Headshot Humor

Sending out headshots is a common occurrence for anyone who works in a press department. As B&T readers surely know, The Teller reads a lot of press releases. While the content varies, we receive a lot of what we like to call “people news” – which can include anything from a new hire (or departure), a promotion or someone receiving an award.

The fun part of people news is the attached headshot. It’s usually a very standard picture from the shoulders-up with a person trying to their best not to look like a complete fool. As much as anyone tries, this simply is not possible. At someone’s headshot best, the most they can hope for is that the picture is described as “awkward.”

It’s a good day for The Teller for when these headshots make it into the Headshot Hall of Fame. Some of the B&T staff’s favorites include:

• Overly-groomed/shaped men’s eyebrows
• Mock-worthy hairdos – i.e. mullets and what’s come to be known as “Texas hair” (see photo)
• Come-hither poses – These include anyone winking, holding their hand to their face or pursing their lips.
• The Spring Break shot – In lieu of taking a boring headshot, new hires (i.e. fresh college grads) send the PR person a not-so-carefully edited photo of them in Cancun. Just because we can’t see the half-empty bottle of Jose Cuervo, doesn’t mean it wasn’t there.

While some of you may be thinking, “Teller, surely you must be exaggerating.” The Teller assures you that all of these examples are legit. If you look through back issues or peruse the “People” section of B&T’s website, you will come across every single one of these. That is a promise.

While all of these headshots make for a good laugh, the best are the ones never seen. Often The Teller will request a headshot when one isn’t sent with a press release. And sometimes, we’re politely re-buffed. One bank’s (not to be named) recent response to a request for a headshot was, “No, unfortunately I do not…he is not photogenic.” Those are the ones we are dying to see.

The Teller would love to start a best-of-the-worst headshot blog, a la AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com. Since all the photos would have to be contributed by the person pictured, we would not only be laughing at you, but with you. Fair? Who’s in?