In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, we sit down with renowned headshot photographer and former attorney, Chris Gillett. Chris shares his journey from a 19-year career in commercial litigation to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers for legal professionals. We discuss the importance of headshots in legal marketing, the psychology behind facial expressions, and why so many professional photos miss the mark. Along the way, Chris critiques our own headshots, offers invaluable tips for looking your best in photos, and even shares some of the strangest client requests he's encountered. If you've ever wondered what makes a great professional headshot—or if you're just here for the banter—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest, Chris Gillett
00:41 - Co-hosts Bill, Peter, and Kyle introduce Chris and talk about their own legal headshot experiences
02:08 - Chris shares his background as a former attorney and how he transitioned to photography
03:27 - The business of legal headshots: How Chris built his brand and why lawyers need great photos
04:47 - The psychology behind headshots: Confidence vs. likability in professional photos
08:14 - The worst headshots lawyers take and common mistakes to avoid
12:36 - Chris critiques the hosts’ headshots (and Peter’s questionable yellow tie)
16:05 - The impact of AI-generated headshots: Are they worth it?
20:31 - Weirdest client requests and horror stories from the studio
24:46 - Why lighting, camera angles, and posture are more important than the camera itself
29:55 - Leaving the law: Chris talks about the challenges and rewards of switching careers
35:10 - Advice for lawyers looking to improve their online presence
40:06 - Closing thoughts and how to book a session with Chris
42:30 - Outro and where to follow The Dirty Verdict for more episodes

Guest Links:
📸 Chris Gillett’s Website: LikeTheRazor.com
📷 Instagram: @6illett

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