Corporate Headshots Preparation Guide:
Here’s everything you need to know about attire, posing, and background selection so you can capture the most professional corporate headshots.Learn exactly how to dress, pose, and select the perfect backdrop to capture a headshot that elevates your professional presence.
Are Corporate Headshots Really That Important?
Think about the times you’ve met someone and formed an immediate opinion—good or bad—sometimes without even realizing why. In fact, research shows that people can form first impressions in as little as a fraction of a second. Those snap judgments can strongly influence hiring decisions, sales opportunities, and overall credibility.
Nowadays, a lot of these first impressions begin online. Recruiters check LinkedIn to screen applicants, prospective clients browse company websites, and investors research executive teams on About Us pages. A high-quality corporate headshot can be the deciding factor in making a strong initial impression—one that can significantly affect your career or business trajectory.
What Are Corporate Headshots?
A corporate headshot is a specific style of professional portrait most commonly showcased on company websites, business cards, press releases, and LinkedIn profiles. For the average business professional, LinkedIn is the primary platform where a polished headshot makes a big impact. However, C-suite executives or business owners often use these images in a broader range of materials.
The main goal of a corporate headshot is to highlight your professionalism, approachability, and expertise. Having an excellent headshot not only bolsters your personal brand but can also help you land jobs more quickly, improve sales outcomes, or inspire confidence among potential investors.
Ready to Elevate Your Professional Image?
By selecting the right outfit, background, and photographer—along with a touch of self-care—you’ll walk away with a headshot that represents who you are at your best. Let your image speak volumes about your credibility and professionalism, both online and off.
Pro Tip: Refresh your headshots every year or two. People change over time, and keeping an updated headshot signals that you’re active, relevant, and open to new opportunities.
Contact Roketa Industries to schedule your Detroit-area headshots today
How Do I Pose for Corporate Headshots?
For business portraits, it’s best to keep poses simple and natural. Some photographers might suggest complicated or awkward positions, but the focus of corporate headshots should be on your professionalism, not on overly dramatic posing.
Start your session with straightforward, relaxed poses—stand comfortably and smile. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with crossed arms or other variations. Some candid shots can also add variety to your portfolio.
What Should I Wear for Corporate Headshots?
Your outfit choice depends largely on your industry, personal style, and where the photo will appear. In traditionally conservative fields like law and finance, a classic suit-and-tie or a comparable outfit for women is typically the safest bet. If you’re in a more creative or relaxed industry, take a look at what successful peers and leaders are wearing on LinkedIn for inspiration.
Remember: dress for the position or client base you aspire to, not just the one you currently have. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask your photographer for recommendations—they usually have plenty of insights to share.
How Should I Prepare for My Corporate Headshots?
Prioritize self-care: A little extra rest, exercise, and sunlight in the days or weeks leading up to your shoot can make your skin look brighter and more refreshed. While a professional retouching process can help, arriving at your session looking and feeling your best always yields better results.
Check your wardrobe: A few days before the photoshoot, try on your chosen outfit(s) to ensure everything fits well and is wrinkle-free. If needed, get items dry-cleaned or pressed in advance.
Assess your best angles: Look at previous photos of yourself to figure out which angles or poses you like best. Share these with your photographer when you arrive so they can tailor the shoot to your preferences.
What Backdrops Work Best for Corporate Headshots?
If you work in a more traditional industry—such as law, finance, or accounting—clean, neutral backdrops in shades of white, gray, or black tend to convey consistency and reliability. If you’d like a bit more energy in your photos (or if you’re in tech, non-profit, or the creative sector), consider using a colored studio background or scheduling an outdoor or in-office photoshoot.
Executives, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders typically benefit from having multiple options. Using the same exact image on LinkedIn, the company website, and for press releases might seem repetitive. Ideally, having at least one or two outdoor or on-site shots to accompany your standard studio portraits is a smart strategy.
How Much Do Corporate Headshots Cost?
Prices for corporate headshots can range from as little as $89 to as high as $1,500, depending on factors like geographic location, the package details, and the photographer’s experience. When comparing costs, be sure to ask about:
Licensing: Understand who owns the images and where they can be used. Many photographers only provide rights to the specific photos you purchase beyond the session fee.
Retouching: Some professionals include basic editing in their packages, while others charge $50–$150 (or more) per image for advanced retouching.
What If I Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera?
Many people worry about not being “photogenic” or feel self-conscious during headshot sessions. Often, this is because some portrait sessions can be too rushed or photographers may push clients into stiff, unnatural poses.
At HeadShots Inc, our aim is to create an upbeat, relaxed environment that encourages authentic expressions. We play energizing music, offer feedback throughout the shoot, and collaborate with you to achieve a professional yet personable result you’ll feel proud to share.
