SUNY Buffalo State’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is hosting an event on Feb. 23 and 25 where students can come and get professional head shots taken.

The event is open to all students, faculty, and staff, and will take place in the Campbell Student Union.

According to Thumbtack.com, professional head shot prices in the Buffalo area cost $100 or more, when compared to other companies, PRSSA is offering a good deal. Also, there are a limited number of studios out there that offer this opportunity.

Prices start at $5 a shot, $10 for a shot and print off, and $15 for a shot and 2 print offs or a shot and print off with a wallet size or two wallet sizes.

Employers are looking for professionals well before meeting at the interview, and head shots can really help a person stand out, especially on a LinkedIn page.

“The entire reason we’re in school right now is to get a job, so it only makes sense to try to help students reach that goal,” PRSSA President Zack Reese said.

Reese advises everyone to come, because it is never too early to get ahead in the professional world.

According to careercast.com, great places to use a head shot include Facebook, email, and on professional blogs. The site also stresses the importance of getting a head shot, because it’s the first thing an employer sees when they look at an application.

“No matter the age, a good professional head shot is going to make any candidate for any position be taken seriously,” Reese said. “It’s also beneficial for those with jobs already because it adds to their credibility. It’s always a good idea to keep head shots current and fresh so that employers and colleagues see the best side of you.”

PRSSA Secretary Francesca Bond will be taking the pictures.

Photography is a hobby of hers and she has an eye for detail.

“The pictures will definitely turn out beautifully,” Reese said.

Funds will benefit PRSSA and help send its members to conferences which will help them learn more about being public relations professionals. The event will also fund future events for all students and faculty of Buffalo State.

Though this is the first time PRSSA is holding this event, Reese hopes that it will continue every semester, because it is important to keep head shots fresh in the job market.

Since cutting ties with United Students Government (USG), PRSSA is looking forward to what it has in store this semester.

“We are so excited and I want all of Buffalo State to be on the lookout for more events coming from PRSSA soon,” Reese said.

Head shot print-outs will be available for pick up in PRSSA’s office in Bishop 37 the following week.

PRSSA meets every Thursday in Bacon 220 from 12:15-1:30 p.m. and is always welcoming new members of all majors. Check out PRSSA on Twitter (@BSC_PRSSA) for updates on the event as well as on their Facebook page.

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