How to Take a Business Headshot in 2025

A business headshot is one of those things that can quietly make a big difference online. In today's digital world, it lets people see a professional and trustworthy image before they even shake your hand.

Anyone can take a good business headshot by paying attention to lighting, background, and the right pose.

Whether you're hiring a photographer or snapping a photo at home, the right headshot can absolutely boost your professional profile. There are straightforward steps that help anyone look confident and approachable in a photo.

Just a few tweaks can make a headshot fit your brand or career, no matter what field you're in.

Key Takeaways

• A good business headshot shows professionalism and trust.
• Paying attention to lighting, pose, and background really matters.
• The right photo supports a strong personal or company brand.

What Is a Business Headshot?

A [business headshot](https://www.betterpic.io/blog/professional-business-headshot-tips) is a clear, professional photo that shows you from the shoulders up. It's mostly used in work settings to help others know who they're dealing with and to create a trustworthy first impression.

Purpose and Benefits

Business headshots are mainly for work or formal settings. You'll see them on company websites, LinkedIn profiles, business cards, and conference bios.

Professional headshots show you care about how you present yourself. A high-quality business portrait can make you look more approachable and credible.

It helps build trust, especially when you're meeting new clients or partners online. Companies often want staff to use consistent headshots to keep the brand looking unified.

A good business headshot means good lighting, a simple background, and neat clothing. The face should be well-lit and in focus.

Difference Between Business and Corporate Headshots

Business headshots and corporate headshots are close, but not always identical. Business headshots are usually a bit more flexible and work for small business owners, freelancers, and creative folks.

Corporate headshots are often for big companies and tend to be more formal. They might have stricter style rules—maybe only plain backgrounds or specific dress codes.

Professional headshots and business portraits come in all sorts of styles. A startup might want relaxed, friendly photos, while a law firm usually goes for something more traditional.

Preparing for Your Business Headshot

A little prep goes a long way for a business headshot. The way you dress, the background you pick, and how you present yourself all change how your photo lands on a LinkedIn profile or in a portfolio.

Choosing Your Outfit

When it comes to outfits, keep it simple and classic. Solid colors are your friend—they don't steal attention from your face.

Neutral tones like navy, gray, white, or black usually nail the business look. Busy patterns and logos? Probably best to skip those, since they can distract.

Think about what fits your industry, too. A suit jacket might be great for finance, but creative fields could call for something more relaxed.

Make sure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and fit well. The camera picks up more than you'd think.

Jewelry and accessories should be pretty minimal. Big or flashy pieces just pull the eye away from your face.

Take a moment in the mirror before the session for any last-minute tweaks. For more details on [picking clothing](https://www.betterpic.io/blog/what-to-wear-for-professional-headshots), check the Ultimate Guide on Preparing for Headshot Session.

Selecting a Background Color

Background color makes a big difference in your headshot. Neutrals like white, gray, or light blue are popular since they keep the focus on you.

These shades are perfect for LinkedIn or portfolios. A plain background is also handy if you want to add a logo or text later.

Try not to blend in with your background. Wearing a gray shirt in front of a gray wall? The image might look flat.

A little contrast helps you stand out without being distracting. Some folks pick a background that matches their company branding or personal style.

Grooming and Personal Presentation

Grooming matters more than you might think. Hair should look tidy and feel like you—not overdone.

If you wear makeup, keep it simple and close to your usual look. Heavy makeup or strong colors can look off in photos.

Clean, moisturized skin helps. Some people bring blotting papers or powder to cut down on shine, especially if they're prone to oily skin.

Glasses can cause glare, so clean them well before the session. Anti-glare coating is a bonus.

Posture is key, too. Sitting or standing up straight gives off confidence. A soft smile or relaxed expression makes you look approachable.

Working With a Professional Photographer

A skilled photographer can help you nail that business-ready look. Doing some research, planning ahead, and keeping the conversation open makes the whole experience smoother.

Finding the Right Photographer

Picking the right photographer matters. They should have a strong portfolio with solid headshot work, especially for business clients.

