Business portrait poses
How to Pose for Professional Headshots (Updated 2023)
Besides how to dress, the top headshot-related inquiry on Google these days is “how to pose for professional headshots”.
We typically cover posing and expressions while working directly with a client during our photography sessions, but we’re also happy to also post our top picks for awesome professional headshot poses here.
As with many aspects of photography, the easiest way to explain posing is to just shut up and show you! So, we’ve included photo examples of some easy poses that business professionals can model for their sessions.
Before we jump in, we need to cover the basics:
- Professional headshot posing should not be hard.
- It should not feel uncomfortable, unnatural, or staged.
- But, don’t get discouraged if one of your poses doesn’t work out – just try another.
The best professional headshot poses are those that feel natural to the subject — so that the client can focus on having a natural expression in their shots.
However, recent research shows that your body language can communicate a lot about your like-ability and competence. So, especially if your headshot is taken with your body showing, you should think about how to pose for your professional photos.
Not every pose will feel comfortable for your personality. So, make sure to try a couple different ones, and review the results in between shots.
Alright, let’s jump in!
Pose #1: The Standard
To start, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with using the standard headshot pose for your headshot session. Simply straighten your back, turn your chest 10 to 45 degrees from the camera, and lean slightly toward the camera.
Pose #2: Arms Crossed
Want to convey a bit more charisma than the standard pose? Cross your arms to create a powerful/tough impression on the viewer. A slight or full smile can help balance out the crossed arms to create a strong, yet friendly impression.
This pose is perfect for lawyers and corporate executives.
Pose #3: Hands at Hips
A bit more fun than standard posing, placing your hands on your hips gives the viewer the impression of you being hard at work.
Pose #4: Over the Shoulder
An over-the-shoulder pose is fun and candid. It creates the impression that the photographer “snuck up on you” for a less staged feel. This style is perfect for actors, models, or business professionals who want a personality picture along with their business headshot.
Pose #5: Play With Glasses (or Any Other Prop)
Want to appear cool and collected? A couple shots with your favorite pair of glasses can do wonders for appearing thoughtful in your portrait session. This is a great pose for designers, artists and thought-leaders.
Pose #6: Lean Sideways
Similar to the over-the-shoulder pose, a sideways lean against a wall creates a candid vibe for your headshot. When striking this pose, make sure that the wall is clean and brightly lit — a dirty wall will be distracting.
Pose #7: Lean In
Leaning toward the camera while seated can be a great way to appear relaxed during your session. This posture is also perfect for clients who are hoping to hide a double-chin. (No judgement here!)
Pose #8: Cross-Candid
While difficult to get just right, a cross-candid pose can be an awesome asset for personal branding projects with consultants, entrepreneurs and thought-leaders.
The term “cross-candid” means that the photo is both candid (the subject is not looking into the lens), plus their head is turned “across” the camera. (If the client in the above photo were looking camera-right, then this photo would just be “candid”.)
While this shouldn’t be your main profile photo on LinkedIn, this is an awesome choice to use on a business website or in social-media posts.
Pose #9: Fists Up
Okay, so maybe this is a niche headshot pose…but we just had to include one of our favorite crazy/fun poses from the past couple months.
In all seriousness, this pose won’t be right for most corporate clients, but feel free to try anything your heart desires during your session.
After all, we only need a couple of awesome photos out of your whole set, so take a chance with some out-of-the-box posing! If you hate them, we delete them — forever.
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That’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed this list of simple, yet effective professional headshot poses. Before your session starts, feel free to tell your photographer which pose(s) you’d like to try.
We’re always eager to hear any client preferences either before or during your headshot session. If you’re considering updating your headshot in the near future, head on over to our Individual Sessions page to see available packages.
As always, feel free to email us at [email protected] with any questions.
40 Best Headshot Poses - How to Pose for Headshots
Headshot poses have greatly changed over time as well as the approach to this type of shooting.
Employers aren’t interested in photos of candidates with serious faces being photographed against a white background.
