Iris Booth Logo
Log In
Talk to Support
Talk to Sales
Iris Booth Logo
Log In
Talk to Support
Talk to Sales

Why Professional Headshots for Students are a Must-Have in Today’s Job Market

First impressions matter—especially online. As students prepare to enter a competitive, image-driven job market, professional headshots can be the difference between getting noticed or overlooked. Discover why institutions across North America are using Iris Booth to give every student equal access to studio-quality headshots—on their own schedule and terms.
Talk to Sales
Smiling man seated inside an Iris Booth getting ready for a headshot session

Trusted by colleges and universities everywhere.

The New Hiring Landscape: Why Image and First Impressions Matter

 

Recruiters form snap judgments in less than one second—often based on appearance. In today’s digital-first world, a student’s online presence isn’t optional—it’s their personal brand. With 95% of recruiters using LinkedIn to evaluate candidates*, a strong visual presence can significantly increase job prospects. That’s where professional headshots come in. They’re not just “nice-to-haves”—they’re competitive differentiators.

Students with a professional LinkedIn photo are**:
✅ 21x more likely to get profile views
✅ 36x more likely to receive a message
✅ 14x more likely to get noticed than those with casual or poor-quality photos

*(Source: U.S. News)
**(Source: Inc.com)

Why Do Students Need Professional Headshots?

1. They influence first impressions and employer perception.

A polished headshot communicates confidence, competence, and professionalism—often before a student says a word. In fact, a recent study found that:

Perceptions of competence increased by 76%
Influence jumped by 62%
Likability rose by 9%*
*(Source: HeadShots Inc)
Smiling student headshot captured in Iris Booth with natural lighting and authentic style
Students smiling while viewing their Iris Booth headshot on a smartphone

2. They create image equity across socioeconomic backgrounds.

     
Access to professional photography isn’t universal. Many students can’t afford studio sessions or don’t have high-quality cameras. Providing on-campus access to Iris Booth ensures image parity for all students—so success is driven by talent, not tech or privilege.

3. Every major benefits—not just business students.

Professional portraits aren’t just for future consultants or marketers. Students in engineering, healthcare, the arts, and academia also use headshots for:

Research grant applications
Fellowship submissions
Portfolio websites
Handshake and LinkedIn profiles
Healthcare professional checking her headshot on a phone inside the Iris photo booth
Man smiles while using his phone after headshot session in Iris Booth

4. Self-serve photography reduces anxiety and increases adoption.

     
Nearly 60% of people feel more self-conscious in front of a photographer than in real life*. Iris Booth provides a private, self-serve space where students feel more relaxed, in control, and confident—resulting in better photos and higher participation.
*(Source: Slate).
“This is an amazing resource for students! As a recruiting professional, I can tell you that your profile picture is an indicator of how professional someone is. As a former student, I am so jealous!”
- Executive Recruiter

Iris Booth: The Campus Solution for Self-Serve Headshots

1. Boost career services engagement.

Headshots are an ideal “gateway service” to draw students into career services early and often. At Georgia State University, installing an Iris Booth led to a 376% increase in students taking professional photos—sparking deeper engagement with resumes, interviews, and job prep resources.
Student waiting outside Iris Booth while another user takes a headshot inside
Woman in a power wheelchair smiling inside an Iris Booth

2. Offer high-tech, accessible photo services.

     
Iris Booth is trusted by top universities and Fortune 500 companies for a reason. It combines:

Studio-grade lighting
Professional camera equipment
One-touch editing
Robust privacy controls
Wheelchair accessibility and mobile phone operation

No camera crew. No scheduling stress. Just clean, fast, and empowering photography for every student.
*Based on each hired photographer capturing 6 sessions/hour — 1 every 10 minutes — requiring 108 total hours for 643 sessions.

3. Eliminate photography barriers for all students.

No special equipment. No budget. No pressure. Iris Booth removes traditional barriers to professional photography, ensuring equal access and outcomes across your student body.
Man adjusting jacket while seated inside Iris Booth headshot kiosk
Phone displaying professional headshot from Iris Booth email delivery

4. Deliver speed, simplicity, and satisfaction.

     
Sessions take less than five minutes—perfect for students between classes. Photos are delivered instantly, and users can retake shots until they’re satisfied. The result? Headshots students are proud to share with recruiters and peers.

5. Unlock campus-wide brand & enrollment benefits.

Helping students land jobs reflects well on your institution. Professional headshots support:

Stronger alumni networks
Positive employer partnerships
Increased student satisfaction
A professional image for your university

It’s a small investment with big halo effects across your brand and student outcomes.
Woman in a blazer smiling during a job interview across the table

Iris Booth is a Commitment to Student Career Success.
Empower your students to look the part, and land the part.

Professional headshots are more than just pixels—they’re launchpads. They build confidence. Open doors. And create a more level playing field for all students, regardless of background or budget. Career services professionals play a pivotal role in providing not just guidance—but tools that drive real-world results.
Iris Booth is one of those tools. Bring one to your campus today.
Talk to Sales

A student headshot focuses on approachability and authenticity while still maintaining professional standards. It’s ideal for platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, and graduate applications. Business headshots often emphasize corporate polish, but with Iris Booth, students can capture both styles depending on their career goals.

Iris Booth acts as a magnet for students. It brings them into the career center for headshots, then introduces them to services like resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking events—boosting overall engagement and utilization.

Absolutely. In under three minutes, students can take, review, and retouch a photo that aligns with LinkedIn and Handshake's professional photo standards—no outside equipment or photographers needed.

Yes. Many students use Iris Booth for academic headshots to include on departmental bios, research profiles, and conference submissions.

Iris Booth comes with full technical support for your staff and students. Our team ensures seamless onboarding, training, and customization for your campus brand.

Yes. You can lease, purchase, or rent Iris Booths to fit your institution’s budget and needs.

Students receive their headshots instantly via email.

Absolutely. You can customize the booth interface and navigation to match your school’s branding.

Iris Booth Logo
Join the growing number of organizations that have discovered a better, more efficient way to capture professional portraits—without the headaches.
Navigation
Products Solutions Industries About
Resources
Partnership Terms Privacy
Navigation
Log In Talk to Support Talk to Sales
© 2025 Iris Booth. All rights reserved.
Site Designed by Giant Shoe Creative.