Today, a professional business headshot is indispensable for making a strong and memorable impression online. To attain a headshot that not only truly stands out but is also flattering and looks good, there are some critical factors to consider. In this blog post, I’ll go over the key elements of a great corporate headshot and explain why each is so important.

1. Good Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a portrait and really what sets good and bad photographers apart. Properly controlled lighting can enhance your facial features, minimize imperfections, and add depth to your headshot. Studio lighting allows for most control and provides a convenient way to get your headshot done in any weather or time of year. However, using studio lighting can be tricky and challenging for most photographers, so it’s important to find the right professional with the expertise necessary to produce consistently good results with their equipment. Some things to look for are shadows that aren’t too dark (no part of the image should be completely black, unless that’s a stylistic choice), some dimensionality on the face (the degree of which really depends on the subject’s age and gender as each one requires different handling of shading), and an overall flattering quality to how the light illuminates the face. Simply put, good lighting will almost always guarantee that your headshot will be an image that you actually like, and without it, it will be a photo that doesn’t display your best facial qualities.

2. Flattering Posing

The way the body and face are positioned in a headshot significantly impacts the message that your headshot conveys. One of the biggest reasons someone will hate photos of themselves is because they don’t have anyone telling them how to stand in a way that looks good to the camera. Things like sitting up straight, having hands that are relaxed, and an expression that is friendly aren’t natural for most people. Headshot sessions tend to be stressful and nerve-racking situations, which means having a photographer who can guide you every step of the way becomes one of the most important things to look for when selecting who you want to work with for the photo. When someone looks relaxed in their headshot, it’s usually not an accident, but an incredibly intentional process that includes years of posing knowledge that can be translated into an image that looks effortless.

3. Authentic Expression

A genuine, approachable expression fosters a connection with potential clients or employers and conveys authenticity, which is crucial for any headshot. As humans, we can easily discern a fake smile from a genuine one, which is why a skilled headshot photographer excels at putting people at ease quickly. There are indeed tricks that can be employed to create an expression that is authentic and friendly or composed and authoritative, without the need for you to become a master actor or actress in front of the camera. Understanding psychology and being intuitive when working with people are among the most significant yet often overlooked skills that every headshot photographer should possess.

4. The Right Wardrobe

Some clothing choices can make you appear 10 or 20 pounds heavier, while certain colors may distract from your face, wash out your skin tone, or convey an unintended message in your headshot. Having the right wardrobe, including well-fitted clothes that align with the message your headshot aims to convey, is key to achieving a polished and professional look.

For corporate headshots, it's generally advisable to stick to solid colors or subtle patterns in navy, gray, blue, or black. Ensure your jacket isn't too loose, and check that all your clothing is wrinkle-free and clean. Personally, I provide my clients with a comprehensive 30+ page 'What to Wear Guide,' offering clear guidelines and examples of successful headshot outfits. During the session, we review wardrobe options in person to hand-select the best choices for the headshot. What looks good in real life may not always translate well on camera, so our focus is on ensuring that the selected outfits will photograph well.

5. Selecting An Appropriate Background

For corporate and business headshots, clean solid backgrounds typically work best, especially when the headshot is intended for use on platforms like LinkedIn or the company website. The background color should contrast with the outfit, skin tone, or hair color to prevent the person from blending into the frame. However, it can also be monotone to direct focus to the face. The key is ensuring that the backdrop complements the entire image rather than being chosen arbitrarily.

I've had numerous clients express surprise at how well they appear on a darker gray background, despite initially insisting on a simple white backdrop. It's sometimes beneficial to try different options during the session to determine what works best with your skin color and clothing.

Some companies prefer an environmental background for their team members' headshots. In such cases, it becomes even more critical to choose a background that doesn't distract from the person and remains unobtrusive.

6. Retouching

We all experience those days when a blemish, under-eye circles, or a few wrinkles decide to take center stage (usually on the exact day of your photo session!), and that's where retouching can either make or break your headshot. It's not about altering what you look like but rather about presenting your professional image in the best possible light. Subtle adjustments can smooth out distractions, leaving you with a polished and confident-looking photo that reflects you on your best day, which might not be achievable otherwise. Some common retouching treatments include whitening teeth, reducing under-eye circles, diminishing prominent wrinkles, taming unruly hair, and adjusting clothing. The key, of course, is to ensure the photo doesn't appear retouched at all. While many photographers perform retouching on images, executing it correctly, where it’s almost invisible in the final product, requires a considerable amount of skill.

7. Working with a Skilled Photographer

A professional photographer specializing in corporate headshots should possess a masterful understanding of lighting, posing, expressions, wardrobe, and backgrounds. This expertise allows them to translate your vision into a cohesive and visually compelling image. If you want a professional result, it's crucial not to choose just anyone who can use a camera—unless, of course, you already possess proficiency in the mentioned skills yourself.

Headshots might seem simple and easy, but because what looks good can often be so subtle, it’s imperative to work with someone who is truly skilled in this area. The headshot session is a collaboration and selecting the right person to work with can make all the difference.

Creating a good corporate headshot involves a meticulous blend of artistry and technical expertise. By paying close attention to these key elements—lighting, posing, expressions, wardrobe, backgrounds, and collaboration with a skilled photographer—you can ensure that your headshot leaves a lasting and positive impression in the competitive world of business. A really good corporate headshot isn't just a photo—it's a powerful tool for networking, personal branding, and leaving a lasting impression on your professional journey.