Top 10 PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT examples + TIPS
Professional Headshot Examples + tips
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. Be sure to read our pro headshot tips and advice.
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.
1. Business Headshot Male
Pro Tips:
- Choose an outfit based on the job you want.
- Wear a long sleeve shirt or jacket.
- A genuine smile makes a headshot feel authentic.
Male headshot examples will provide insight into what makes a good headshot. Men should smile in their portraits. Wear an outfit for the job you want not the one you have. Ties are a good option if they are worn in the industry. One way to see how others look and pose is to search on LinkedIn and compare headshots in the industry you are interested in.
2. Business Headshot Female
Pro Tips:
- Keep jewelry to a minimum if any at all.
- Wear a long sleeve shirt or jacket.
- Avoid low-cut tops.
Outfits should reflect the job industry that is desired. Wearing long sleeves or a suit jacket is good for business headshots. Make-up and hairstyles should reflect the way you currently look. Your first impression online should be the same as in person. Headshot examples will portray women as confident, approachable, and likable. These are the photos that get noticed and create job opportunities.
3. Indoor Corporate Headshot Male
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. Female Professional Headshots
Pro Tips:
- Wear makeup for photos if you always use it.
- Hairstyles should reflect your current look.
- Avoid overly photoshopped images.
The key elements that make a good female professional headshot are:
- Proper lighting. This can include on and off-camera lighting. Natural light and professional camera lighting.
- Background. What you choose as a background is very important. Environmental or outdoors 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 applying for.
- 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.
5. Modern Corporate Headshot
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 to new clients or inquiries. A modern corporate headshot is one of the best ways to let people get to know who you are. Choose an outfit that represents the type of work you want or currently have. Stand out from the competition and be sure to smile in your headshot.
6. Female LinkedIn Headshot Example
Pro Tips:
- Be sure you are the only person in the photo.
- Choose a background with minimal distractions.
- When cropping the photo select from shoulders and 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.
7. Outdoor Female Headshot Example
Pro Tips:
- Choose an outfit based on the job you want.
- 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.
8. Professional Studio Headshot Example
Pro Tips:
- A popular pose for men is with one hand in their pocket.
- A Grey backdrop is great for multi uses.
- 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.
9. Corporate Headshot
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 is key to getting people to trust you. Professional photos a must for corporate headshots.
10. Personal Branding Photos
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. Some branding photos can be used as headshots if they are cropped properly and fit the criteria.
Best Headshot Examples
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?
A great headshot should include the following:
- Simple background
- A clear photo of one person
- Good expression
- Proper attire
- Minimal distractions
- Should reflect how you look currently
- Proper cropping of the photo
- Flattering poses
- 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?
- Dress for the type of job you want.
- Avoid loud busy patterns or colors.
- Solid neutral colors are best. Less distracting.
- Ties for men if they are worn on the job.
- Women should avoid sleeveless blouses or low-cut blouses.
- Well-fitted outfits. Not too big or too tight.
- Freshly pressed, no wrinkles.
Choosing the right outfit can be challenging. Follow these simple tips to get the best results.
- Avoid low-cut tops.
- Long sleeves are better for headshots than short sleeves.
- Pastel colors and other neutral colors should be carefully chosen. You don't want the outfit to blend in with your skin tone.
- Blacks, greys, blues, and purples that are toned down are good colors to wear.
- Be sure undergarments are not seen through the top.
- Your wardrobe should reflect the type of job you are in or looking for.
- Wear appropriate attire that relates to the field you are in.
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Call Me Chris
I won't bore you with too many details, but I will say that I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to merge my passion and career.
A couple of quick things about me personally. I was born and raised in Orange County. I currently live with my family near Huntington Beach where I love to surf or be in the ocean with my boys.
My passions include art, traveling, and of course photography.
Meet Your Photographer
Call Me Chris
I won't bore you with too many details, but I will say that I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to merge my passion and career.
A couple of quick things about me personally. I was born and raised in Orange County. I currently live with my family near Huntington Beach where I love to surf or be in the ocean with my boys.
My passions include art, traveling, and of course photography.
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