Modern entrepreneurs have absolutely different demands for business headshots. To make such photos really attractive, you need to take care of the location and suitable outfit. Having this covered, look for corporate headshot poses.
40 Best Headshot Poses for Male and Female
Nowadays, headshot photography industry is very developed. Headshot poses differ depending on the sphere you are going to use such images for.
For instance, corporate headshots and those you send to entrepreneurs aren’t the same. Below, you will find useful tips on how to pose for a headshot.
1. Making Sincere Smile
One of the best headshot tips to make your images appealing. Of course, you shouldn’t smile in every photo, but several such shots will be OK. If you aren’t in the mood to smile, calm down and think about something pleasant.
Relax your muscles.
The key moment here is to smile not only with your lips, but with your whole body. May seem difficult, but it is worth trying.
2. Standing Straight
When a photographer asks you to feel casual in front of a camera, the reaction is usually opposite. But remember that your everyday pose, like the one when you are pondering over something or reading a book, brings the most natural headshots. Employers really like such photos.
3. Showing Emotions
Most people think that a headshot photo must feature a person with a serious, somehow stone face. Partially true, but at the shooting, feel free to demonstrate your emotions.
Think about the one that you don’t know how to show and try expressing it. Be open, ingenious and enjoy the process.
Even if you doubt that such images can be sent to your potential boss, a skillful photographer may snap several really admirable images for you to remember this period of your life.
4. Making Emotionless Look
This is an absolutely neutral pose for a headshot picture.
If you think that it is the same as everyday pose, you are mistaken.
For most people, they are different, with the latter is you acting naturally, while the former is controlling your muscles and suppressing emotions. Remember – neutral isn’t natural.
5. Tilting Your Head a Bit
This is an effective trick of portrait photography that you can use to get professional headshots. When your head is a bit tilted or the chin is slightly directed to either side – you will look more confident in a picture.
Mind that this is a “masculine pose”, bringing a sense of power to photos.
6. Bringing Face Forward & Pointing Chin Slightly Down
If you need professional headshot poses that help you look reliable and confident, use this one. Point the chin a bit down and push the face forward. This is a quick way to hide a double chin.
7. Keeping One Shoulder Away From the Camera at a Small Angle
To appear slimmer in a photo, just move either shoulder away from a camera at a small angle.
This is a perfect idea for a female headshot and it also brings additional depth to a picture.
8. Being in Motion
Both studio and outdoor headshots may have some dynamics. For this, you need to move around – walk, jump, shake hands, adjust hair, etc.
This surely brings lively and realistic results. Besides, dynamic business headshot poses may help you reveal your true nature, so an employer will know what an active and enthusiastic person you are.
9. Changing Facial Expressions
A headshot photographer may encourage you to show a range of emotions. Don’t refuse! Once he/she names an emotion, show it.
Be it anger, happiness, fear, sadness, disgust – anything different from common will look truly captivating.
10. Flattering
In most cases models know their best angles and poses. If you don’t, practice in front of the mirror before the shooting or ask a photographer for help.
Remember that body parts that are closer to the lens, look bigger in photos.
So, if you want to conceal something, choose appropriate corporate portraits poses.
11. Turning Two-Thirds to the Camera
This is a commonly-used trick in corporate headshot photography that helps you look less uptight than when looking straight in the camera.
Turning 2/3 means the upper part of your body is turned two-thirds away from the lens. Do it while taking wide or close-up headshots.
12. Wearing Glasses
If you wear glasses, you need to be very mindful and attentive when learning how to pose for a professional headshot, since there may appear glares in pictures.
First, take a comfortable pose and then a photographer can adjust lighting. The important moment is that the light mustn’t fall directly on your face.
13. With Arms Crossed
One of the most popular business headshot poses. Doing it right, you can get an elegant, professional-looking image, but if you cross the arms too tightly, you will look introverted and unwilling to cooperate.
A woman posing this way, should half turn to the camera and lower a shoulder a bit.
14. Leaning Against a Wall
Being very simple, this pose results in a natural headshot photo. Stand near the wall and lean your lower body part or one shoulder against it.