Take a good look at their previous images online. Does their style match what you want?

Not every photographer specializes in headshots, so check reviews and testimonials to see if they're reliable and easy to work with.

Ask about pricing, what's included, and how ****photo delivery works. Some do studio sessions, others shoot outdoors or come to your office.

Narrow your list with online searches, and maybe ask friends or coworkers for recommendations. Good photographers usually answer questions quickly and lay out their process clearly.

Planning Your Headshot Session

Planning ahead makes everything easier. Pick a good time, location, and wardrobe.

Natural light is usually flattering, so daytime sessions work well. For indoor shoots, check if the studio has lighting and backdrops, or if the photographer brings their own gear.

Wardrobe-wise, most pros suggest solid colors and simple patterns. Bold prints can steal the spotlight from your face.

Dress for the business role you're going for—a collared shirt or blazer is often a safe bet.

Let your photographer know about style preferences, company dress codes, or branding colors. Sorting these details early keeps the session focused and stress-free.

For more on planning, check out this guide on taking professional headshots at home.

Communication and Comfort

Talking openly with your photographer can really help. Share what you'll use the headshot for, like a website bio or LinkedIn.

Discuss how you want to come across—confident, friendly, serious, approachable, whatever fits. Don’t be shy about asking for advice on posture or facial expression.

Many pros have tricks to help you relax so your smile and pose look genuine. During the shoot, ask if you can peek at photos as you go. That way, you can tweak things on the spot.

Feeling comfortable and listened to makes the whole session better.

DIY Business Headshots

You don't have to spend a lot to get a decent business headshot. With a little effort, you can take a professional-looking photo at home for work profiles, resumes, or LinkedIn.

Using a Phone Camera

Your phone camera can absolutely do the job if you use it right. Clean the lens and set it to the highest resolution.

Stand in front of a simple background—a blank wall or a solid-colored sheet works. Good lighting is crucial, so try to shoot near a window or use lamps for even light.

Set the phone at eye level and use the rear camera if you can; it's usually sharper than the front one.

If possible, ask a friend to help or use a tripod and timer. Make sure your face and shoulders are in the frame, and smile in a way that feels natural.

Tips for Portrait Mode

Most phones have a portrait mode now, which blurs the background and sharpens you up front. To make it work, stand a few feet from your background so the effect actually shows.

Light is important—portrait mode can get weird in dark rooms. Focus on your eyes before you shoot.

Avoid busy backgrounds that might confuse the camera. Try a few angles to see what flatters you most.

Portrait mode is a handy way to get professional headshots at home without fancy gear.

Budget-Friendly Equipment

You don't need much, but a few tools help. A phone tripod keeps things steady, and a remote shutter lets you take photos without rushing.

Clip-on ring lights or cheap LED panels give you bright, soft light if sunlight isn't cooperating. For a background, a paper roll, curtain, or plain sheet does the trick.

Wax paper over a lamp can soften harsh light. It's totally possible to get clear, bright business photos on a budget with just a few smart purchases.

Lighting and Angles for Headshot Photography

Lighting and angles can make or break a headshot. They shape your face and help you look professional—sometimes even more than the camera itself.

Flattering Lighting Techniques

Flattering lighting is really the secret sauce for ****professional results. Soft, diffused light cuts down on harsh shadows and tends to smooth out skin.

That’s why you’ll see so many photographers using a big softbox or umbrella. It spreads the light evenly across the face.

Try placing the main light about 45 degrees from the camera and just above the subject. This angle usually brings out the face’s natural shape and can make the eyes pop.

If you light from below or dead-on, you risk flattening features. Go too high and you’ll end up with shadows over the eyes or brows—never a good look.

Shooting indoors? Window light is your friend, but you might need a reflector or another light to fill in deep shadows.

Always check how the light hits the cheeks, nose, and chin. Tiny tweaks can make a huge difference.

Utilizing Key Light

The key light does most of the heavy lifting in a headshot setup. It shapes the face and really sets the mood.

