A white wall and a point and shoot digital camera is not a photo studio. Just because a friend CAN take your picture, doesn’t meant they should. If you offer a terrific product or service and have spent time and effort to develop a brand and good will, then take as much care with your image. Not using professional photography on a business Website is like offering a five star meal served on a paper plate.
Your professional image should present you in your best professional light – not on vacation, not with your partner cropped out, not with a drink in your hand, not in a formal dress from a friend’s wedding, not sitting in a restaurant, etc. Show your clients and prospective clients that you know how to dress and behave in a professional way. Show them you take your business seriously and sought out professional photography to demonstrate that.
Sure, you have a great photo that you love, but it was shot circa 1993! Photography styles change – as do hair styles, glasses, clothing, etc. Even if you have a great photo but it is from more than 3 years ago, chances are you are committing this offense. These photos show outdated backgrounds, lighting styles and posing.
Really? Do I even need to explain this one?