Marie
How to Look Your Best in Your Headshot: 5 Tips from a Pro
Simple techniques that make a real difference
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Here's something I tell every client before their session: a great headshot isn't about looking like someone else. It's about looking like you—just the most confident, polished version.
After eight years of photographing professionals, actors, and entrepreneurs, I've learned what actually makes a difference in how people feel about their photos. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile picture or shooting executive portraits, these are practical techniques that help you show up as your best self.
1. Choose Colors That Work for You
You've probably heard that black is slimming. That's true—dark colors create a sleek silhouette and help define your shape. But here's what matters more: wear colors that complement your skin tone and make you feel like you.
If you never wear black in real life, don't wear it for your headshot. The goal is authenticity, not camouflage.
What to avoid: Puffy sleeves, overly baggy clothes, and anything you'd never actually wear to an important meeting. Your headshot should look like you on a good day, not you in a costume.
What works: Structured pieces that fit well. A blazer that sits on your shoulders correctly. A neckline that flatters. Solid colors or subtle patterns that don't distract from your face.
For more on choosing outfits strategically, read my post on blending authority and approachability in your wardrobe. Men can also check out my dedicated guide on what men should wear for professional headshots.
2. Learn the Angles That Flatter You
Small adjustments make a big difference on camera:
Arms away from your body. When you press your arms against your sides, they flatten and look wider. A small gap creates a more natural silhouette.
Chin slightly forward and down. This sounds awkward, but it defines your jawline and eliminates shadows under your chin. Your photographer will guide you, but knowing this helps.
Turn your shoulders. Facing the camera straight-on can feel confrontational. A slight angle—even 15 degrees—creates dimension and looks more natural.
Stand tall. Good posture isn't just about looking confident (though it helps). It elongates your neck, opens your chest, and changes how your clothes drape.
3. Work with a Photographer Who Knows What They're Doing
This might sound self-promotional—because it is—but it's also the most important tip on this list.
A skilled headshot photographer understands lighting, lens choice, and angles in ways that make an enormous difference. They know how to position you to highlight your best features. They can adjust the light to minimize what you're self-conscious about. And they'll coach you through expressions until you look relaxed instead of frozen.
When you're searching for a photographer, look at their portfolio. Do the people in their photos look comfortable? Do they look like real humans having a good day, or do they look stiff and awkward?
The photographer's job isn't just to press a button. It's to create an environment where you can relax enough to look like yourself.
4. Prepare Your Face (Yes, Really)
A few small things that matter more than you'd think:
Get enough sleep. Puffy eyes and tired skin show up on camera. The night before your session, prioritize rest.
Hydrate. Drink water the day before and the morning of. It shows in your skin.
Grooming basics. Fresh haircut (but not too fresh—give it a few days to settle). Clean, trimmed nails if your hands might be in the shot. For men, decide on your facial hair situation and commit.
Makeup that looks like you. If you wear makeup daily, wear it. If you don't, don't suddenly cake it on. Avoid heavy contouring, dramatic lip colors, and anything you wouldn't wear to work. The goal is polished, not performed.
For the full breakdown on skin prep, grooming, and everything else you should do before your session, check out my complete how to prepare for your professional headshots guide.
5. Bring Your Confidence (It's Your Best Accessory)
Here's the truth: the most flattering thing you can wear to a headshot session is confidence.
I've photographed people of every age, size, and background. The ones who love their photos aren't necessarily the ones who fit some beauty standard. They're the ones who showed up ready to own who they are.
Confidence reads on camera. It's in how you hold your shoulders, the ease in your expression, the light in your eyes. No amount of posing tricks can fake it—and no amount of self-consciousness can hide it.
So before your session, remind yourself: you're not trying to be someone else. You're showing the world who you already are.
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The Real Secret
A headshot is a snapshot in time, but it's also a snapshot of your essence. The goal isn't perfection—it's authenticity. When you look at your headshot, you should think "that's me on a really good day," not "who is that person?"
The techniques above will help you look polished and professional. But the real magic happens when you stop worrying about how you look and start focusing on how you want to show up.
That's when the great shots happen.
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For a complete step-by-step walkthrough—what to wear, what to bring, hair, skin, and mindset—check out my full how to prepare for your professional headshots guide.
Ready to create a headshot you actually love? Book your session here.