3 Headshot Tips You Haven’t Heard Before — Make Your Next Session a Game-Changer

Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, refreshing your company website, or building your personal brand, a great headshot is essential. But let’s be honest — most advice out there is pretty generic: “Smile,” “Dress professionally,” “Good lighting.” If you want your photos to truly stand out and capture who you are, you need some fresh, unexpected tips.

Here are 3 headshot tips you haven’t heard before that will elevate your next session from standard to spectacular.

1. Think About Your Industry Vibe — Speak Your Field’s Language

Not every headshot needs to look the same because every industry has its own vibe. The image you want to project should resonate with your professional environment and the people you want to attract.

• Realtors: Think warm, friendly, and approachable. Your clients want to feel like they can trust and connect with you.

• Tech Executives: Go for confident and sharp. A headshot with clean lines, a serious yet approachable expression, and a modern wardrobe can reflect your forward-thinking leadership.

• Creatives: Be relaxed and expressive. Your photos should show personality and originality — a little quirkiness can go a long way here.

Take a moment before your shoot to consider what your industry values and how you want to be perceived. Your headshot should feel like a visual handshake — authentic and tailored to your field.

My 83-year-old client’s happy memory!

2. Practice Your “Micro-Expression” — It’s All in the Details

Forget the big, cheesy smile or the overly serious “business face.” The magic is in the subtle shifts — the tiny movements around your eyes and mouth that convey warmth and trustworthiness.

Here’s a quick exercise:

• Stand in front of a mirror.

• Think of a genuine, happy memory — a moment that truly makes you smile inside.

• Notice how your eyes soften, how your lips gently curve.

• That slight shift? That’s your “micro-expression.”

This nuanced look is far more compelling on camera because it feels real and approachable. When your photographer sees this subtle expression, they’ll know they’ve captured you — not just a posed version.

This is more a portrait than a standard headshot—my client wanted to showcase his modern brand with bright colors and a conversational vibe. How did we do?

3. Bring Props You Wouldn’t Expect — Small Details, Big Impact

Props don’t mean lugging in random objects. Instead, bring thoughtful “helpers” that add storytelling layers to your photos:

• Glasses: Even if you don’t wear them every day, glasses can give your headshots a different energy — more intellectual, more approachable, or simply a fresh look.

• Blazer or Jacket: A blazer thrown on or off can instantly switch your vibe from formal to casual, giving you multiple styles in one session.

• Personal Items: A coffee mug, notebook, or laptop — anything that tells your story or relates to your profession — can make your headshot feel less generic and more authentic.

These tiny adjustments create variety and add depth to your images, making your portfolio more dynamic without needing a full outfit change.

Ready to Level Up Your Headshot?

Your headshot should feel like you — authentic, confident, and perfectly aligned with your professional vibe. Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter photo that blends into the crowd.

Book your session today, and let’s create photos that truly represent who you are and what you stand for.