New York, NY—Nothing says “I’m ready to work” more than a freshly pressed suit, an updated resume and a professional headshot. Covid-19 sent millions of Americans to the unemployment line without warning. That is why Headshot Booker coordinated the largest, single-day photo initiative, 10,000 Headshots, to provide unemployed Americans with a free professional headshot to include with their resumes; they can also post them to job sites such as LinkedIn.
According to LinkedIn, people who include headshots receive 21 times more profile views and nine times more “connection” requests. Consequently, Headshot Booker conducted nationwide professional headshot sessions on July 22. In addition, more than 200 photographers participated across all 50 states; pop-up studios were created at Brookfield Properties’ retail locations to take the headshots.
10,000 Headshots is the brainchild of Tony Taafe. He cofounded Headshot Booker with renowned portrait photographer Peter Hurley; national event photographer Lauren Lieberman; and developer Joseph Pelosi.
Taafe recalled the struggles his dad had with unemployment and the impact it had on his entire family. “I know firsthand that the effects of unemployment extend well beyond an individual,” he explained. “My dad was the hardest working person I ever met. He was in construction; so, the work wasn’t consistent. He had almost zero job security. Unemployment impacts everyone and everything associated with that person.
“Headshot Booker is in a unique position to provide out-of-work Americans with an important element of the job search process—a great professional headshot. And thanks to our partners who share a similar vision, we are able to help thousands of unemployed Americans put their best foot forward and help them get back to work,” Taafe added.
Headshot Booker Partners Up
Headshot Booker is a large consortium of accredited photographers trained in the art of the headshot. Furthermore, it teamed up with retail real estate giant Brookfield Properties. As a result, Brookfield used its shopping centers around the country as locations for the photo shoots.
In addition, SpotMyPhotos, an AI-powered photo delivery platform that directly integrates with professional cameras, had a part. SpotMyPhotos provided its automated, private photo-sharing platform with more than 200 photographers. As a result, they could instantly share professional headshots with participants. Consequently, participants could update LinkedIn profiles from their phones. 
“We are proud and excited to host the 10,000 Headshots initiative across our portfolio,” said Michelle Snyder, chief marketing officer, Brookfield Properties. “As we continue to welcome guests back to our centers, we are grateful for this opportunity to help the members of our communities that were negatively impacted by the pandemic.”
What’s more, Snyder emphasized that safety for all participants was a core focus. Each photographer followed specific protocols to ensure safe distancing and hygiene practices throughout the day.
“This is an impactful initiative on multiple levels for participants, photographers and partners,” said Ryan Jacobs, founder and CEO of SpotMyPhotos. “We are proud to leverage our platform to empower 10,000 people with the confidence accompanying such high-quality headshots as they seek out new job opportunities.”
Headshot Crew Part of the Solution
More than 200 professional photographers volunteered their services to the project thanks to the Headshot Crew. World-renowned photographer Peter Hurley created the coaching platform. Moreover, the Headshot Crew has set the global standard for headshot photography using Hurley’s signature techniques outlined in his book, The Headshot.
“Many job seekers underestimate the value of a professional headshot, instead opting for a snapshot taken by a friend or even worse a selfie. The headshot has become the cornerstone of one’s digital brand identity; we want to empower people as they go through the process of procuring a new job and getting back into the workforce,” explained Hurley.
“The base price for a high-quality, professional headshot starts around $250; this equates to more than $2.5 million in collective services these photographers provided through this initiative. These are small business owners who are looking for ways to give back to their respective communities; they are excited as well as grateful to contribute,” Hurley added. 
In addition to Headshot Booker, Brookfield Partners and SpotMyPhotos, support was also provided by Canon USA, Tether Tools and PhotoFlashDrive.
