What do you mean, "convey a message?"

The message is your look, attitude, and brand. Are you the head of a company? Are you a musician or artist? Your head shot might need to look different. Hand placement, facial expression, and body posing all makes a difference in the look of an image. For men, crossing the arms across the chest portrays a more powerful look, as does standing straight with one hand in a pocket. For women, sitting on the edge of a chair, legs crossed and arms folded can portray a more powerful professional look; one that means business.

For those in the music field, a more artistic approach is usually best. Using colored backdrops, photographing the instrument and band mates in a more casual, fun way can give off the message that the audience will have fun when they come to the show. If  an edgier, gritty look is needed, using darker tones with darker clothing will give the audience a more classic, ready to rock look.

Imagery should match closely with branding, otherwise, there can be confusion when potential clients are learning more about the business or band.