In many situations, it's going to be the way you're presented to
prospective clients, agents, directors, scouts, organizations, etc.
And sometimes, it will be the *only* way.  Therefore, it's of the
utmost importance that the photo both catches the eye of, and
makes a good, lasting impression on, any possible viewers.
That brings up a few points to consider.

The photo, for all practical purposes, is YOU!   So, if it's
blurry, the viewer thinks of *YOU* as blurry and wishy-washy.
Low contrast and dreary?   *YOU'RE* a dreary person.  Poor
expression?   *YOU* become a crab, or someone that's hard to get
along with, or you lack ambition.   Cluttered background?   The
attention is taken immediately away from you, and YOU are the
main purpose of the photo.   A poorly done photograph, or a copy
machine product, gives the viewer the impression that you don't
consider her or him worthy of a decent presentation, and all you
end up doing is insulting them.

But you say, "I'm including a video or audio tape so they can see
or hear me perform".   The first thing they will look at is the
photo so they can "put a face with the voice", as they say.   So
if they don't like the way you're presented initially, guess
whose tape doesn't even get viewed or listened to.

Photos may be aimed at particular clients or styles.   A shot of
you on a swing smiling like crazy isn't applicable for a serious
dramatic role, but is for a younger, light-hearted, part.   If
you're a country musician or singer, a setting and overall look
that conveys this should be used, maybe including your
instrument, or part of it, in the shot.   Or some rolled up sheet
music, or music on a rack.   Use whatever works to make the
photograph tell as much as possible *without cluttering* up the
daylights out of it.
 
And the photograph should represent you, NOT someone that you
were 20 years ago.   There's nothing more aggravating to agents,
conductors, directors, etc., than to have a person show up that
they can't even recognize, even though they may have recently
seen their photo.   And *excessive* retouching or computer
enhancement is out, unless you're aiming for a special effect.

One last point.  Today's world is full of deceit and empty promises.
If a person hires or contracts you on the basis of your photographs
and you don't look a bit like them,  *your*  credibility suffers.
Becoming known as "someone who tries to pull the wool over
people's eyes"  isn't going to do your future prospects any good.

Reality!  You at your own natural best!