Usually, the key light is bigger and brighter than any other light you’re using. Most folks place it just off to one side—left or right of the camera—and a bit above eye level.

This angle gives natural shadows under the cheeks and jawline, which adds some nice depth. Some portrait specialists suggest angling the key light away a touch to avoid blowing out skin highlights.

Here’s a quick look at placement:

Key Light Position Effect 45° side & above Natural, flattering shadows Direct front Flat, less depth Too high Deep eye/brow shadows

Honestly, a single, well-placed key light can look super professional. It’s why both beginners and seasoned pros lean on this setup.

Experimenting With Angles

Angles matter just as much as lighting for headshots. Even small changes in how the face or camera is positioned can totally shift the vibe of the portrait.

Ask your subject to turn a little away from the camera instead of facing it head-on. That move slims the face and softens strong jawlines.

A slight chin tuck can help dodge double chin territory. Lifting the chin just a bit can make the neck look longer.

Camera height is also a big deal. Shooting at eye level is usually a safe bet for business headshots.

Go too high and your subject can look kind of small. Too low? You’ll get awkward views of the nose and chin.

Take a few test shots from different spots. See what flatters your subject best.

If something feels off, tweak and try again.

Posing and Expression

Getting a strong business headshot really depends on natural posing, real connection, and confident body language. When the subject feels comfortable and the expression fits, the photo just looks more trustworthy.

Natural and Professional Poses

Natural poses are the secret to relaxed, great-looking headshots. For business shots, standing or sitting up straight—with relaxed shoulders and even weight—works best.

Leaning forward a touch makes the shot more engaging. Crossing arms, tilting the head, or angling the body just a bit can add character without making things look stiff.

You can leave hands out for a clean look or rest them gently at the waist. The body should turn slightly away from the camera, with the face angled back toward the lens.

This avoids that flat, passport-photo vibe. The photographer might suggest a small smile or a neutral look to keep things professional.

Lighting and background should keep the focus right on the person. A blurred background helps the subject stand out.

Don’t force a pose—natural body language always feels more inviting than something staged.

Connecting With Your Subject

Connection makes all the difference in a business headshot. The photographer should talk clearly and give gentle guidance.

Making small talk or asking about hobbies can help people relax. Simple cues—like breathing, smiling, or loosening shoulders—cut down on tension.

Sometimes it helps to have the subject look away from the lens for a shot or two. That can bring out more candid, natural expressions.

Suggesting they think of someone they trust can spark a warmer look. Sharing a few test photos and offering encouragement goes a long way.

A relaxed subject gives off open body language and a pleasant face. That’s what makes a headshot instantly trustworthy.

Building a real connection usually leads to those authentic, memorable results.

Conveying Confidence

Confidence is everything in a pro headshot. Good posture sends a strong message right away.

Keep the chin slightly down—never tucked in, but not high either. Eye contact with the camera says you’re honest and strong.

Expressions matter a lot. A soft smile or calm face looks approachable.

Too much grinning can come off as fake, so keep it real. Relaxed eyebrows and gentle eyes help you look collected and trustworthy.

Quick tips for a confident shot:

• Stand or sit tall, but stay relaxed
• Look right into the lens
• Go for a gentle, real smile
• Skip anything stiff or forced

Tiny shifts in body language and expression can turn an average photo into a standout headshot.

Editing and Retouching Headshots

Editing and retouching help polish a ****professional headshot while keeping the real person front and center. Most people just want subtle tweaks—not a total transformation.

Essential Retouching Techniques

A professional headshot usually starts with basics like cropping, straightening, and dialing in the exposure. Brightness and contrast tweaks help the subject stand out.

Retouching often means cleaning up dust spots, flyaway hairs, and blemishes. Tools like the healing brush and clone stamp are photographer favorites.

For business photos, it’s smart to smooth skin gently, tone down redness, and tidy up stray hairs—without going overboard.

Some people ask for a touch of teeth whitening or eye brightening. Sharpening facial features or adjusting color balance can help too.

Most use Lightroom or Photoshop, but there are step-by-step corporate headshot editing guides out there if you want to learn the workflow.

