What to wear and how to prepare for your photoshoot.

The "Not-So-Stuffy" Guide to Corporate Headshots: From Camera-Shy to CEO-Chic

Let’s be honest: most people would rather endure a root canal than spend an hour in front of a professional lens. There’s something about a high-resolution camera that makes us suddenly forget what to do with our hands, our faces, and our general existence.

But here’s the secret: A great headshot isn’t about how you look; it’s about how you feel. If you’re ready to stop hiding behind that blurry vacation photo from 2017 and start looking like the industry leader you are, you’ve come to the right place. And when you're ready to make it official, the pros at Profile Pictures are waiting to capture your best side.

1. The Pre-Game: Prep Like a Pro

You wouldn't walk into a board meeting without a deck, so don’t walk into a studio without a plan.

Rest and Hydration

It sounds like a cliché, but your skin is a snitch—it tells everyone if you stayed up late scrolling or forgot to drink water.

• The 48-Hour Rule: Avoid heavy salt and alcohol two days before.

• Sleep: Aim for 8 hours. "Eye bags" are much harder to edit out than a stray hair.

The Wardrobe Strategy

• Solid Colors are King: Busy patterns fight with your face for attention. Jewel tones (emerald, navy, royal blue) look great on almost everyone.

• The Fit Matters: If a jacket is too big, you’ll look like a kid in their parent’s suit. If it’s too tight, you’ll look stiff.

• Context is Key: If you’re a creative, a turtleneck or a clean denim shirt works. If you’re in Law or Finance, stick to the classic power suit.

2. Mastering the Pose: It’s All in the Angles

The difference between a "mugshot" and a "headshot" is posture.

The "Turtle" Technique

This is the gold standard of headshot photography. To define your jawline and get rid of a "double chin" (even if you don't have one!):

1. Push your face slightly forward toward the camera.

2. Drop your chin just a fraction of an inch.

It feels ridiculous—like a turtle peeking out of its shell—but on camera, it creates a crisp, sharp jawline that screams confidence.

The 45-Degree Pivot

Standing dead-on to the camera makes you look broad and static. Instead:

• Turn your body 45 degrees away from the lens.

• Turn your head back toward the photographer.

• Shift your weight to your back leg. This naturally relaxes your shoulders and creates a more slimming, dynamic silhouette.

3. The Face: Smizing, Squinching, and Smiling

The eyes are where the "trust" lives in a photo.

The "Squinch"

Coined by famous photographers, the "squinch" is a slight narrowing of the eyes. Wide-open eyes often project fear or uncertainty. A slight lift of the lower eyelids projects confidence and approachability.

To Smile or Not to Smile?

• The Approachable Pro: A soft, toothless smile or a gentle "smirk" works wonders for LinkedIn.

• The Powerhouse: A serious, neutral expression (with "smiling eyes") works for high-level corporate bios.

• The Laugh: Ask your photographer to tell a joke. A genuine laugh captured mid-motion is often the "hero" shot of the session.

4. What Do I Do With My Hands?

The eternal question. Even though headshots are usually "chest-up," your arm positioning affects your shoulder line. If you’re standing, fold them. If you’re sitting, rest them on the table or in your lap. Simple.

But don’t worry. We’ve been doing this for years and will guide you through the process / but having an idea of how to prepare will help us make the season fun, and successful.

Our goal is to make you look amazing, and to have fun while doing it.