Don’t choose patterned or colorful walls, something plain will work perfectly. If there is a landscape in the background, blur it.
15. Walking for More Open Photos
An example of dynamic headshot poses that make your body relaxed and facial expressions natural. Just remember to keep your posture straight.
16. Showing or Talking Something
Corporate portrait photography may be a fun thing to do, especially if a person can show his/her profession by movements. For example, if you are a choreographer, show some dance steps.
17. Standing without Support
This is a standard pose for professional headshots, both suitable for outdoor and indoor shooting. Face the camera and relax all your facial muscles.
18. Looking Over the Shoulder
When you turn your back to the camera and look over the shoulder, a corporate headshot photographer can focus on your eyes and hair. Natural or studio surrounding will be a nice background for such images.
19. With Hands on a Support
Place your hands on any support, e.g. a chair back, and look at the camera. This is a good idea both for a female and male headshot picture.
20. Playing with Hair
You can use this pose to add motion to your headshot photos. Play with your hair and keep your hands motionless for several seconds, so a photographer can capture this moment. The portrait will look really lively.
21. Hiding a Part of Your Face Behind Objects
To make a professional headshot more interesting and even intriguing, you can cover a part of your face with any object. This can be your own hands or hair, a scarf, a book, flowers – anything that you want to show in the foreground.
22. Playing with Shadows
Having proper headshot photography lighting, a shooter can experiment with different light and shadow patterns.
If you incorporate hats, plants, curtains and other objects that cast a shadow into the frame, the result may be quite interesting.
23. Looking Down
If you look down, the photo will acquire a thoughtful mood. This way, you can also focus attention on the hands. Shooting from above can help accentuate a natural make-up.
24. Putting Hands Near the Face
With your hands near the face, you can get a captivating headshot photo. Place fingers of one hand on the palm of the other and tilt the chin.
25. Capture the Symmetry
Try to frame your face with the help of your hands. Place your palms under the cheekbones with the fingers touching the face. Turn to the light source at the small angle and direct the face a bit down.
26. Framing the Face
Place one hand up to the chin, while other is resting on top of the head, forming a frame for the face.
27. Sitting Down
Both male and female headshot will look great if you sit side-on and rest elbows on the knees.
Hands are underneath the chin.
As a result, they will create a nice shape if are shot side-on not flat. Check whether the fingers are curled gently.
28. Give Preference to Natural Image Editing
Order Portrait Retouching $5 per photo
Nowadays, most shooters approach image post-production services at outsourcing companies. FixThePhoto is one of the most popular ones.
Such a reliable platform guarantees that you will get top-quality pictures strictly on time.
Consider professional assistance of experienced specialists as they can perform picture retouching of the face at a high level.
29. Keeping Head Forward, Chin Down
Most headshot tips mention a strong jaw. It can accentuate the overall shape of the model’s face. However, there are no chances to see it when you are sitting naturally.
So push the head forward and chin down a little bit. As a result, the jawline will be extended while the taut skin around the face will reveal bone structure better.
30. Full Frontal Face (Close-Up)
This is one of the best headshot poses. It is both beautiful and simple. The main accent is on the eyes rather than on the body.
Mind that the worst thing in the photo is a pair of dead eyes. That’s why you need to think about something while modeling.
31. Check Your Hair
A model must check her own look in the mirror before taking headshot photos. It is especially important if you see a shooter for the first time and he/she simply doesn’t know your preferences in clothes and haircut.
32. Dress Neutrally
To benefit from headshot poses, pay special attention to the clothes. Stripes and patterns may look awful. It is better to choose neutral colors.
Don’t put on an outfit which looks too fashionable if it is not a part of your job. The best choice is a classical style.
33. Less Is More with Makeup
It is possible to do a lot with lighting and image retouching to make your skin look perfect.
So there is no necessity to overdo with makeup and pretend you are going to the Oscar ceremony.
For business headshot fotografie, you want to look like on the best day. Wear bold lipstick if you want, it’s okay. Just don’t do anything that can make you look like a different person.
