What Makes A Good Headshot Photo?

Last Updated: January 24, 2026

In today’s competitive professional landscape, your headshot is often your first handshake — be it on LinkedIn, company websites, or networking events. A compelling headshot doesn’t just capture your image; it encapsulates your personal brand, professionalism, and approachability. But what exactly sets a great headshot apart from a forgettable one? This guide, written by an experienced Yorkshire photographer, delves deep into the nuts and bolts of creating headshots that work hard for your career and business. We’ll explore data-backed insights, real-world examples, and practical advice tailored specifically for UK professionals and businesses.

Why Does a Good Headshot Matter in Business and Beyond?

First impressions are formed within the first 7 seconds, according to psychological research — and your headshot often represents that initial moment in digital and print spaces. As an example, a 2023 LinkedIn report found profiles with professional headshots receive 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests. In recruitment, companies reported candidates with strong headshots had a 40% higher chance of being shortlisted.

Real-World Results: Corporate vs Creative Industries

Consider the differences in headshot styles between sectors:

• Financial Services: Conservative, formal attire with neutral backgrounds continues to dominate. A crisp, well-lit headshot featuring subtle smiles conveys trustworthiness. For instance, a City of London investment firm reported a 25% increase in client engagement after updating staff photos with professional headshots.
• Tech Startups: More casual but sharp. Headshots often feature softer lighting, relaxed poses, and creative backgrounds to reflect innovation and approachability. A Manchester-based software company saw a 15% uplift in LinkedIn inbound messages after introducing vibrant, personalised headshots.
• Creative Fields (Design, Media, Arts): Expressive, dynamic shots with natural light and environmental contexts work best. A Yorkshire-based graphic designer reported that their new headshots boosted client inquiries by 30% within six months.

Key Considerations

Regardless of industry, your headshot needs to:

• Align with your professional brand — what you want people to think and feel when they see you.
• Be authentic — authenticity is 3x more likely to boost trust according to Edelman Trust Barometer 2025.
• Adapt to platforms — a LinkedIn headshot differs from your Instagram or company website persona.

How Does Composition Influence the Impact of Your Headshot?

Composition is the silent storyteller behind every headshot. A well-composed image guides the viewer’s eye and emphasises your features in a flattering yet professional manner.

The Rule of Thirds and Practical Application

Positioning your eyes about one-third from the top of the frame naturally captures attention. For example, a Bristol legal consultancy’s headshots were revamped using the rule of thirds, resulting in a 22% increase in website contact form submissions, as clients reported the imagery felt more engaging and trustworthy.

Symmetry and Balance

A symmetrical composition creates trust and harmony, ideal for formal headshots. However, in creative industries, slightly off-centre framing can add dynamism. A Leeds-based theatre company saw a 50% rise in audition bookings after adopting more asymmetrical, expressive headshots for their actors.

Headroom and Eye Level

Too much headroom can make the subject look small and lost; too little can feel cramped. Keeping eyes at or just above eye level with the camera creates a natural and confident look. For example, a recruiting agency in Edinburgh adjusted their team’s headshots to follow this principle, improving their LinkedIn profile visitor engagement by 18%.

Framing and Environment

Using subtle foreground elements or background blur (bokeh) adds depth without distraction. A London digital marketing firm incorporates their office environment softly blurred behind subjects, boosting their brand’s approachable yet professional image.

What Lighting Techniques Elevate a Headshot?

Lighting is the difference between a flat snapshot and a compelling portrait. It shapes facial features, creates mood, and enhances skin tones.

Natural Light: Simplicity With Impact

Soft natural light from north-facing windows or overcast days provide flattering, even illumination. A Nottingham freelance consultant uses this approach and reports clients respond more warmly to photos that feel genuine. However, natural light can be unpredictable, so understanding timing and location is crucial.

Studio Lighting for Control and Precision

Studio setups with softboxes, reflectors, and diffusers allow control over shadows and highlights. A Manchester law firm employed professional studio lighting for their team’s headshots and noted a 30% increase in client confidence feedback post-update.

Specialised Techniques: Rembrandt and Butterfly Lighting

• Rembrandt lighting creates a subtle triangle of light under one eye, adding depth and drama — ideal for actors or creatives.
• Butterfly lighting (light directly above and in front) accentuates cheekbones and is popular for beauty and fashion headshots.

Experimenting with these gives personality to your headshot, aligning with your professional narrative.

Use of Colour Gels and Creative Lighting

Colour gels can add subtle background hues or mood shifts, beneficial for marketing or media professionals seeking a unique edge. For example, a Brighton-based video producer used soft blue gels in background lighting to evoke a calm, trustworthy vibe, resulting in increased client enquiries by 20%.

Choosing Wardrobe and Grooming: What Really Works?

Your headshot wardrobe and grooming aren’t just about looking good but communicating the right message swiftly.

Wardrobe: The Power of Simplicity

Choose solid colours that complement your skin tone and avoid busy patterns that distract. For instance:

• Blues and greys work well for corporate roles, signifying calm and professionalism.
• Earth tones and jewel colours suit creative fields, conveying warmth and originality.

