Head Shot Yay or Nay?

I’ve been thinking about getting some head shots done. I have lots of professional photographer friends who could use their talents to magically transform me. Should I look the part of vixen, working girl, chic mom, glam gal, pouty flirt, curious book worm, erudite thinker, carefree pet pal, charming girl next door, sassy pants, serious brain, driven advocate, loving mom, devoted wife…oh the list goes on? Will a photo capture my mojo and moxie? Will I still look like me?

The last thing I want is a kick ass photo that makes me pale in comparison in real life. I don’t think I can face the stunned stares when people meet me in person with the shocked look of “Whoa, you look a whole lot different in person!” Note that different is code for “You look better in pictures.” I’m not the kind of girl who primps and preps a lot. I don’t color my hair and I haven’t had anything nipped or tucked or injected. I do believe in the power of mascara (Cover Girl Lash Exact if you must know) and I think well groomed brows can transform a face. I’ve never learned how to apply make up and didn’t even use a make up artist for my wedding day. I really wanted our wedding pictures to convey our personalities and relationship. The last thing I wanted was to look like a different person in the photos. I wanted to look like me, albeit a slightly dolled up version. Admit it, you’ve totally seen those wedding pictures perched on end tables at your friends’ homes that show a happy bride who in reality looks nothing like the woman you know. Make up and good lighting are magical yet tricky.

This is my head shot conundrum. Do I engage a pro to take pictures of me with the risk that I might look different better than I normally do? I still want to be recognizable. I want my personality to shine. I want to smile and laugh. I want my photo to make me look smart, committed, happy, affable, professional, silly, spunky, gracious, and loving. Can a photo of just my short self really fill such a tall order?