Do’s and Don’ts for Headshots Every Professional Should Know

Avoid rookie mistakes and learn what actually builds trust in 2025’s professional landscape.

Your headshot is your digital calling card, shaping how clients, recruiters, or colleagues perceive you before you even speak. 

A polished, authentic professional image can open doors, signaling trust and competence for real estate agents sealing deals, consultants pitching expertise, entrepreneurs launching ventures, or job seekers aiming to stand out on their LinkedIn profile. 

Yet, getting it right by choosing the perfect lighting, outfit, and pose can feel overwhelming. 

Here, you’ll learn practical headshot tips to create a great headshot that radiates credibility, approachability, and confidence, whether it’ll appear on social media, in team directories, or client pitch decks. Read on for time-tested headshot do’s and don’ts tailored to your industry, and learn how modern solutions like InstaHeadshots can give you professional results in a fraction of the time with zero hassle.

TL;DR: A strong headshot builds trust and shapes how others perceive your professionalism across LinkedIn, Zoom, team bios, and more. For best results, avoid blurry selfies, outdated photos, and distracting outfits. Instead, dress like you would for a client meeting: Use soft lighting, and aim for a clean, confident expression. Tailor your look to your industry and role, and always use an image that accurately reflects your current appearance. AI tools like InstaHeadshots make it easy to get polished, professional results without the studio hassle.

Why a great headshot still matters more than ever

Think back to the last time you looked someone up on LinkedIn. It could be a candidate you were about to interview or a potential collaborator introduced over email. 

You probably zeroed in on their profile photo before even reading their headline or skimming their experience. Without realizing it, you may have made assumptions about their credibility, approachability, or trustworthiness based on that photo alone.

That snap judgment happens to you, too. 

In a digital-first world, your headshot is your first handshake. It’s no longer confined to LinkedIn. It follows you across Zoom meetings, company bios, pitch decks, sales tools, and internal directories. 

A quality, current headshot signals trust and intention. For professionals in real estate, healthcare, law, tech, or consulting, your business headshot plays a central role in how you're perceived long before you speak or send a message. 

What first impressions say in a digital-first world

You’re already familiar with the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a great first impression.” And today, that moment doesn’t happen in person across a conference table—it happens through a screen.

Long before someone hears your voice or reads your credentials, your photo does the talking. That’s why appearance in a digital-first world carries weight. 

Your facial expressions, background, clothing, and image quality shape how others perceive your credibility. A blurry or casual photo can send the wrong message that you’re unprepared, uninvested, or serious.

But show up with a clean, current, professional headshot, and you shift the entire tone. Suddenly, you're not just another profile: You’re a legitimate professional worth noticing, trusting, and working with.

Why professionals delay getting headshots (and why that’s a problem)

Despite their importance, many professionals put off updating or getting a headshot. And it's understandable.

Scheduling a headshot session with a professional photographer often means juggling your busy calendar to find a time that works. On top of that, headshot photography rates typically run between $100 and $250 per hour. That can add up fast, especially if you need multiple outfit changes or retakes. 

Then there’s the pressure of preparing for the photoshoot: deciding what to wear, worrying about how to pose, getting a fresh haircut or hairstyle, and sometimes even hiring a makeup artist to look your best.

For many, standing in front of a camera under bright studio lighting feels awkward or uncomfortable, making the whole experience more stressful than it needs to be. These hurdles make updating your headshot feel overwhelming, so many just put it off indefinitely. However, with advanced AI headshot solutions becoming more sophisticated by the day, these struggles become entirely avoidable.

Deprioritizing your headshot can hurt your personal brand. An outdated or low-quality photo may make you seem less current or less engaged, costing you opportunities to connect, impress, and build trust with clients, colleagues, and potential employers.

The top do’s for a flawless, credible headshot

A great headshot doesn’t happen by accident. Below are the key dos to ensure your headshot looks polished, authentic, and trustworthy.

Do dress like you would for a client meeting

Would you meet a potential client in a hoodie or a loud, patterned shirt? Probably not. The same logic applies to your professional headshot.

If you’re in finance, law, or consulting, structured layers like a blazer over a crisp shirt with a clean neckline work best. In more creative fields, a smart, solid-color top can strike the right balance between authenticity and credibility. Neutrals, jewel tones, and deep shades tend to photograph best and keep the focus where it should be: your face.

Most importantly, wear something you feel confident in. If you’d second-guess it in front of a client, skip it for your headshot, too.

Do use natural or soft lighting

Lighting can make or break a headshot. Soft, even lighting enhances your skin tone, minimizes harsh shadows, and highlights your natural look. Natural light, like that from a window on an overcast day, is ideal for a clean, approachable look. 

For example, a consultant photographed in soft daylight with minimal shadows appears warm and professional, while harsh overhead lighting can create blown-out highlights. 