34. Shiny Skin
Unfortunately, studio lighting can make your skin look glossy especially on the summer hot day. So, you’d better use a bit of concealer or foundation.
Men can go to the toilet to clean face before taking headshot photos. Mind that a quick wash with a baby wipe can also help.
35. Don’t Forget About Your Best Side
Most people know how they look in photos. So it’s better to remember about the best side of the face while shooting. If you don’t like some feature of your face, then tell about it to headshot photographer.
36. More Smile
This is one of the simplest headshot posing tips. How do you like when you are smiling in a photo: with open or shut lips?
If you are hesitating, then ask a photographer for advice.
He/she can take a few pictures to find the best look. Or, you can take a few shots of yourself and then ask the family and friends.
37. Use Props
Props are essential for implementing creative headshot ideas. But it is necessary to be careful with them in order not to get an undesired outcome.
For instance, a lawyer with a clown’s nose will look strange. However, a writer holding a pen against the lip will deliver a convincing message.
38. Slightly Raise Hands
When people just stand as usual, often their hands are pressed to both sides. This causes several problems.
First of all, they look awkward and uncomfortable in professional headshot photos. Secondly, hands pressed to the body look thicker than they really are.
39. Turn Shoulders
This is very simple but one of the most important professional headshot tips. If a person stands exactly in front of the camera, he/she looks bigger.
This is good if you are shooting a football player or director of a large company, but is not very suitable for taking model portraits.
Turning shoulders, the model shows a more beautiful profile and looks slimmer.
40. Visit the Mirror Before the Photoshoot
Now you know how to pose for a headshot. Also you should visit a mirror before and after photo session.
Look at yourself to make sure you are satisfied with your own reflection. There supposed to be no food in the teeth and the necklace should be okay.
FREEBIES for Editing Hedshots
If you want your headshot photography look even more attractive, you need to take care of image color correction and basic portrait enhancement. I prepared several free tools which will be of great help to you.
Free Preset Portrait "Contrast"
This filter is suitable for any headshots taken in the studio. You can easily regulate white balance as well as lighting.
As a result, pictures will be bright with a clean look. Mind that it is suitable not only for portrait photography but for any other genres.
Preset Portrait Free "Darken"
If you think your photo will look more interesting with darker colors, apply this filter.
However, do not overdo it in order not to get a gloomy portrait.
Action Free Portrait "Color Tone"
It often happens that the skin looks bright red or too pale in photographs. This action will help smooth out skin color, as it has a healthy, natural shade and retains texture.
Free Portrait Action "Smooth Skin"
Choose this action if you want to achieve shiny and velvety skin. It will not harm the skin structure while making it smoother. The action will help you get rid of acne, dark circles and other unwanted defects.
The main advantage of this free tool is that it doesn’t intend to blur important parts of corporate headshots, such as lips, eyes or hair.
Action Color "Creative"
Apply this action to make the pictures brighter and colder. In this way, they will attract more attention. The action is recommended for business headshots with plain clothes.
Business Portrait Tips and Poses
Portrait photography has changed a lot in recent decades.
The approach to such photography has also undergone changes. Employers are no longer interested in photos of candidates with serious faces on a white background.
Modern entrepreneurs have different requirements for a business portrait. To make such photos really attractive, you need to think about the appropriate clothing and interior. And don't forget about successful poses with which a business portrait photographer will help you. nine0003
In today's world, the industry of business photography is very developed. Depending on the application, the approach to creating a snapshot will differ. This is corporate photography , business portrait for a company website or business photography for a resume. Below are some helpful tips for taking a business portrait.
Smile naturally
One of the best tips for making your photos attractive. Of course, you don't have to smile in every shot, but a few shots will do.
How do you like it when you smile in a photo: with open or closed lips? Relax your muscles. The key point is to smile not only with your lips, but with your whole body. It may seem difficult, but it's worth a try. nine0003
Stand still
When asked by a photographer to be at ease in front of the camera, people usually do the opposite. But remember that your everyday posture, such as when you are thinking about something or reading a book, allows you to capture a "natural" frame. Employers love business shots like this.
