Your corporate headshot is often the first impression you make online, and it can impact how you’re perceived professionally. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right style:
- Match Your Industry:
- Finance/Legal: Stick to formal attire, neutral backgrounds, and classic poses for a traditional look.
- Technology: Opt for smart-casual wear, with modern settings and dynamic poses.
- Creative Fields: Use expressive clothing, artistic backgrounds, and playful compositions to reflect individuality.
- What to Wear:
- Solid colors and simple patterns work best.
- Choose attire that aligns with your industry, like dark suits for formal fields or business casual for tech/creative roles.
- Backgrounds:
- Studio: Neutral backdrops like gray or navy convey professionalism.
- Workplace/Outdoor: Add context with office settings or urban environments for a modern touch.
- Posing Tips:
- Stand tall, angle slightly, and maintain good posture.
- Use natural expressions – think of a happy memory or try a subtle “squinch” for confidence.
- Work with a Photographer:
- Hire a professional who understands lighting, composition, and your industry needs.
- Share your preferences, examples, and intended use of the photos.
Your headshot should balance professionalism with personal branding. Whether you’re aiming for a polished, traditional look or a more relaxed, modern vibe, tailoring your choices to your industry and personality is key.
The ULTIMATE Guide to Corporate Headshots! – Gear, Setup …
Types of Corporate Headshots
Choosing the right headshot style can shape how others perceive your professional image. Here’s a breakdown of headshot styles suited for traditional, workplace, and modern business settings.
Standard Office Headshots
These headshots are a staple in industries like finance, law, and consulting, where professionalism is key. They often feature neutral, muted backgrounds – like dark gray or navy – and use classic poses with traditional lighting to project reliability.
| Industry | Background Color | Attire |
|---|---|---|
| Finance/Legal | Dark gray/blue | Formal business suit |
| Insurance | Dark neutral | Conservative business wear |
| Consulting | Deep navy | Traditional professional |
Workplace Setting Headshots
Workplace headshots capture you in your professional environment, adding context to your role. For example, healthcare professionals might choose clinical settings to highlight trust and expertise, while tech leaders might opt for sleek, modern office spaces to reflect innovation.
“Your background should support the type of work you do or what you’re using the image for – while also being complimentary to your skin tone, clothing, and eye color.” – City Headshots [2]
Modern Business Headshots
Modern business headshots offer a fresh take on traditional photography. These are ideal for creative industries, startups, and forward-thinking companies. They often feature lighter backgrounds, natural lighting, and relaxed poses. Smart-casual attire and subtle, blurred backgrounds can add depth, especially in fields like technology, marketing, and media.
“Corporate headshots are more than just photographs; they are a powerful tool for personal and professional branding.” – Jeremy Bustin [3]
Select a style that aligns with your industry while reflecting your personal brand.
What to Wear
Industry-Specific Dress Codes
Your attire should reflect your professional field while maintaining a polished, professional look. Different industries have their own standards, and dressing appropriately can shape how you’re perceived in your headshot.
| Industry | Suggested Attire | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Finance/Legal | Dark suit, crisp white shirt | Minimal jewelry, conservative tie |
| Tech/Creative | Smart casual blazer, solid shirt | Modern frames, simple necklace |
| Healthcare | Professional attire, tailored fit | Clean white coat, stethoscope |
| Marketing/Media | Business casual, modern cut | Statement piece, trendy glasses |
“There’s truth to the adage ‘clothes make the man.’ According to researchers, the way we dress conveys information about our identity both in and outside of the workplace, and has a significant impact on what others believe about us.” – Dan St Louis, HeadShots Inc [1]
Best Colors and Patterns
Solid colors and straightforward patterns work best for headshots. Keep these tips in mind:
- Choose shades that complement your skin tone and create contrast with the background.
- Avoid tight patterns that might cause distracting moiré effects.
- Ensure your outfit stands out against the backdrop.
- Opt for higher necklines to maintain a professional appearance.
For formal business environments, darker tones like navy, charcoal, or deep blue convey authority and professionalism. If you’re in a more creative industry, feel free to add color thoughtfully while keeping it professional.
Finishing Touches
Small details can make a big difference in how your headshot turns out:
- Stick to simple, elegant jewelry, like a subtle necklace or discreet studs, to enhance your look without overwhelming it.
- Ensure your clothing is pressed and free of lint.
- Skip visible undershirts for formal photos.
- Keep collars stiff and crisp, especially if you’re not wearing a tie.
“The best professional headshots enhance your natural features without distracting from them.” – HeadShots Inc [1]
Next, we’ll dive into how the right background can elevate your professional headshot./banner/inline/?id=sbb-itb-14ed590
Background Selection
Studio vs. Office Locations
Studio setups provide controlled lighting and a polished, professional appearance. On the other hand, office locations showcase your work environment, adding a personal touch and a sense of context. The specific background style you choose can further shape the impression your headshot makes.
Background Style Guide
The background of your headshot says a lot about you and your professional identity. It should align with the expectations of your industry while enhancing your personal brand.
- For more traditional industries, opt for dark or neutral backdrops like deep gray, navy, or black. These choices convey authority and a timeless quality.
- If you’re in a creative or tech-driven field, lighter tones such as gray, white, or simple office backgrounds can highlight a modern and forward-thinking vibe.
