Top 5 Tips for a Great Corporate Headshot

Take a quick look at these two headshots…. Now I know you may not think you’re a judgmental person, but according to research from psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov (2006) it only took you one tenth of a second to judge their competence, trustworthiness, friendliness and likability.

Additionally, studies have revealed that people tend to make snap judgments based on features like eye contact, smile authenticity, and the styling of individuals and the photography. 

So it goes without saying that the personal and professional face you put forward plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of professionalism, brand credibility and engaging your market.  A well crafted headshot that communicates your desired personal and professional image leaves a positive lasting impression and is a powerful asset for your business.

To get it right, forethought and preparation are essential. Great corporate photography involves more than just showing up; it’s about strategically planning every aspect to ensure you present yourself in the best possible light.

So if you are considering updating your business headshot photography I thought I would help out with my top 5 tips for great corporate headshots.

1. Choose the right Photographer

Your photographer plays a pivotal role in capturing the perfect shot. Select a skilled professional who specialises in headshots and whose portfolio aligns with your desired style and image. A professional corporate headshot photographer will understand how to highlight your best features and convey your professional persona effectively.

2. Plan Your Wardrobe

Your choice of clothing speaks volumes about your professional image.  Choosing an outfit that is able to showcase your personal style, professionalism and personality is great. It’s also important to keep in mind that what you wear for your corporate headshot outfit should align with your company’s brand guidelines. It is often good to have a chat with your marketing team prior to the shoot to confirm your outfit fits within company guidelines. 

It is very important to feel comfortable and confident in the outfit you choose as this will show through in your headshot. Make sure that your choice of attire is well fitted (not too tight or big) and can look good sitting or standing. The best outfits for corporate headshots are solid colors that complement your skin tone, avoiding distracting patterns and logos. It’s always a good idea to practice adjusting your posture and outfit in front of a mirror to know how you want it to look on the day.   

3. Pay Attention to Lighting

Good lighting can make or break a headshot. Whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, ensure you have access to ample natural light or professional studio lighting. Soft, flattering lighting is often used to enhance the subject’s features without creating harsh shadows or highlights. This can involve studio lighting setups or natural light, depending on the desired effect and setting. Work closely with your photographer to achieve the perfect lighting setup for your shoot. Great lighting is crucial.

4. Practice Expressions and Corporate Headshot Poses

Your facial expressions and body posture in a headshot can speak volumes and convey strong messages and elicit emotions from your audience. Practice different expressions in front of a mirror to find the one that best represents your personality and the message you want to convey. Aim for a genuine, approachable smile that exudes confidence and warmth. Remember, authenticity is key to making a lasting impression. It is also very important to practice certain body postures and poses in front of the mirror to help ascertain your best angles that accentuate your best attributes and achieve your desired look. Corporate headshot poses are generally straightforward, with the subject facing the camera directly, often with a slight angle to show a more dynamic image or more flattering angle. A professional corporate headshot photographer will be able to direct you with ideas for poses, head positions and ways to achieve an authentic relaxed smile on the day. 

Here are some quick posing suggestions to guarantee you look your best:

• Try facing different directions, left side, front on right side – see what works best.
• Keep your hands in front, one hand in a pocket or together. Never put them behind your body
• Subtly tilt forward, and slightly on an angle. This brings your face into camera more, makes you body smaller and can help remove double chin
• If standing, lean weight more on one hip, the other knee bent towards camera and angling that hip towards camera leaning slightly forwards can be a more flattering silhouette than standing straight  towards the camera. 

It can also be a good idea to research corporate headshot styles that you like and have a good look at the posture and pose of the subject. Practicing this in the mirror prior to the shoot can be a great way to nail your look on shoot day.

5. Hair and Makeup for Corporate Headshots

Consider investing in professional hair and makeup services to ensure you look your absolute best on the day of the photoshoot. A skilled makeup artist can enhance your features and create a polished look that translates well on camera. They can adjust their work depending on the lighting and style of the shoot and requirements of the location (natural light versus studio light, outdoors in the elements versus more candid shots with movement). 

Amy Kenny, our makeup artist at Kit Photography emphasises that in the world of makeup artistry, understanding the subtle differences between various looks is crucial. What you might choose for a dinner outing can vastly differ from the requirements of corporate headshots. It’s best to go with a natural look and tones that accentuate your features avoiding overly heavy eye makeup. 

Having a makeup artist on location during the shoot is invaluable. They are on hand to tailor the makeup and hair looks for the styling preferences on the day, manage those unexpected hair flyaways and add touch ups when necessary, ensuring all details are contributing to a flawless result. 

It’s not just about the makeup; it’s also about the experience. Spending time in the chair with a hairstylist and makeup artist (H&M) isn’t just preparation; it’s a transformative process that prepares you for your headshot. This experience makes a significant difference in confidence and comfort in front of the camera. 

Men can also benefit from a quick enhancement to their appearance. A matt finish and a bit of concealer can effectively cover redness and reduce shine. Our grooming services for men include neatening eyebrows and removing unwanted facial hair, ensuring a polished look without any shine or hot spots.

Most men will only need 5-10 minutes in the chair. 

By incorporating these tips into your corporate headshot preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your photoshoot and make a lasting impression. Remember, it’s not just about capturing a moment—it’s about presenting the best version of yourself to the professional world.

I hope this has helped you feel a little more confident in front of the camera, and that your experience on your next shoot leaves you feeling great and thrilled with the results.

If you’re looking for a corporate photographer or any assistance with any corporate photography please don’t hesitate to give us a call at Kit Photography on 0405 260 868. 

Kit - Owner & Professional Photographer

Kit is a seasoned Kiwi-born photographer with over 15 years of industry experience. Starting his journey in Christchurch, New Zealand, before moving to Melbourne, Australia, where he founded Kit Photography in 2012.

With a deep passion for photography that began in his early teens, Kit has honed his skills across various genres, including capturing people, products, and properties. His extensive experience allows him to tell compelling stories through powerful imagery, showcasing his technical expertise and creative vision.

Kit’s client-centered approach and friendly professionalism create a comfortable and dynamic atmosphere on every project. His ability to understand his clients goals ensures exceptional results and lasting professional relationships.