Posing for Success: Tips for Nailing Your Corporate Headshot

As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. And in today's increasingly online business world, your corporate headshot—the image you use to represent yourself professionally—is often one of the first ways people will judge you. That's why it's crucial to make sure that the photo speaks loudly and positively about who you are, what you do, and, most importantly, why someone should want to work with or hire you. 

So whether you’re looking to land your dream job, earn accolades for your work, or simply stand out from your competition, here are some tips for nailing the perfect corporate headshot: 

Dress for Success

What you wear in your photo will make a massive difference in how you’re perceived—if you dress too casually, people may think you don’t take yourself seriously; if you go too formal, they might assume you can’t handle a more relaxed atmosphere. Therefore,  it’s best to find a balance between the two.

Avoid anything too flashy or casual, and instead opt for something classic and professional, like a blazer or coat. Additionally, while patterns like plaids or stripes can add texture and life to an otherwise dull image, be careful not to go overboard, as too many colors or designs can be distracting. 

Moreover, choose pieces that fit well and flatter your figure. And most importantly, make sure that all your clothing items are wrinkled-free. Press them ahead of time with an iron or steamer so they look crisp in the photos. 

Accessorize Appropriately

Your accessories can also play a key role in setting the tone and style of your shoot. For example, wearing sleek and timeless jewelry pieces can add a touch of sophistication to your look. At the same time, wearing something bold and unique, like a scarf or statement necklace, can add a bit of personality to your corporate headshot. 

Whatever you choose, keep it tasteful and professional, and pick items that complement your outfit. You want to look polished and put together. 

Pose like a Pro

When posing for a professional headshot, it's important to note that you're selling yourself and your brand. So don't be afraid to show off a bit! Think of the headshot as an opportunity to strike the perfect balance between professional and approachable. Consider the following tricks for making sure your pose looks just right:

• Stand up straight and tall, without “leaning” your head too far back. This will give you a look of confidence and poise. 

• Keep your chin slightly elevated, as this can help to lengthen the neck and make you appear more alert and engaged. 

• When positioning your hands, think relaxed instead of clenched. Try lightly clasping them or folding them together in front of you. If your outfit allows, hands-in-pockets can give your overall look a more laid back feel.

• If you have a “good side” let your photographer know. If you don’t, let the photographer guide you towards your best angle.

• If you're seated on a stool, sit confidently with your back straight and try one foot on the ground and one foot on the footrest for a more dynamic posture.

• If you’re seated on a lounge or office chair, keep off the backrest and lean forward in listener and thinker mode. If your seat is low enough you can take this a step forward by resting your forearms on your knees.

By following these tips, your corporate headshot will be warm, engaging, and above all else—professional.

Smile Brightly 

A great smile can do wonders for your headshot. Scroll through your LinkedIn feed and think about which headshots do you find the most welcoming? Not only do smiles make you look more pleasant to work with, but it also gives the photo a natural and inviting feel that can't be replicated with any amount of retouching. 

To achieve this effect, practice in front of a mirror to find what works best for you. Keep in mind you may not be used to seeing your own most natural smile. Think of something funny and laugh to yourself, even if that thought is how ridiculous it is that you are having your photo taken!

The most flattering smiles are those that strike a balance between being natural but not over-the-top, so try everything and shoot plenty of shots. Try some with and without showing teeth and shoot plenty so you can have headshots for both formal and casual usage. Let your eyes smile too (“smize” people!) which may eyes slightly smaller but thats OK!

When you review your proofs, ask your photographer what he/she thinks is your best smile when selecting your portraits. If you are insecure about your teeth or wrinkles, ask your photographer to retouch them accordingly.

Get the Lighting Right 

One profile photo mistake that people often overlook is poor lighting. Lighting can be the difference between a professional photo and an amateur one.

If you are photographing yourself, opt for natural light from the front to avoid any harsh shadows. For most people, a window light source creates the most practical environment for even and flattering headshot lighting. 

Lastly, most phone cameras are sensitive to light or darkness in the background, so try to find a balance so that your face is not over or underexposed. Always shut off artificial indoor lighting to avoid mixing two different color light sources. 

Hire a Professional Photographer 

While it may be tempting to take a quick selfie or ask a friend to snap your headshot, nothing beats the quality of professional photography. 

If you are in Canada, a Toronto-based professional photographer like Kenneth Lim of Willets Point has years of experience creating stunning and timeless corporate images that will help you stand out from the crowd. They know how to use light and angles to highlight your best features, and professional retouching to hide your less flattering ones. You will be coached through poses which will make you look most confident and photogenic.

If you're serious about making a great first impression with your corporate headshots, then hiring a professional is definitely your best bet. 

Conclusion 

No matter what industry you’re in, your corporate headshot is one of the most important ways to portray yourself professionally and set yourself apart from your competition. With a little bit of effort, research, and practice, you can take perfect photos every time and make sure that the image you’re presenting to the world is your absolute best.  

So go ahead, pose for success—you won't regret it!