experience reflects this well. Her business has matured, her confidence has grown, and her updated headshot now mirrors where she is professionally.

A quick check for your own headshot

If you’re unsure whether your current image is still doing its job, it’s worth asking yourself whether it genuinely reflects you as you are now. Would someone recognise you immediately? Does it sit comfortably alongside your current branding? Does it support the way you want to show up online?

If the answer isn’t a confident yes, an updated headshot may be worth considering.

You can find more information about my professional headshot sessions here
You may also find it helpful to explore how headshots fit into wider brand photography

Or, if you’d like to talk it through, you can get in touch here

And if you’re genuinely unsure, I’m always happy to give honest advice - even if that means telling you your current photo is still serving you well.

Rebecca is the founder of Socially Organised, where she works closely with businesses on social media management and training. If you’d like to see more of her work or get in touch, you can find her on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit her website.