Fit is paramount — ill-fitting clothes read as careless. A Yorkshire recruitment consultant switched from ill-fitting suits to tailored blazers and saw a 15% uptick in LinkedIn profile engagement.

Avoid logos or excessive jewellery which can pull focus from your face.

Grooming: Attention to Detail

• Hair should be freshly styled and secured if needed, particularly for long hair to avoid distracting strands.
• Skin should be moisturised and even-toned. Use minimal makeup to reduce shine without masking natural features.
• Facial hair should be well-trimmed or clean-shaven according to your usual professional look.

Before your shoot, hydrate well and get a good night’s sleep—both improve skin appearance and reduce under-eye shadows.

Practical Tip: Bring a Grooming Kit

Many photographers will provide basic touch-ups, but bringing a comb, blotting paper, and lipstick or powder can help maintain your polished look throughout the shoot.

How Does Expression Influence the Narrative of a Headshot?

Expression is the soul of your headshot. It communicates more than words ever could.

What Different Expressions Say

• Genuine Smile: Signals approachability and warmth — perfect for client-facing roles like sales, healthcare, or education.
• Confident Neutral: A relaxed but serious expression often suits senior executives, lawyers, or academics.
• Engaged Eyes: Eye contact with the camera creates connection and trust, essential in any professional headshot.

Industry Examples

A Sheffield architect opted for a soft smile combined with a slight head tilt, which clients described as approachable yet authoritative. Contrast this with a Glasgow software developer who used a focused neutral gaze, which resulted in increased recruiter interest due to the conveyed professionalism.

Best Practices

Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to find your most natural expressions. During the shoot, your photographer should help by giving feedback and encouragement, capturing candid expressions that feel authentic rather than forced.

What Role Does Post-Production Play in Headshots?

Editing is essential but must be handled with subtlety to preserve authenticity.

Common Adjustments

• Minor skin retouching: Removing blemishes, softening wrinkles without erasing personality.
• Colour correction: Ensuring skin tones look natural and backgrounds don’t clash.
• Sharpening and clarity: Enhances details like eyes and hair textures.

Overdoing It: The Pitfalls

Excessive airbrushing or altering facial features can make headshots look artificial, damaging trust. A London-based HR consultant experienced backlash when their heavily retouched headshot on LinkedIn led to accusations of misrepresentation.

Pro Tip: Ask for Before and After Comparisons

Request your photographer to show unedited and final images to ensure you’re comfortable with the level of retouching applied.

How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Headshot?

Finding a photographer who truly understands your industry, personality, and professional goals is crucial.

Review Portfolios with Purpose

Examine their portfolio for consistency, style, and technical quality. For example, a photographer specialising in corporate headshots will have clean, well-lit images that communicate professionalism, whereas those focused on creative portraits might have more experimental lighting and composition.

Seek Testimonials and Referrals

Personal recommendations from industry peers give invaluable insight into the photographer’s approach and customer service. Reading detailed online reviews and viewing case studies can help you assess reliability and expertise.

Consider Logistics: Location and Accessibility

Choose a photographer whose studio or shooting locations are convenient. For busy professionals in London or Manchester, a photographer offering office-based sessions can save valuable time.

Discuss Your Objectives in Advance

A good photographer will ask about your goals — whether it’s LinkedIn, website, or promotional materials — and tailor the session accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a headshot photo?

A headshot is a professionally taken photograph focusing primarily on the head and shoulders. It’s used across industries for business profiles, casting calls, or personal branding, aiming to present the subject in an authentic and approachable manner.

What makes a good headshot photo?

A good headshot highlights your unique features with balanced lighting, clean composition, and a genuine expression appropriate to your industry. It should look professional yet natural, fostering trust with viewers.

What should I wear for a headshot photo?

Wear clothing that fits well and aligns with your professional image. Solid, neutral colours are usually a safe bet. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or overly trendy styles that might date the photo quickly.

Should I smile in my headshot photo?

This depends on your industry and intended use. Friendly smiles work well for client-facing or creative roles, while more serious or contemplative expressions suit legal, finance, or executive profiles. Your photographer can help strike the right balance.

Can I retouch my headshot photo?

Minor retouching to remove blemishes, reduce shine, or adjust colour balance is standard and recommended. However, over-retouching can undermine authenticity and should be avoided.

How do I choose a good photographer for my headshot?

Look for experience in headshot photography, review their portfolio for style and quality, and seek client testimonials. Discuss your goals and preferences upfront to ensure a good fit.

How much does a professional headshot cost in the UK?

Prices typically range between £100 and £300, varying by photographer experience, location, and package inclusions. Some offer add-ons like multiple outfit changes or advanced retouching at higher rates.

How often should I update my headshot?

It’s best to update your headshot every 1 to 3 years, or sooner if your appearance changes significantly or your professional role evolves. Fresh headshots keep your image current and relevant.