Stand Out with Headshots & Personal Branding Photos That Actually Feel Like You
For LinkedIn, Instagram, and every space you show up
By Carrie Cullen, Headshot & Branding Photographer in Madison, WI

Photo Credit: Carrie Cullen Photography
Let’s be real: we live in a scroll-and-swipe world. If your current profile pic is a blurry crop from your cousin’s wedding in 2017… this is your sign.
In the first half-second of landing on your LinkedIn or Instagram profile, people are already deciding whether to trust you, hire you, follow you, or keep scrolling. A professional photo says, “I take myself seriously. You can too.”
Whether you’re:
-
Pivoting careers or job-hunting
-
Building a small biz or personal brand
-
Refreshing your presence online after a major life change (hi, motherhood)
-
Or simply craving a version of yourself that feels powerful and seen—
You deserve photos that actually reflect who you are right now.
1. You’ve Got 1/10 of a Second—Make It Count
Yep. That’s how fast people form a first impression online. Your photo is your first impression.
A professional portrait tells people you’re confident, approachable, and someone worth paying attention to. And when you show up with that energy? The right clients, collaborators, or recruiters start showing up too.
2. It’s Not Just About Looking Good. It’s About Feeling Aligned.
This isn’t about posing stiff in front of a gray backdrop. It’s about capturing your magic—the calm strength, the creative spark, the “I’ve-got-this” energy that already lives in you.
We’ll plan a session that feels like you: wardrobe support, natural light, and a no-pressure vibe that makes it feel more like hanging out than a photoshoot. Professional hair and makeup? Included with any custom session to help you look and most importantly feel your best!
3. Your Online Presence = Your Modern-Day Business Card
Your image shows up everywhere—on LinkedIn, your website, email signature, social media bios, even Slack profiles. If you’re showing up, you might as well do it powerfully.
Here’s where pro photos make an impact:
-
LinkedIn profiles (hi, recruiters 👋)
-
Instagram bios + content
-
Personal websites or About Me pages
-
Zoom/Teams profiles
-
Podcast interviews, speaking gigs, press features
This is how you say “I’m here, I’m legit, and I know what I’m doing”—without having to say a word.
4. Professional Photos Can Actually Help Your SEO
This is the part no one talks about: yes, your photos help with Google rankings, especially when your website and social channels all feature consistent, keyword-tagged, professional images.
If you’re a business owner in Madison, WI looking to grow your reach, investing in strong, on-brand visuals helps Google—and potential clients—see you as trustworthy, relevant, and established. That translates to more visibility, more clicks, and more bookings.
5. It’s a Confidence Boost You Didn’t Know You Needed
I can’t tell you how many women have walked into my studio saying, “I hate being in front of the camera.” (Spoiler: they all crushed it.)
Because when someone really sees you—and captures that spark in you that you might’ve forgotten was even there? That’s powerful.
You don’t need to change a thing. You just need someone to reflect it back to you.
Ready to show up like the badass you are?
Let’s book your personal branding session and get you some photos that feel like you—on your best day.
Let’s Chat → here!
Xoxo,
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!