Guide to Professional Headshot Photography: Tips to Look Your Best
In the digital age, professional headshots have become the new business card. They are the first impression you make on potential clients, employers, and colleagues who visit your online profiles. If you work in any professional capacity or have an online presence in general, having a good headshot is no longer optional. It’s not that hard to avoid some of the more common mistakes as long as you know a couple of tips that will help you look your best in front of the camera.
1. Select Classic, Flattering Clothing
Every year we have trends, seasonal colors, and cuts that are specific to clothing that season. It’s actually a lot harder to find clothing that is classic, simple, and well-fitting that doesn’t exemplify whatever the style is at the moment.. but it’s worth the effort! Stay away from drop shoulder, puffy sleeves, boxy cuts, and exaggerated waist rises. You’ll want to wear clothing that fits well, flatters your body shape, and makes you feel confident. It is always more important to look like yourself than like someone who follows the latest fashion styles.. because those styles will look dated a year from now, along with your headshot.
2. Stick to Neutral Colors & Simple Jewelry
The most important part of your headshot should be YOU, not your clothing. You should stick to neutrals that will complement almost all skin tones and won’t overpower the image. Colors like navy, gray, and cream look good on everyone, present a professional presence, and never go out of style. Regarding accessories, leave statement necklaces at home when getting your headshot done. Once again, you want your face to be the focus on the portrait, not jewelry.
3. Opt for Professional Hair & Makeup
Taking some extra care for hair and makeup makes a big difference in portraits. That doesn’t mean you should look like someone you’re not. An even base color with blush on the apples of your cheeks, mascara to elongate your lashes, and color or gloss on your lips adds a healthy glow and dimension to your images. One thing to make sure of is that the makeup is done specifically for photographs, because colors photograph very differently than how they look in real life.
4. Know Your Good Side
Very few people look good straight-on because our faces tend to be asymmetrical. Most have a good side, or a side of their face that they prefer in photographs. Where you part your hair can indicate which side of your face you prefer. If hair covers part of your face, that is usually the side you don’t like. Likewise, the side that is more exposed (with the hair parted away) reveals the side that you like showing to the world. One side of your face might look slimmer.. or one eye might be more open than another, in which case you’d want the smaller eye closer to the camera, so that they look even.
5. Posing is Your Friend
Posing is absolutely essential when it comes to looking good in your headshot. Not only posing your body for the most flattering angles, but also moving the face to avoid a double chin. The key is to look natural and professional. Sitting or standing straight, having relaxed hands/fingers, and shifting weight to thin and compliment the body are some of the things professional photographers direct for. A good tip is to slightly angle your body and turn your head towards the camera.
Quick Reference for Headshot Styling
The following table summarizes the best practices for professional headshot styling based on industry standards:
| Category | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Navy, Gray, Cream | Loud or neon colors |
| Clothing Cut | Classic, Simple, Well-fitting | Boxy cuts, Puffy sleeves |
| Jewelry | Minimal, Simple pieces | Statement necklaces |
| Makeup | Even base, Mascara, Gloss | Heavy contouring |
Choosing the Right Background and Preparation
Choosing the right background for your headshot is important because you don’t want it to distract from your face and personality. Whether you prefer a neutral backdrop or something more vibrant, ensure it complements (not clashes with) your outfit and fits the image you want to project. To prepare for your headshot, make sure you're well-rested and your outfit fits properly. Take a look at some of your favorite photos of yourself to identify angles and expressions you like. Brush your hair and teeth and get into that aspirational mindset!