5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Professional Headshot

A professional headshot is essential in today’s digital world, helping to convey your personality, professionalism, and approachability. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, your website, or business cards, a well-executed headshot can set you apart. However, many people make common mistakes that lead to less-than-stellar results. To ensure you get the best headshot possible, avoid these five mistakes and set yourself up for success.

1. Overlooking Wardobe Choices

Why it’s a mistake: Your clothing plays a significant role in the impression you make. Wearing the wrong colors, patterns, or styles can detract from your overall look and, in turn, make the headshot less effective.

What to do instead: Dress in a way that aligns with your brand and the image you want to project. If you work in a corporate environment, opt for solid colors and professional attire, like a tailored blazer. Avoid overly bright colors or busy patterns, as these can distract from your face. Neutral or muted colors like navy, gray, and beige often work well for professional headshots.

For creative fields, it might be okay to add a splash of color or a statement piece. The key is to keep your attire simple and polished, so the focus remains on you, not your clothes. Also, consider bringing a few options to the shoot so you and the photographer can experiment with different looks.

2. Ignoring Hair and Makeup

Why it’s a mistake: Neglecting hair and makeup can leave you looking unprepared or unpolished. Even a small amount of effort in this area can significantly impact the final image.

What to do instead: Invest some time in preparing your hair and makeup, even if you prefer a natural look. Professional makeup artists understand how to apply makeup for camera lighting, enhancing your features while keeping a natural appearance. They can also help minimize shine, redness, or other imperfections that may be visible under bright lights. 

Men should also pay attention to grooming. Simple steps like shaving (if desired), trimming facial hair, and controlling stray hairs can make a big difference in how polished and professional you appear.

3. Choosing the Wrong Photographer

Why it’s a mistake: Not all photographers specialize in headshots, and choosing someone without relevant experience can lead to disappointing results. A wedding photographer, for example, may not have the expertise needed to capture the kind of focused, professional image that a headshot demands.

What to do instead: Look for photographers who specialize in headshots and have a portfolio that aligns with the style you’re aiming for. Skilled headshot photographers know how to use lighting, angles, and posing techniques to highlight your best features. When reviewing a photographer’s portfolio, pay attention to how consistent and professional their images look. Do their subjects appear natural, confident, and approachable? 

Don’t hesitate to ask the photographer about their process and whether they offer any guidance during the shoot. A great headshot photographer will help you feel comfortable and direct you on poses, expressions, and other subtle adjustments to get the best shot.

4. Not Preparing for the Shoot

Why it’s a mistake: Showing up to your headshot session without preparation can lead to stiff poses, forced smiles, and an overall lack of confidence in the final images.

What to do instead: Preparation can help you feel more relaxed and look more natural in your headshot. Here are some tips for preparing:

Practice Expressions:

Try smiling in front of a mirror to see what feels and looks the most genuine. A slight, natural smile often works well for professional settings, but don’t hesitate to try a few different expressions.

Relax Your Body:

Simple breathing exercises before the shoot can help you shake off tension. Roll your shoulders back, and don’t be afraid to loosen up. This will help you feel more at ease and avoid looking stiff.

Hydrate and Rest:

Drinking water and getting a good night’s sleep before the shoot can do wonders for your appearance. Rested eyes and hydrated skin make a noticeable difference in photos.

By taking a few steps to prepare, you’ll feel and look more confident, which always translates well in a headshot.

5. Overdoing Retouching

**Why it’s a mistake:** Excessive retouching can make your headshot look unnatural and, at worst, unrecognizable. Over-smoothing the skin, erasing natural features, or changing the structure of your face can lead to a result that doesn’t represent the real you. An overly retouched headshot may also give off the impression that you’re not confident in your appearance.

What to do instead: Embrace subtle, natural retouching. A skilled photographer or retoucher can enhance your headshot by removing temporary blemishes, softening minor skin imperfections, and adjusting lighting without drastically changing your appearance. The goal of a professional headshot is to present a polished version of yourself, not to create a dramatically altered image.

Natural retouching ensures that you look like yourself in the photo, while also presenting a professional, clean appearance. If your photographer offers retouching services, communicate your preferences clearly to avoid an overly edited look.

Getting a professional headshot is a valuable investment that can significantly impact your personal brand. By avoiding these common mistakes—overlooking wardrobe, neglecting grooming, choosing the wrong photographer, failing to prepare, and overdoing retouching—you can ensure that your headshot authentically represents you and your professionalism. Remember, a great headshot captures you at your best: confident, approachable, and ready to make a positive impression.

Make these steps part of your headshot preparation, and you’ll have a professional image that speaks volumes, whether it’s on LinkedIn, a company website, or a business card.

Let us start this process and get you the right headshot for you.