As a startup, you wear many hats and are often pulled in a million different directions. One area that is often neglected is business headshots. A great headshot can be used on your website, pitch decks, and social media profiles to help you build trust with prospective customers and partners. And while professional headshots can be expensive, there are some ways to get great shots on a budget. Here are three approaches to business headshots for startups on a budget.

Approach #1: Do It Yourself

If you have a decent camera and some photo editing skills, you can take your own business headshots. When taking your own photos, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure the lighting is good—natural light is best. Second, use a plain background so that you’re the focus of the photo. Finally, dress professionally and smile! If you’re not happy with the results of your DIY headshot, don’t worry—you can always retake the photo or hire a professional for help.

Approach #2: Find a Student Photographer 

One way to get professional-looking photos without spending a lot of money is to find a student photographer. Most photography students are happy to do shoots for cheap or even for free in order to build their portfolio. To find a student photographer near you, check out local college websites or search online for photography portfolios in your area. Once you’ve found someone whose work you like, reach out and see if they’re available for a shoot. 

Approach #3: Creative Illustrations

Your business team can use creative illustrations instead of traditional headshots. The approach is less expensive than a professional photographer and looks really cool. This is a great way to start your business, because it gives you the chance to be flexible with your branding. You can also use this opportunity to promote your business values by choosing illustrations that reflect your company culture. For example, if you’re a startup that values innovation, you could use illustrations that depict your team as creative thinkers. This approach will help you stand out from the sea of traditional business headshots, and it will give potential customers a sense of what your business is all about.

A great business headshot can be an invaluable tool for startups—but professional shoots can be expensive. If you’re working with limited resources, there are still some ways to get great shots on a budget. You can try taking your own photos, finding a student photographer, or using stock photos from sites like Unsplash or Pixabay. With a little bit of effort, you can get high-quality business headshots that will help you build trust with your audience without breaking the bank.