If you’re working with a portrait photographer in a studio, ask for diffused lighting to avoid harsh contrast. Good lighting ensures your headshot feels inviting rather than cold or overly dramatic.

Do maintain a natural, relaxed expression

Your facial expressions set the tone for how others perceive you. Aim for the kind of natural look you’d have in a professional conversation: approachable, alert, and confident. You don’t need a big smile or a dead-serious stare. A soft, natural smile or a neutral expression with friendly eyes goes a long way.

Think “engaged and at ease,” like you’re mid-conversation with a colleague or client. That kind of expression feels genuine and puts others at ease, too. Avoid forced smiles, tight lips, or overly posed looks, which can come off as stiff or insincere.

For instance, a healthcare professional with a calm, approachable expression signals empathy, which is ideal for patient-facing roles where bedside manner is critical. 

Practice in front of a mirror to find a relaxed look that feels like you: eyes open, shoulders down, and a subtle smile that doesn’t strain. A natural expression builds a connection with viewers, making you seem competent and relatable.

Do keep the background clean and uncluttered

A busy background pulls attention away from you. Your headshot should make you the focal point, not your bookshelf, kitchen counter, or that plant in the corner. Opt for simple environments with neutral tones and soft focus. A plain wall, studio backdrop, or minimal office setting works well.

Avoid anything that introduces visual noise, like busy patterns, clutter, or outdoor scenery with too much contrast. These elements compete with you—and you should be the star of the show!

The biggest don’ts that undermine your headshot

Want to keep your headshots polished and professional? Here’s what to avoid.

Don’t use group photos or cropped social images

Perhaps it's from a wedding, where you're mid-toast, and someone's hand still lingers on your shoulder. Or it could be a snip from a networking event, leaving a blurry name tag and a colleague's elbow in the frame. 

Even if you like how you look in the photo, these images weren’t meant to stand alone, and it shows. The lighting isn’t right, the background fights for attention, and (worst of all) it communicates that you didn’t think your professional presence was worth a dedicated photo. 

Investing in a professional headshot demonstrates that you take your brand seriously and are prepared to engage with clients, colleagues, and opportunities with confidence.

Don’t wear distracting patterns or overly trendy styles

Bold patterns, loud colors, or trendy outfits might turn heads at a party, but in a headshot, they steal attention from the one thing that matters most: your face. 

A zigzag print or neon blazer might reflect your fun personality, but also dates the image quickly. What’s stylish today can feel out-of-touch tomorrow, and that visual noise can overshadow your expression and presence.

Headshots work best when nothing competes with your eyes, expression, or energy. That’s why timeless always wins. Solid colors, clean lines, and subtle textures help keep the focus where it belongs. 

You don’t need to mute your style or dampen who you are. The goal isn’t to look like everyone else. It’s to look like a professional people can trust—not just this year, but the next (and the next).

Don’t choose a photo that doesn’t look like you now

It bears repeating: A good headshot only works if it looks like you. 

That amazing shot from three years ago when your hair was longer or your style was different might still look great. But if it no longer reflects who you are in person (i.e., how you show up in meetings and interviews), it’s doing more harm than good. 

Consistency builds trust. 

When clients, colleagues, or hiring managers meet you on Zoom or in person, there should be zero doubt that the person in the headshot is the same one speaking. A mismatch creates subtle friction that can feel like a disconnect or, worse, a lack of transparency.

Headshot tips by profession: Tailoring your look to your role

Different roles demand distinct visual tones. Below are tailored tips for a variety of professions to help you get a headshot that aligns with industry expectations and reflects your personal brand.

Real estate agents, lawyers, and financial advisors

• Real estate agents: If you're selling a million-dollar home, a relaxed pose and a confident gaze signal approachability and confidence, the kind of presence that puts clients at ease. 
• Lawyers: Exude authority without arrogance. Skip the overly casual shots and instead go for a crisp suit, clean lines, and an expression that balances intellect with integrity. 
• Financial advisors: Your professional image should project clarity and calm. Clients trust you with their future, and your headshot should reflect that steadiness. Look for a neutral background, confident posture, and an expression that’s less about selling and more about listening. 

Doctors, healthcare workers, and therapists

When people are seeking medical or mental health support, they often turn to the internet to research and source providers. When they do, your photo is often the first thing they see, and could play a major role in whether or not they decide to reach out. As such, your image should reflect a calm, empathetic, and approachable demeanor. 

• Doctors and medical professionals: Skip the icy clinic lighting and forced smiles. Go for something clean but warm, like a muted wall or a soft blur. White coats or neutral scrubs against a soothing backdrop like a softly lit neutral hallway can offer a sense of comfort without distraction. 
• Therapists and mental healthcare workers: Solid-colored tops like a neutral, cozy sweater can evoke feelings of comfort and safety—key to building trust with someone seeking mental health support. Avoid stiff poses or overly formal looks that might create emotional distance. You’re the calm in the storm for potential patients and clients, so make sure your photo reflects it.

