The headshot: it's an absolute business necessity when you're in the real estate industry. Your headshot is part of your personal branding, and people expect to see it everywhere – on business cards, your website, public benches and even billboards! Real estate is a face-to-face business and potential clients want to see yours.

Selecting a real estate headshot can be a terrifying proposition. Real estate agents are all too frequently teased for having cheesy photos. (Don't believe us? See the link at the end of this article.) But how often does someone come along with constructive advice? Not often enough.

Fortunately for you, we've compiled a helpful list of DOs and DON'Ts that will make your next photo session a breeze. You know that you were born to sell real estate, that you're amazing to work with and a complete professional, now you just need an updated real estate headshot to convey that image to your prospects.

Do

Update your photo every few years. It's important to keep your headshot current, especially now that so many people begin their real estate searches on the internet. You want your online prospects to recognize you when you finally meet them.

Have a cropped version of your headshot that you can use on social networking sites. Cropping also allows you to almost completely eliminate any backgrounds or styling choices that appear dated.

Choose a setting that works with your branding. If you sell beachfront properties, having a tasetful seaside view in the background will reinforce your area of expertise. High-end residential homes? Try a lush garden location. Or, if al fresco photography isn't your thing, consider a casual office setting or classic solid backdrop.

Wear something that you feel comfortable in. If you're not a suit person, don't wear a suit! Your awkwardness will come through in the photo.

On a related note, wear something with sleeves. No one wants to look topless in their professional headshot... not in this profession anyway.

Don't

Use props. Telephones, sold signs, glasses of wine, we've seen it all! Nothing says silly and unprofessional faster than an agent that feels like he/she needs to use a prop to catch your eye.

Abuse Photoshop. Of course you can use it for light touch-ups, but proceed with caution. If you find yourself with a completely new hairline, blurry hair halo or blindingly white teeth, you've gone too far.

Strike a pose. You are not Madonna, nor are you a stage actor. Potential clients respond best to approachable headshots that reflect how their experience may be if they choose to work with you. Choose a comfortable sitting or standing position and act like yourself on your best day.

Include your spouse/children/pets... unless you're some sort of husband and wife team that caters to millionaire tweens and their pampered pooches. Then by all means!

So there you have it: our take on taking really good real estate headshots. Keep in mind that there is an exception to every rule. If you have positioned yourself in a niche market, you may find a reason to do every don't and avoid every do. The most important thing to remember is that your headshot is often your first impression – make it count.

And now, about that link we promised you earlier. Click here to waste a little time looking at some very silly real estate headshots (names withheld to protect the innocent).

To view the original article, visit the Point2 blog.