Sit down!
At a business photo session, it is appropriate to take several pictures in a sitting position from different angles. Do not forget about the hands - their location in the frame can make you both an applicant for a position and a director of a company conducting an interview. nine0003
Show emotions
Most people think that a serious, straight-faced person should be depicted in a business photo. Some of it is, but not all of it! Be open, creative and enjoy the process.
Even if you are not sure that such shots will be useful in a resume or business correspondence, then this will be an excellent memory of an interesting period in your life.
Emotionless look
This is a perfectly neutral pose for portraiture. But you are mistaken if you think that this is the same everyday pose. You control the muscles of the face, suppress emotions. The key point is that neutral does not mean natural. nine0003
Tilt your head a little
This is a great portrait trick to use to get interesting shots. When your head is slightly tilted or your chin is slightly pointed to the side, you will look more confident in the picture. Keep in mind that this is a "masculine pose" that brings strength to a portrait shot.
Turn your face slightly and look down
If you want professional portrait photos that make you look secure and confident, use this pose. Point your chin down a little, and lean forward with your face. This is a great way to hide a double chin.
Eyes pointing down rather than at the camera will create a thoughtful mood. And if there are hands in the frame, then they will draw the main attention to themselves. nine0003
3/4 Turn
To look slimmer, turn your body slightly so that one shoulder is closer to the camera and the other is further away. A woman posing in this way should lower her front shoulder slightly. This pose is ideal for a female business portrait and also adds volume to the frame.
Add movement
Whether it's a studio portrait or a street photo, a little movement in the frame is appropriate - walking, jumping, gesturing, straightening hair, etc. In addition, dynamic business postures will help reveal your true nature, so the employer will know what an active and enthusiastic person you are. nine0003
Change facial expressions
A portrait photographer can encourage you to show a range of emotions. Don't give up! Whether it's anger, happiness, fear, sadness, disgust - anything that is different from the ordinary will look really exciting.
Flattery
Usually, models know their successful poses and angles. If necessary, practice in front of a mirror before shooting. Also trust the photographer - he will tell you the best angles. Remember that parts of the body that are closer to the lens appear larger in photographs. So, if you want to hide flaws, choose the right poses for corporate portraits. nine0003
Put on your glasses
If you wear glasses, be aware that they may reflect flash during business photography. So you need to carefully select the best angles and carefully listen to the recommendations of the photographer or stylist. The second nuance is that the glasses cast a shadow on the face, which means the photographer will have to “conjure” a little with the lighting in order to achieve a premium result.
Arms Crossed
Arms Crossed is one of the most popular business postures. You get an elegant, professional looking look. But if you cross your arms too tightly, you will look withdrawn and asocial. nine0003
Lean against the wall
This is a very simple yet natural photograph. Just stand next to a wall or bookcase and lean on your shoulder or back. Avoid colorful or bright walls - they will draw attention to themselves.
Create the appearance of business activity
A corporate portrait is a very interesting genre, especially if the specialty allows you to clearly show the type of your activity. When a photographer takes shots taken casually in the workplace, it closes the distance between you and your client, telling him that you are just as hardworking. nine0003
Look over your shoulder
When you turn your back to the camera and look over your shoulder, the photographer focuses on your eyes, hair and figure. The advantage of such a shot is in some unexpectedness of the pose for the viewer. A frame like this can be a great addition to classic business portraits. To give more emphasis to such shots, it is desirable to have a neutral background, for example, in a studio you can use a fabric, paper or vinyl background for a photo.
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Get to grips with hands
In portrait photography, the model's hands occupy an important place, perhaps second only to the eyes. Their position, shape, appearance sets a very strong trend for the whole picture - from a self-confident business person to a shy and obsequious official. And do not press your arms tightly to the body - this makes you visually thicker.
