How to Get a Corporate Headshot You Actually Like
Let’s be honest. Most people don’t wake up excited about having their corporate headshot taken.
You might be wondering what to wear, whether you should smile with your teeth, or what on earth to do with your hands. And if you’ve ever looked at a professional photo of yourself and thought, 'That doesn’t look like me", you’re certainly not alone.
The good news? Getting a great corporate headshot isn’t about being naturally photogenic. A little preparation can make the whole experience easier, and the results much more you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before stepping in front of the camera.
1. Wear something that feels like you
You don’t need to buy a new outfit just for your headshot. Start with something you already feel confident wearing.
Choose colours that complement your skin tone and suit your industry. Neutral shades, navy, earthy tones and subtle patterns can work beautifully, but the best choice depends on your personal style and brand.
Avoid anything that feels uncomfortable or needs constant adjusting. If you’re tugging at your collar or worrying about a jacket that doesn’t sit properly, it may show in the final images.
The aim is to look polished, not like you’re wearing someone else’s wardrobe.
2. Think about where the photo will be used
A headshot for LinkedIn might have a slightly different feel from one for a company website, a speaking engagement or a professional team page.
Before your session, think about how and where the images will appear. Do you need a close-up portrait, a wider image with room for text, or a few variations for different platforms?
If you’re organising corporate headshots for your team, consistency is worth considering, too. Similar framing, lighting and backgrounds can help create a cohesive look across your website and other company materials.
A little planning beforehand means your photographs can work harder for you afterwards.
3. Don’t underestimate the small details
You don’t need a full makeover before a professional headshot session, but a few simple checks can make a difference.
Make sure your clothes are clean and crease-free, check your hair, and bring any essentials you might need for quick touch-ups. If you wear glasses regularly, wear them. Your headshot should look like the person colleagues and clients will actually meet.
And please don’t spend the entire morning practising a smile in the mirror. You’re allowed to relax.
4. Relax your shoulders. Seriously.
One of the easiest ways to look more comfortable in a photograph is to stop trying so hard to look comfortable.
Take a breath. Drop your shoulders. Stand or sit naturally, and let your expression settle rather than forcing a big smile.
A good professional headshot photographer will guide you through positioning, expression and small adjustments without making the session feel like a performance.
You don’t need to know your best angle before you arrive. That’s part of what you’re there for.
5. Remember that your expression matters more than a perfect pose
There’s a difference between looking professional and looking as though you’ve just been asked to explain a spreadsheet you haven’t opened.
Your expression helps communicate something about you before anyone has read your profile or shaken your hand. Depending on your role and personal brand, you might want to appear approachable, confident, thoughtful or energetic.
There isn’t one expression that works for everyone. The best headshots leave room for personality while still feeling appropriate for your professional setting.
That’s why a little direction and the freedom to be yourself can go a long way.
6. Give yourself time to settle in
If you feel awkward during the first few frames, don’t worry. You don’t have to arrive camera-ready in every sense of the phrase.
Allow a little time to get used to the camera, ask questions and try a few different expressions or positions. Often, the most natural images come once you’ve stopped thinking quite so much about being photographed.
For businesses arranging a team session, building in enough time for each person helps everyone feel less rushed and gives the photographer room to capture a range of expressions.
7. Choose a photographer who helps you feel at ease
The camera and lighting matter, but so does the experience of being photographed.
Look for a corporate headshot photographer whose work feels right for your brand and whose approach helps people look like themselves. Review their portfolio for a consistent quality of lighting, natural expressions and variety, rather than choosing solely on the basis of a single striking image.
At Starstruck Studio, we believe professional portraits should do more than tick a box. They should help people present themselves with confidence, whether the images are for LinkedIn, a company website, a team page or a wider brand refresh.
A little preparation goes a long way
You don’t need to become a model overnight to get a headshot you’re happy with. Wear something you feel good in, arrive with an idea of how you’ll use the images, and give yourself permission to relax.
The best corporate headshots don’t just show what you look like. They give people a sense of who they’ll be working with.
And that’s a much better place to start than worrying about what to do with your hands.
