Sometimes photographs seem arbitrary. We feel that good-enough is perfectly fine, based on our own judgement of what a good-enough option looks like. As someone who’s been studying photography for almost 20 years now, I know firsthand that not everyone is as particular about visual media as I am. The truth is, a lot of people are making some really glaring mistakes when it comes to their professional headshots. You see them on LinedIn, Facebook, and yes, even Instagram (that’s all of us creative professionals).

Here are the 5 headshot mistakes I see ALL THE TIME that people are making and probably don’t even realize…

P.S. The images in this post are definitely NOT showing the headshot mistakes I’m referring to. They show the opposite - a headshot that represents true quality and professionalism and demonstrates how to do things correctly.

Mistake #1: Using just any photo

We all have that somewhat decent photograph a friend took of us where we don’t look too bad - so we think to ourselves, this will do for a headshot! The problem being, of course, is that everyone (and I mean everyone) can 100% tell that it’s not a professional headshot, no matter how much you think it might pass as one. Having a distracting background doesn’t translate well when you see the tiny thumbnail on LinkedIn or Facebook. And the quality of the image screams that you didn’t invest in yourself like someone who takes their profession seriously would. We are all becoming a personal brand online and our reputation as an expert (and how we present ourself to our audience) precedes us through that tiny thumbnail image.

Mistake #2: Not updating the headshot In years

The next most common mistake I see is having a headshot that’s several years old (like five or sometimes ten!) - one which no longer even resembles you. If you’ve drastically changed your hair, its been more than 2 years, or you simply look different than you did when you got your current headshot taken, it’s time for an update. The biggest issue with having a headshot that no longer reflects what you look like is that when people meet you in person, they will be surprised and slightly confused about your appearance. You want potential clients and business contacts to be able to recognize you in a room, and having a headshot that actually looks like you is really important!

P.S. This also means that if you usually wear glasses, you need to be wearing them in your headshot, too!

Mistake #3: Wearing unflattering clothing

If you’re a CEO or a business professional, there is a very narrow allowance for clothing that is best suited for your headshot. If you’re a man, a navy suit with a dress shirt (and perhaps a tie) is about as wild as you should get, but the entire outfit should also fit properly. Wearing a shirt that’s too loose will cause it to bunch up and will make you look bulky. For women, fit is even more important. Clothing has to be figure-hugging, or you will appear ten pounds heavier than you actually are.

Colors are also incredibly important, not only to flatter your skin tone, but also represent your level of professionalism or creativity. This is one of the reasons why styling is such a big part of my headshot sessions.. That and often capturing several different looks, because sometimes what you think looks good can look awkward on camera, and an outfit you seldom wear could make you look absolutely stunning.

Mistake #4: Choosing distracting jewelry

Simpler is always better when it comes to portraits. But for some reason we select gigantic hoop earrings, a fancy necklace, and five dozen bracelets to wear in our headshot. Depending on the look you’re going for (if you’re in the creative field, your jewelry should reflect that), removing all distracting elements will create a more professional look. This is about YOU, not your clothing or embellishments.

Mistake #5: Not looking relaxed

This is the one I struggle with the most personally (and why it usually takes 100 photos to get 1 where I actually look good). Looking relaxed in a headshot - or, you can also say “in charge” - is paramount to appearing powerful and capable.. but it’s also so hard to achieve if you’re uncomfortable in front of the camera.

One dead giveaway is having eyes that are too open, which signals that you’re literally experiencing “fear”. Even if you’re not smiling, your eyelids need to be closer together as if you were (for anyone who has ever watched America’s Next Top Model should recognize the “smiling with your eyes” direction aspiring contestants often receive). So yea, it’s important to have someone on the other end giving you direction, making sure you feel comfortable and relaxed during the process. In fact, it’s often the most necessary aspect of the process.. and if you’re not working with a seasoned professional who knows what they’re doing, you might end up with a headshot that doesn’t show your true personality at all.

The truth is, none of us are experts in the fields we know little about.. which is why we HIRE experts to give us the professional result we need. But even within a group of specialists, there are varying degrees of quality and style. Knowing what to look for, understanding yourself and your needs (like having someone to assist in wardrobe selection and styling), and selecting a photographer who can deliver the final product that’s right for you starts with gaining just a little bit of knowledge. Seeing quality with new eyes will give you that edge and will guide you to the right decision for yourself and your career.