Maintaining a Natural Look

Headshots should never make people look plastic or unrecognizable. The golden rule? Don’t over-edit—make sure the final photo still looks like the real person.

Be careful with skin smoothing. Fix little imperfections, but don’t erase all the texture.

Leave birthmarks, freckles, and small lines unless someone specifically asks for them gone. When you brighten eyes or whiten teeth, keep it subtle—too much and things get weird fast.

Color corrections should be light, just enough to fix odd shadows or color casts.

Retouching is about helping someone look their best—not like someone else.

Choosing the Best Headshot for Your Brand

A business headshot is more than just a photo—it should line up with the message and values you want to share. The right choice depends on how the headshot fits your career goals and how you’ll use it for networking or your portfolio.

Aligning With Personal Branding

The best headshot lines up with your personal brand. Style, clothing, and expressions need to fit your field.

A creative pro might pick a background or pose that’s a little artsy, while someone in finance usually sticks to a formal vibe.

Clothing should be simple and pressed so it doesn’t pull attention from your face. The background should be clean or blurred to keep the focus on you.

Smiles, posture, and eye contact should help build trust. Consistency matters—using the same headshot across platforms helps people remember your brand.

Portfolio and Networking Uses

Pick your business headshot based on where you’ll use it most. If it’s for LinkedIn, a professional group, or a company website, make sure it’s high-res and fits the platform’s size rules.

For portfolios, you want a shot that looks approachable and polished. Choose one that feels natural but still stands out to employers or clients.

Networking groups often check out headshots before events, so a good one can help you make a strong first impression.

Some folks keep a formal headshot for business and a second, more creative one for other uses. Check what’s normal in your industry, and update your image every few years.

Timing and Updating Your Business Headshot

A solid business headshot should show your current appearance and match your professional brand. It makes it easy for colleagues, clients, and employers to recognize you—online or in person.

When to Schedule a New Headshot

Time for a new business headshot? If you’ve changed your hairstyle, had a big weight shift, or started wearing glasses, it’s probably a good idea.

Career changes or promotions are also perfect excuses to refresh your headshot and match your new role.

Most experts say you should refresh your headshot every 3 to 5 years, even if you haven’t changed much. Old headshots can look dated and send the wrong message.

Life events—like moving to a new city or joining a new group—can be a good time to update, too.

Keeping Your Headshot Current

A current headshot should match how you look right now. You don’t want to surprise people with an old photo.

Updating your headshot shows you’re detail-oriented and professional. Setting a reminder to check your headshot every couple of years isn’t a bad move.

If your company updates its website or branding, it’s a good time to see if you need a new photo. Regular reviews—especially after milestones or career shifts—help keep things fresh.

Using Your Business Headshot Effectively

A strong business headshot makes you recognizable and gives your online profiles a professional edge. Using the right photo in the right spot helps you make a solid first impression—whether it’s coworkers, recruiters, or clients checking you out.

Optimizing for LinkedIn Profile

A LinkedIn profile picture should be a clear, current shot of your face. Keep the background simple—nothing wild or distracting.

Pick a headshot that fits your industry’s vibe. Business attire works best, and it’s smart to skip flashy accessories or loud patterns.

Crop the photo so your face takes up about 60% of the frame. Watch the lighting—go for even, soft light and steer clear of harsh shadows.

Honestly, it’s a good idea to use the same professional headshot everywhere you show up online. LinkedIn compresses images, so always upload a high-res version for the sharpest look.

Swap out your photo every few years, or whenever you change your appearance in a noticeable way.

Best Practices for Online Profiles

Use a professional headshot for all your important online profiles. That includes company websites, email accounts, and networking sites.

It just makes it easier for people to remember you, and honestly, it builds trust. Skip group shots or casual selfies—those belong elsewhere.

Quick checklist for online business photos:

• Plain or neutral background
• Face is the focus, not the scenery
• Smile naturally (forced grins never feel right)
• Make sure it’s recent and actually looks like you
• Use the same photo everywhere for a consistent vibe