Coaches, consultants, and creatives

• Coaches: A coach with a direct gaze and relaxed posture instantly builds trust far more than a stiff, crossed-arms pose ever could. Your headshot needs to feel like a handshake and a smile rolled into one: confident and inviting.
• Consultants: Choose a sharp blazer and tailored shirt to blend authority with approachability. Creatives, meanwhile, can lean into subtle bursts of color or unique textures that hint at their originality without shouting for attention.

Soft, natural lighting and easy, genuine expressions communicate openness and assurance. Steer clear of overly casual looks. Plain t-shirts rarely convey the polished credibility your brand needs, unless that casual vibe is truly who you are.

Job seekers and recruiters

Given that 80% of recruiters use a headshot to understand a candidate better, your image plays a crucial role in making a strong first impression. 

• Job seekers: For job seekers, it should radiate energy, readiness, and competence, showing you’re prepared to take on new challenges. 

The more confident you look, the more confident others feel in you: Polished, timeless attire in solid colors anchors your professionalism, while a confident yet approachable expression invites opportunity. Soft, natural lighting adds warmth without feeling forced.

• Recruiters: As a recruiter, your headshot should signal trust and guidance. An open posture paired with a genuine, welcoming smile sets the tone for approachability, while a clean, tailored outfit reinforces your authority. 

Avoid crossed arms or overly formal stiffness. A soft gaze combined with relaxed shoulders projects calm confidence, projecting you as someone who listens, evaluates fairly, and leads with empathy.

How to prep for a traditional or AI-generated headshot

Whether booking a photographer or using a sophisticated AI headshot generation tool like InstaHeadshots, preparation is key to getting a great result. Remember: Thoughtful input leads to a better outcome regardless of the method. 

Here’s how to set yourself up for success.

Pick the right input photos 

In traditional photoshoots, a photographer captures one version of you. You might bring a few outfit options and discuss angles with your photographer to capture your best features.

But AI tools like InstaHeadshots unlock much more for the same (or less) effort. By inputting just a few selfies, AI headshot generators can give you hundreds of expressions, hairstyles, outfits, and backdrops. An advanced generator like InstaHeadshots can capture your true skin tone and texture, facial structure, and unique quirks (like glasses, crooked teeth, or signature moles) without warping or blurring.

For best results, your input photos should:

• Use natural lighting: Photos taken in soft daylight (like near a window) help the AI understand your features better than shots in dim, artificial light or direct sunlight.
• Show multiple angles: Include front-facing shots along with slight turns or over-the-shoulder views to give the AI a complete sense of your face and posture.
• Keep your face visible: The more visible your features, the better the result. No sunglasses, masks, hair covering your face, or hands on your chin. 
• Avoid group shots, filters, or images with heavy background clutter: The AI model works best when it can isolate you. Filters distort your natural look, and busy backgrounds pull focus away from the subject.
• Look natural and relaxed: Choose photos where your expression feels genuine, confident, approachable, and like you on a good day. No filters or silly, exaggerated poses.

Choose clothing that reflects your brand

Like in a real meeting, your headshot should match the image you want to project: professional, put-together, and aligned with your field. A crisp blazer over a well-fitted shirt or blouse creates a polished silhouette that speaks confidence and competence. Classic cuts in solid colors like navy, charcoal, or white keep the focus where it belongs: on your face and expression.

If you're submitting source photos for AI-generated headshots, what you wear in those images matters just as much. The AI picks up on your clothing cues, so dress like you mean business. 

Avoid logos, busy patterns, or trendy styles that risk looking dated. Opt for wrinkle-free, well-fitting tops you'd feel confident wearing in a client meeting or interview.

Don’t rely on filters to “fix” a poor image

For traditional shoots, no amount of Photoshop or retouching can salvage a low-quality photo. That said, beware of heavy filters. They often create unnatural results: plastic-like skin, distorted features, or a fake vibe that undermines trust. 

With AI headshot generators, you don’t need to ‘nail’ every shot. Start with clear, well-lit input photos that capture your authentic self (including all the little details like freckles, glasses, and facial hair) and let the technology bring your best look to life. 

Skip the photoshoot. Get headshots that work.

Even if you know the right headshot tips, execution is hard. Traditional headshot sessions demand time, coordination, and comfort in front of a camera, which can feel overwhelming. Even with the best preparation, you might end up with stiff poses, inconsistent lighting, or images that don’t quite capture your professional essence.

That’s where InstaHeadshots makes a difference.

Trusted by over 150,000 professionals, including teams at Google, Tesla, and Microsoft, InstaHeadshots delivers consistent, high-quality corporate headshots. Its advanced AI avoids common pitfalls like over-smoothed skin or distorted features, producing headshots that look human, not artificial. 

You can choose backgrounds, outfits, and expressions that fit your industry, all without scheduling a studio session or worrying about posing, and get up to 200 HD headshots in 15 minutes. 

Get started today.