“Your headshot is more than just a photograph; it’s your personal brand’s first impression. The background you choose plays a significant role in conveying your professionalism, personality, and the message you want to send.” – Karen Vaisman [4]
Office and Outdoor Settings
Office settings should be tidy, well-lit, and free from unnecessary distractions. Modern conference rooms or collaborative spaces are great options. Outdoor environments can bring a sense of warmth and energy to your headshot. Urban backdrops, in particular, are a strong choice for those in creative industries.
Posing and Expression Guide
Key Poses
Nail the basics to present a polished, professional image. Stand tall with squared shoulders and your head held high to exude confidence. Slightly turn your chest – about 10–45° – and lean forward just a bit to add dimension.
“First things first: confidence. It’s not just about how you look; it’s about how you feel.” – Karen Vaisman, Professional Headshot Photographer [5]
To define your jawline and avoid a double chin, extend your neck gently forward and down. Keep your hands relaxed – rest them naturally at your sides or place them slightly on your hip if visible.
Now, let’s focus on capturing a natural, authentic expression.
Looking Natural on Camera
Pair good posture with a genuine expression. Start by taking deep breaths to ease facial tension. Forget saying “cheese” – use personal cues that bring out a natural smile instead.
For a confident yet approachable look:
- Try the “squinch” technique – a slight squint that adds a touch of self-assurance.
- Think of a happy memory to bring out a real smile.
- Look directly into the camera, imagining you’re connecting with someone you admire.
Steer clear of common pitfalls to keep your expression authentic.
Pose Mistakes to Skip
Once you’ve got your confident pose and natural expression, avoid these missteps to maintain a professional vibe:
- Slouching, which can make you appear less self-assured.
- Tilting your head too far; stick to a subtle angle instead.
- Stiff shoulders – keep them relaxed but defined.
- Standing too rigidly; create a slight angle or movement for a dynamic look.
- Letting your expression appear forced or overly rehearsed.
“If your headshot could talk…what would it say about you?” – Karen Vaisman, Professional Headshot Photographer [5]
Before your session, try a power pose to boost your confidence. This quick prep can help you maintain composed, professional body language while letting your personality come through.
Working With Your Photographer
Choosing the right photographer plays a big role in maintaining your professional image and keeping your brand consistent.
Why Hire a Pro
A professional photographer brings the skills and tools needed to create top-notch corporate headshots. Their expertise in lighting, composition, and angles ensures your headshot reflects confidence and approachability – qualities that can shape how clients and colleagues perceive you.
They also understand technical requirements for different platforms and marketing materials, ensuring your headshot fits wherever it’s used.
“A polished and professional image conveys trust, competence, and approachability – qualities that can influence how your business is perceived by clients, partners, and potential employees.” – N. Lalor Photography [6]
What to Ask Before Booking
Before committing to a photographer, ask these key questions to ensure they’re the right fit:
- What percentage of their work is focused on corporate headshots?
- Can they share recent examples that match your preferred style?
- Do they offer on-site sessions for team photos?
- What’s their typical turnaround time for delivering final images?
- How do they handle retouching and maintain consistency across team photos?
“Efficiency is key, but so is giving each individual the attention they need to look their best.” – N. Lalor Photography [6]
Once you’ve chosen a photographer, clearly communicate your needs to help them capture your vision.
Explaining What You Want
When discussing your headshots, be sure to share:
- How you plan to use the images (e.g., website, LinkedIn, marketing materials)
- Your profession and the impression you want to convey
- Preferences for backgrounds and any format requirements
- Any concerns about your appearance or preferred angles
“Understanding what the client likes about a current headshot is important. They may prefer to be shot from a certain angle, a specific side or from slightly above.” – Chris Cottrell, Professional Headshot Photographer [8]
Show examples of headshots you admire and point out elements you’d like to replicate. Be upfront about any company-specific requirements, like background color or image orientation. Don’t forget to discuss wardrobe choices and whether hair and makeup services are included or need to be arranged separately.
Provide feedback during the session to make adjustments as needed, ensuring the final images align with your professional goals.
Next Steps
Get ready for a successful headshot session by following these tips to make the most of your shoot.
Pick outfits that align with industry expectations and showcase your professional image. Not sure about your choices? Snap a few photos and send them to your photographer for feedback [9].
“Success in headshot photography is 50% client preparation and 50% our photography.” – Dan St Louis, HeadShots Inc [9]
Pre-Shoot Preparation
- Sleep well: Aim for at least 8 hours of rest.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals.
- Avoid irritants: Steer clear of activities that might cause red eyes or skin issues.
- Grooming: Schedule any needed appointments ahead of time.
- Glasses: If you wear them, make sure they’re spotless.
- Wardrobe: Press your selected outfits for a polished look.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early and have your photographer’s contact info handy [7]. If you’re skipping a stylist, come fully prepared for the camera. Bringing reference photos can also help communicate your preferred angles [9].
During the Shoot
Be specific with feedback. For example, instead of saying, “I don’t like this photo”, try, “Could we adjust the angle to make my face appear slimmer?” [7].
Stay open-minded, trust your photographer’s skills, and clearly express your preferences. This teamwork will ensure your headshots reflect your professional image and meet your goals.
