By Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins, MFA, PhD
The Scholar with a Camera
You’re about to present at a major conference. Your bio is read aloud, and a decades-old photo flashes on the screen—one that no longer reflects who you are. You cringe. Maybe you even apologize. And then you try to shift gears and focus on your talk.
You send in a headshot for a new book, a departmental profile, or a keynote—and say to yourself once again:
“I really need to update my headshot.”
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. As professors, we often pour ourselves into our research, teaching, and service—but we neglect one crucial detail: the image we present to the world. And let’s face it—our institutions often don’t provide the high-quality, personalized imagery we truly need to reflect the depth of our work and the spirit of who we are.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
We live in an image-driven culture. Your photo shows up:
- On your university website
- In book jackets and conference programs
- On social media and digital press releases
- In Zoom profiles, keynote decks, and panel flyers
Your headshot is often your first impression—your digital handshake. That photo says something before you even open your mouth.
What You Actually Need
To be truly prepared and professionally represented, you need a versatile gallery of curated images:
- A formal headshot (professional, polished, ready for academic profiles)
- Photos in your regalia (for graduation programs or scholarly honors)
- Casual lifestyle images that reflect your brand, personality, and joy
- A selection of 6–12 photos you can pull from for different occasions
These images should be updated every 2–3 years, or anytime you change your look or reframe your personal brand.
Own Your Image. Tell Your Story.
You’ve worked hard to build your career, your scholarship, and your voice. Don’t let an outdated photo undermine the power of your presence. It’s time to create images that feel like you—and speak volumes before you say a word.
Ready to Upgrade? Let’s Make It Happen.
At The Scholar with a Camera Photography, I specialize in creating portraits for professors, educators, and thought leaders who want to be seen in their full brilliance. My process is simple, personal, and always rooted in FUN, FAMILY, and FAITHFULNESS.
Click below to schedule a free vision call. Let’s design a session that reflects your legacy, your personality, and your professional power.
👉 Schedule Your Call Now
Here are sample images of Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Associate Dean Academic Affairs, Brandy Professor of Preaching, Emory University, Candler School of Theology
