“Do I smile for a professional headshot?”
It’s one of the first questions I hear when people step in front of my camera. After all, this is the image you’ll use to market yourself, so naturally, you want it to be perfect. Expressions in your headshots are extremely important, and I can help you get it just right.

Do I Smile for a Professional Headshot

Should you smile in professional headshots?

So, should you smile in a professional headshot? The short answer is yes, but only if it’s a natural smile. Think back to those grade school photos: you stepped in front of the camera, a stranger told you to smile, you flashed a big, forced grin, and they snapped the shot. When you got the proofs back, you probably hated them because the expression didn’t look like you.

It’s no different with professional headshots. If you’re putting on a fake smile, chances are you won’t love the results. The image won’t capture you at your best, and the viewer may sense the lack of authenticity. For headshots that make a real impact, the smile has to feel genuine.

How can I force my natural smile?

The truth is, you can’t force a natural smile. As a professional headshot photographer with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that trying to “force” a natural expression almost never works. I’ve photographed thousands of people, and the best images are always the ones where they’re truly at ease, not trying to pose or put on an expression.

How do you smile naturally in headshots?

So, how do you get that natural smile in your headshots?

Here’s the good news: it’s the photographer’s job to bring it out.

In my studio, I guide you through every step of the headshot session, and I keep the energy light and interactive. When I want to capture a genuine smile, I’ll make you laugh. Those moments produce natural, genuine expressions, and I make sure to capture each one.

Another advantage of these authentic smiles is the connection they create. When someone views your headshot and sees a real smile, it’s almost as if they’re having a conversation with you. This helps build a relationship with the viewer right from the start, making your headshot more memorable and impactful.

Your only responsibility: Be in the moment

Your only job during the session is to relax and let me handle the expressions. Trust the process, and don’t worry about looking silly if you laugh or smile big. Be in the moment and enjoy it! If there are any shots you don’t like, simply don’t buy them. But when you’re relaxed, you’ll be surprised at how great the images turn out.

What are the best facial expressions for headshots?

What are the best facial expressions for headshots

You’re a multi-faceted person, and your headshots should reflect that range. Think about it—your face does dozens of different things in a day that you probably don’t even notice. That’s why I aim to capture an entire spectrum of expressions during our session, from “serious but approachable” to full-on laughter.

Many of my clients like to use headshots with different expressions for different purposes. For example, you might want a more serious look for LinkedIn, a friendly smile for your website’s About page, a confident look for speaking engagements, and something warm and approachable for social media. We use headshots in so many places, so having a range of expressions is a valuable tool in your personal marketing toolbox.