Do's and Don’ts of Business Professional Headshots
When it comes to business professional headshots, first impressions matter. Whether it's for LinkedIn, your company's website, or your business card, a great headshot can speak volumes about your professionalism, credibility, and personality. However, getting the right shot requires more than just standing in front of a camera.
To help you make the most of your business headshot, here’s a list of do's and don’ts to ensure you get the best results.
Do’s of Business Professional Headshots
1. Dress the Part
Your headshot should reflect the kind of work you do and the environment in which you work. A business professional headshot typically calls for formal or business-casual attire. Choose an outfit that matches your role or industry. For example, if you’re in finance or law, a suit may be best. If you work in a creative field, smart-casual might work just fine.
Tip: Stick with neutral or solid colors like navy, black, or gray. Bold patterns or flashy colors can be distracting.
2. Grooming
Just like you would for an important meeting or presentation, make sure you’re well-groomed for your headshot. Clean and styled hair, neatly trimmed facial hair (if applicable), and a polished look go a long way in making a good impression. Don’t overlook small details like fixing stray hairs, retouching makeup, or making sure your collar is straight.
Tip: Keep makeup simple and natural for the best results.
3. Practice Your Pose
While you don’t need to be a professional model, it helps to practice a few natural and confident poses before your session. Relax your shoulders, sit or stand tall, and try to look approachable but professional. The best headshots are ones where you look comfortable, so try to find a pose that feels natural to you.
Tip: Angle your body slightly and avoid facing the camera head-on. A slight tilt can make your pose look more dynamic and flattering.
4. Choose the Right Photographer
Working with a professional photographer who specializes in business headshots can make a big difference. They know how to find the best angles, lighting, and composition for a polished and professional look. Before hiring a photographer, check their portfolio to ensure they understand the style you want.
Tip: If you're in need of a professional business headshot photographer in Washington, D.C., Ars Nova Images is one of the best choices. We specialize in headshot photography, whether it's on-location, environmental, or group portraits for your business. Our team provides expert guidance on how to pose and dress for your headshot, ensuring you look your best.
After the shoot, you'll have the opportunity to select your favorite photos, and we will give them a final retouch for a polished, professional look. Contact us today for high-quality, professional headshots that reflect your brand perfectly.
5. Use Soft, Natural Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in capturing a great headshot. Soft, natural lighting (like daylight) can help prevent harsh shadows and make your skin look even. If you're indoors, standing near a window can provide great lighting. Outdoors, early morning or late afternoon provides a softer, more flattering light.
Tip: Avoid overhead lighting or bright flashes, as they can create unflattering shadows and highlight skin imperfections.
6. Keep Your Background Simple
The background of your headshot should be clean and not take attention away from you. A plain or neutral background, such as white, gray, or a soft gradient, usually works best for business headshots. This keeps the focus on your face and gives the photo a polished, professional feel.
Tip: If you’re going for a more creative look, you can choose an outdoor or work-related background, but keep it subtle.
Don’ts of Business Professional Headshots
1. Don’t Wear Distracting Accessories
While a small accessory like a watch or earrings can add a touch of style, over-the-top accessories like large jewelry or flashy ties can steal attention from your face. The goal is for your headshot to look professional and focus on you, not your accessories.
Tip: If you’re unsure, keep accessories minimal or leave them out altogether.
2. Don’t Overdo the Editing
It can be tempting to retouch your photo to perfection, but too much editing can make your headshot look unnatural. Avoid removing all lines and wrinkles or making your skin too smooth, as this can give an unrealistic appearance. A little retouching to remove blemishes or soften shadows is fine, but don’t go overboard.
Tip: Ask your photographer for natural-looking edits that enhance your features without altering them too much.
3. Don’t Use an Outdated Photo
Your headshot should reflect who you are today, not what you looked like five or ten years ago. Using an outdated photo can create confusion or make you seem out of touch. Make sure to update your headshot every few years or whenever your appearance significantly changes.
Tip: Keep your headshot current, especially if you change hairstyles, lose or gain weight, or want to update your overall look.
4. Don’t Cross Your Arms
Crossing your arms in a headshot can make you appear closed off, defensive, or unapproachable. Instead, opt for an open posture with your arms relaxed by your sides or in front of you. You want to convey confidence and warmth, and crossing your arms doesn’t do that.
Tip: Try placing one hand on your hip or gently resting your hands in front of you for a more relaxed, approachable pose.
5. Don’t Force a Smile
A forced smile can make you look stiff and uncomfortable. Instead, aim for a genuine expression. If smiling doesn’t feel natural to you, that’s okay! A serious, confident expression can work just as well, depending on your profession and personal style.
Tip: To get a more natural smile, think of something that genuinely makes you happy or laugh right before the photographer snaps the photo.
6. Don’t Neglect Posture
Slouching or hunching over can make you look less confident and professional. Good posture is key to a great headshot. Sit or stand up straight, and keep your shoulders back to convey confidence and strength.
Tip: Practice your posture in a mirror before your headshot session so you feel comfortable when the time comes.
A business professional headshot is a valuable asset for your personal brand. It’s often the first thing people see on your profile, so it’s important to make it count. By following these simple do's and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to creating a headshot that conveys professionalism, confidence, and approachability.
Whether you're just starting your career or updating your image, a quality headshot can open doors and leave a lasting impression.