How to Get a Great Professional Headshot: Tips for LinkedIn and Company Websites
By Tanner Stutz · · 4 min read
The short answer
For a strong professional headshot, wear solid, mid-tone clothing that fits well, avoid busy patterns and big logos, get a good night's sleep, and bring one or two changes of top. Ask for a background and crop that matches the rest of your team, and choose an expression that looks like you on a good day, not a forced smile.
What to wear
- Solid colours in mid tones: navy, grey, deep green, burgundy, soft blue.
- Avoid tight patterns and stripes, which can shimmer on screen.
- Clothes that fit at the shoulders and collar; that's all most crops show.
- Bring a second top or jacket so you have a choice of looks.
- Glasses are fine; clean them and keep them on if you wear them every day.
Before the session
- Sleep well and drink water the day before.
- Get a haircut a week ahead, not the day before.
- Bring a comb, lip balm and powder or blotting papers.
- Look at headshots you like and bring a couple of examples.
Matching a team
If the headshot is for a company website, consistency matters more than any single photo. The same background, light, crop and distance across the whole team makes a business look established. That's easiest when everyone is photographed in the same session, on location at the office.
Expression
The best headshots look approachable and confident, not posed. A good photographer talks you through it rather than saying "smile" — the real expression comes in between the instructions. Expect to see a few frames on the back of the camera as you go so you can adjust.
Questions
Where can I get a professional headshot in Buffalo?
Stutz Media photographs professional headshots on location around Buffalo and Western New York, including at your office for whole teams. See the portrait photography page for current session prices.
What color shirt is best for a headshot?
Solid, mid-tone colours such as navy, grey, deep green or soft blue photograph well against most backgrounds. Avoid pure white, neon and busy patterns.
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