Hello everyone. My name is Peter Szpakowski and I am a professional headshot and event photographer based in Dallas-Fort Worth. My studio is in North Richland Hills but I travel around DFW and around the United States taking headshots, portraits, event photography, and videography.
So today I am recording this video and we are getting towards the end of the year. It’s Q4, and you’re looking at your remaining budget thinking, “What should we do with this?”
Here’s an idea that might not be on your radar but absolutely should be: invest in professional headshots for yourself or your entire team.
I know what you’re thinking—headshots? Really? But hear me out. This might be one of the smartest investments you make all year, and I’m about to show you exactly why.
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite topic: tax write-offs.
Professional headshots are a legitimate business expense. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a small business owner, or managing a corporate team, these are tax-deductible as marketing and professional development expenses.
That means instead of letting that budget disappear or worse, losing it in next year’s allocation, you’re investing it back into your business while reducing your taxable income. It’s literally a use-it-or-lose-it situation, so why not use it on something that keeps giving value for years?
Talk to your accountant, but in most cases, professional photography for business purposes is completely deductible. That’s money you were going to spend anyway, now working harder for you.
Now let’s talk about the real ROI: your professional image.
In today’s digital-first world, your headshot is often the very first impression someone has of you or your business. It shows up on LinkedIn, your website, email signatures, conference materials, social media, proposals—everywhere.
A cohesive set of professional headshots sends a clear message: we’re established, we’re credible, we invest in quality.
Meanwhile, that outdated photo from five years ago or that cropped vacation pic? It’s costing you opportunities you don’t even know about.
Think about it. When you’re choosing between two companies or professionals with similar services, don’t you gravitate toward the one that looks more polished and professional? Your clients do the same thing.
Professional headshots elevate your entire brand instantly. They show you take yourself and your business seriously, and that confidence is contagious. Clients, partners, and prospects notice, even if it’s subconscious.
ROI #2
Here’s something leaders often overlook: the morale boost.
When you invest in professional headshots for your team, you’re telling them, “You matter. You’re the face of this company, and we value you.” That’s powerful.
I’ve seen teams light up during headshot sessions. People get excited, they support each other, they laugh together. It becomes this bonding experience that builds camaraderie in a totally unexpected way.
Plus, there’s something about seeing yourself represented professionally that boosts confidence. Your team members will feel more proud to share their work on LinkedIn, to represent the company at events, to put themselves out there. That confidence translates directly into better performance and stronger client relationships. Yes most people and I mean most people either don’t like their picture being taken or they don’t think they are photogenic. That is where I come in. I want everyone getting a personal ego boost. To get that swager or boost in confidence and an image they are proud to show off. I do most of this through facial expression coaching which has taken me over 15 years to master. I make everyone photogenic and in most cases their favorite image they have ever had taken.
And here’s the bonus: unified, professional headshots create team cohesion. When everyone has high-quality photos with a consistent look and feel, it strengthens your brand identity. You look like a team, not a collection of individuals who happened to end up in the same company.
ROI #3
Let’s talk about longevity. This isn’t a one-and-done expense.
Quality headshots last two to three years, sometimes longer. That means this single investment at the end of the year will serve you through for 2 years or beyond. Compare that to other marketing expenses that deliver short-term results and disappear.
You’ll use these photos for your website refresh, your next marketing campaign, speaking engagements, award submissions, press releases, and countless other opportunities you haven’t even thought of yet.
And if you’re hiring? Great headshots help attract better talent. Job seekers check out your team page, and when they see polished, professional photos, it signals that you’re a company that invests in its people. We even offer new hire packages so we can keep your brand consistent.
So here’s the bottom line: investing your year-end budget in professional headshots isn’t just smart, it’s strategic.
You get tax benefits, you elevate your professional image, you boost team morale, you create brand unity, and you set yourself up with marketing assets that work for you for years to come.
Don’t let that budget disappear. Invest it in something that compounds value over time: your people and your brand.
If this made sense to you, hit that like button and subscribe for more business tips. And hey, if you book those headshots because of this video, drop a comment and let me know!
Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time!
KEY TALKING POINTS COVERED:
- Tax deductibility and financial benefits
- Professional image and credibility boost
- Client attraction and trust building
- Team morale and confidence
- Unity and brand cohesion
- Long-term ROI (3-5 years of use)
- Talent attraction for hiring
- Use-it-or-lose-it budget strategy
