What Makes A Good Headshot

If you’re reading this, you already know you need a new headshot, but what actually makes a good headshot? Is it just a decent photo? Not quite. There’s a lot more that goes into creating a truly effective headshot. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know.

Finding the right photographer is probably the most important step toward making sure your professional headshot is fantastic.

There’s no shortage of photographers out there, but not all of them are great at headshots. It happens often in this industry: someone picks up a camera and thinks, “Headshots are easy. I’ll make quick cash.” But here’s the truth, headshots are actually very challenging. A lot happens in that small space from the shoulders up. If your photographer just points a camera and presses a button, the results simply won’t be good.

Every photographer has a specialty.

Me personally, I specialize in professional headshots. For the 13 years I’ve been in business, headshots have been my focus. I’ve trained extensively, continually refined my craft, and even teach headshot photography to other photographers.

Could I photograph a wedding? Sure. Would it be as good as someone who specializes in wedding photography? Absolutely not.

So, look specifically for a photographer who specializes in professional headshots.

The last thing you want in your professional headshot is a fake smile. Your headshot represents your brand and your first impression, why start with something forced and uncomfortable?

Your expression must be genuine, connected, and authentic. It’s your photographer’s job to help you achieve that.

If I want you to smile, I’ll make you laugh. If we’re going for a more serious but still approachable look, I’ll guide you into that expression, usually without you even realizing I’m doing it until an amazing shot pops up on my screen.

You’re also not locked into just one expression. Almost everyone I work with leaves the studio with several images, each capturing a different expression or mood.

You should always be the star of your headshots, not the background. Most likely, you’ll be using your headshot on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. After you finish reading this, go over to LinkedIn and look at how small those profile pictures are when scrolling. It’s not a lot of space, right?

You don’t want anything else competing for attention in that small space. Your face needs to be clear, and your eyes should be easily visible. I highly recommend using a solid white or gray background for your professional headshots. These clean backgrounds help you stand out and make connecting with your audience easier.

A neutral background is also highly versatile if you need to use your headshots for graphic design or print materials like business cards.

Different body types require different poses. A professional headshot photographer will know the best poses based on your specific features. Your photographer should know how to find your best angles and positions.

Each person who comes into my studio is different. Factors like hairstyle, how your hair is parted, or even subtle differences between your eyes can influence how we pose you. There isn’t a universal “best pose” that applies to everyone. It’s my job, as your photographer, to know exactly how to pose you to capture you at your best.

The most important part of a good headshot is you. During your session, you need to be comfortable and relaxed. I know that’s not always easy. Stepping in front of a camera can feel daunting.

Let me put you at ease before you ever book your session:

You cannot mess this up. We’re deep into the digital age. If a shot doesn’t look great, we simply delete it.

Your only job is to show up with a good attitude and stay present in the moment. Those real, authentic moments between two people just having a genuine conversation, that’s when the best shots happen. That’s when you look like the best version of yourself. Real headshots are engaging, fake smiles never are.

And because my camera is connected to my computer, you’ll see your images in real time. We’ll review them together during your session. Before you leave my studio, you’ll know for sure that you have a great headshot. Actually, let’s upgrade that, you’ll know you’ve got the best headshot you’ve ever had.