Headshot Examples

10 Professional Headshot Examples + Tips (updated Jan 2026)

In this guide, see 10 professional headshot examples + tips. Get specific details about what makes a good headshot. Seeing real examples of good headshots will help you decide on the best look for your industry. Whether you're planning Professional headshots or to photograph yourself at home.
Professional headshots for women are more important today than ever before. The best headshots are authentic and genuine. They show personality, approachability, and professionalism when done right.

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Top 10 Headshot Examples + Tips

Good headshots can be easily achieved when you know what works

The best headshot examples will portray you as confident, approachable, likable, and honest. A headshot is often your first impression and introduction to who you are when networking. It's also oftentimes the first step towards many job opportunities.

1. Business Headshot Male: Professional Studio Headshot Example

Pro Tips:

• Wear an outfit for the job you want, not the one you have
• Wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket (tie is optional based on industry standards)
• A genuine smile makes a headshot feel authentic

A business headshot for men should project confidence and approachability while maintaining a clean, polished look. A simple studio background and soft, even lighting help keep the focus on the expression and facial features, making the headshot versatile for LinkedIn, company websites, and professional branding.

2. Business Headshot Female: Confident and Polished Professional Look

Pro Tips:

• Keep jewelry to a minimum, if any at all
• Wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket
• Avoid low-cut tops

A business headshot for women should convey a professional yet natural image, with a relaxed posture and a friendly, approachable expression. Solid wardrobe colors and minimal accessories photograph best, creating a timeless image that works across corporate profiles, resumes, and networking platforms.

3. Indoor Corporate Headshot Male: Professional Lighting and Indoor Background

Pro Tips:

• Proper lighting is key to a successful indoor headshot.
• Choose a background that is not distracting.
• Men should wear a tie in the photo if worn on the job.

An indoor corporate headshot is ideal for executive portraits, team photos for a company website, or for marketing material. When choosing a location be sure to find a background that is not distracting. Offices with lobbies or foyers that are bright, have lots of light, are spacious, and clutter-free, are great for indoor headshots. 

4. Females Professional Headshots: Natural Expression and Friendly Branding Style

Pro Tips:

• Wear makeup for photos if you apply daily
• Hairstyles should reflect your current look
• Avoid overly photoshopped images

The key elements that make a good female professional headshot are:

1. Proper lighting. This can include on and off-camera lighting. Natural light and professional camera lighting. 
2. Background. What you choose as a background is very important. An environmental or outdoor setting can be a great option. Again, the background needs to be taken into consideration. Studio or professional backdrops are also important, depending on the job type you are going to apply for. 
3. Poses. How you pose in your portrait is important. Your photographer should be an expert in posing and most importantly able to direct you into the best poses for your headshot. Female professional headshots benefit from a genuine, relaxed expression that communicates confidence and warmth. Slight adjustments in chin, posture, and head position help create flattering lines while maintaining an authentic, approachable presence.
   

5. Modern Corporate Headshot: Contemporary Professional Branding Portrait

Pro Tips:

• Wear a suit jacket, tie optional 
• Choose a more relaxed pose
• Avoid loud colors and busy patterns

A headshot is your most important online presence. It is often your first impression on new clients or inquiries. A modern corporate headshot is one of the best ways to let people get to know who you are. Stand out from the competition and be sure to smile in your headshot. Modern corporate headshots often feature brighter lighting, contemporary wardrobe choices, and slightly more relaxed posing. This style works well for startups, creative industries, and professionals who want a polished look without feeling overly formal.

6. Female Linkedin Headshot Example: Approachable Business Profile Portrait

Pro Tips:

• Be sure you are the only person in the photo
• Choose a background with minimal distractions
• When cropping the photo, select from the shoulders up

An updated headshot is perfect for LinkedIn. Refreshing your photos not only helps get more views but also is a more accurate photo of how you presently look. Female LinkedIn headshots should be free of distractions like bold colors and patterns, and flashy jewelry. Wear outfits that represent the type of work you want to apply for. Keep it professional. A strong LinkedIn headshot should communicate credibility, personality, and approachability within a single expression. Direct eye contact, natural posture, and a smile help create a positive first impression for recruiters, clients, and professional connections.

7. Outdoor Female Headshot Example: Natural Light Personal Branding Style

Pro Tips:

• Wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket
• Choose colors that complement your skin tone

Headshots can also show personality. Genuine smiles show authenticity and build a trustworthy brand. Plan out your outfits in advance. Get plenty of sleep the night before your session. Stay well hydrated. These will help you look and feel great in your photos. Outdoor headshots create a warm, lifestyle-focused look that feels authentic and approachable. Soft natural light and gently blurred backgrounds add depth and texture while keeping the subject as the focal point, making this style ideal for entrepreneurs and creative professionals.

8. Professional Studio Headshot Example: Classic Business Portrait Look

Pro Tips:

• A popular pose for men is with one hand in their pocket
• A Grey backdrop is great for multi-use
• Studio headshots are popular on LinkedIn

Studio headshots are great for LinkedIn, other social media platforms, and websites. Introduce your office or team with a consistent look. These types of professional headshots have the following attributes: professionalism, approachability, confidence, friendliness, and trustworthiness. A professional studio headshot offers a timeless look that remains consistent across marketing materials and corporate platforms. Controlled lighting and a neutral background ensure clarity, professionalism, and long-term usability for resumes, executive bios, and team directories.

9. Corporate Headshot: Formal Executive Portrait for Business Profiles

Pro Tips:

• It is good to show your teeth when you smile
• Outdoor background or studio backdrop
• A genuine smile makes a headshot feel authentic

Corporate headshots are out there online, representing you and your company. Be sure to dress accordingly. Again, smiling, looking confident, and being approachable are key to getting people to trust you. Professional photos are a must for corporate headshots. Formal corporate headshots are typically more structured in pose and expression, projecting professionalism and leadership. This style works especially well for executives, attorneys, financial professionals, and corporate leadership teams.

10. Personal Branding Photos: Lifestyle Headshot Example for Creative Professionals

Pro Tips:

• Bring 2-3 outfits to your branding session
• Wear well-fitted outfits. Not too big or too tight
• Freshly pressed, no wrinkles

Personal branding photos have a different purpose than traditional headshot photos. However, there is some overlap when preparing for your branding session. Choose outfits that are worn in your industry. This might be a more casual look than an outfit for a headshot. The purpose of a branding photo is to get people to learn about your company. This style is ideal for businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want images that reflect their brand identity and voice. Some branding photos can be used as headshots if they are cropped properly and fit the criteria. 

Best Headshot Example

Portraits can be taken with studio backdrops or outdoors. Modern environmental vs solid color background. Base your decision on the industry and the usage of photos. 

What Should a Headshot Include?

1. Simple background
2. A clear photo of one person
3. Good expression
4. Proper attire
5. Minimal distractions 
6. Should reflect how you look currently
7. Proper cropping of the photo 
8. Flattering poses
9. A genuine smile

Pro tip:
When you hire the right headshot photographer they will be able to guide and coach you through your session. 

Your hairstyle should reflect how you look on a daily basis. When someone sees your profile photos or headshot on your website or online, it should reflect how you currently look in person.

• You want to look like your photo so there are no surprises when you meet someone for the first time in person. If your hair is curly don't straighten it for the headshot. 

What Should I Wear for a Professional Headshot?