Play with hair
This recommendation is more relevant for a female business portrait than for a male one. This recommendation will add some movement to the frame, and the pictures will come out alive. nine0003
Cover part of the face
To increase the degree of intrigue in the frame, you can cover part of the face with any object. It can be hands or hair, a scarf, a coat collar, a book, flowers - whatever you want to show in the foreground and what will be appropriate given your profession.
Symmetry
The use of symmetry in the frame creates a special atmosphere in the picture, makes the viewer stay longer while looking at the image.
The choice of a truly experienced photographer is very important here. nine0003
Take a close-up portrait
A close-up portrait is a must-have in your portfolio. In such a picture, the main focus falls on the eyes and facial expressions - so take the trouble to light a fire in them and relax your muscles.
Dress discreetly
The specifics of a business portrait is the emphasis on the person. So your clothes should be chosen with taste, give preference to soothing colors. Avoid bright, colorful patterns or provocative color combinations. At the same time, your style of clothing should give a clear message to the viewer what profession you are engaged in. nine0003
Don't overuse makeup
This tip for female audiences is don't use too much makeup. You should look natural and recognizable. And all the necessary magic will be done by the photographer with the help of light and post-processing in Photoshop. So that during the shooting the skin does not glare, you can use powder or a matte foundation.
And this advice will be appropriate for a male business portrait. Alas, oily skin in the frame does not look very attractive.
Look in the mirror
Most people feel squeezed in front of the camera. To be more confident and understand that you look good, you should look in the mirror before shooting, make sure that your hair and clothes are in proper condition. You can grimace in front of the mirror and look for yourself a few successful poses and facial expressions.
Use props
Additional props will help explain your profession to the viewer, add some variety to the shot and can emphasize your emotions. But choose wisely - he should not become the main one in the frame, draw all attention to himself or mislead the viewer. Although, on the other hand, a judge with a colored nose of a clown will look grotesque in Ukrainian realities. nine0003
Give preference to natural retouching
When ordering a business portrait in Kyiv, discuss with the photographer the style of photo processing. The global trend in photography dictates the most natural shots. But natural does not mean without processing. This means that it does not catch the eye and does not cut the eye with the magazine gloss of the dashing 2000s.
Checklist for a business photo shoot - Photographer's Blog To be competitive in today's marketplace, you must create a proper image for your company/personal brand. Competent photos can solve this problem, showing your values, aesthetics and reliability. How to create the image of the “right” brand? This step-by-step checklist for a professional business photo shoot will help you with this:
Target
The first and most important thing to decide is the target. What do you plan to get as a result? What impression do you want to create for your audience? By answering these questions, it will be much easier for you to decide on the rest of the details of the photo shoot.
References
Once you've decided on your goal, you'll be able to more accurately search for examples of filming in a similar style. Why is this needed? To form a general idea and mutual understanding between the customer and the photographer regarding the style, colors and other details of photographs. This step is often neglected and in vain, because it is an important tool that guarantees a successful result. nine0003
Clothing
Decide in advance on a few sets of clothing that most emphasize the look you are striving for - laconic formal or more relaxed business casual. If the right outfit is not in your wardrobe, you can rent clothes of the desired style. Choose calm traditional colors (white, black, gray, blue) - if seriousness and representativeness are important to you. Bright colors can be used as accents. Or if you want to add a bold touch to your image, use bright colors (red, yellow, light green) as dominant in the frame. nine0003
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Hair and makeup
The image is formed from the details. Your face and hair is perhaps the most important aspect of a portrait.
Impeccable styling and professional make-up, taking into account the peculiarities of your appearance and the specifics of working with studio lighting, will significantly add to the image of representativeness.
Click on the photo to enlarge
Accessories
Another important detail to pay attention to if you want to create an image that suits your goals. Minimalistic, status, expensive, catchy, bright - the number and style of accessories directly depends on the image you choose. nine0003
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Location
Studio, office, street, cafe or a combination of several locations? If your goal is rigor and seriousness, you should give preference to the studio and your workplace. If the task is to convey friendliness and comfort, then street and restaurant decorations are perfect for you.
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Poses
Use "strong poses" for a business photo shoot to convey significance and authority.
