Professional Headshots for Men: From Preparation to Perfect Results

Master the art of male professional headshots with proven strategies that work for every industry and style.

In the professional world, your headshot is a window to exciting new opportunities. A flattering business headshot makes a positive first impression on potential employers or clients, whether it’s on your LinkedIn profile, company website, or PR materials.

If you’re not used to being photographed, taking a headshot might feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Simple details like the right outfit and pose will help you take a headshot that reflects your experience and personality.

Let’s explore best practices for men taking corporate headshots, whether you’re using a traditional photo shoot or an AI tool like InstaHeadshots. Read on for grooming and posing tips, background ideas, and how to prepare.

TL;DR: The right headshot opens doors to new professional opportunities. Your headshot should highlight your best features, rather than letting your outfit or the background do the talking. When posing, focus on relaxing your shoulders and giving a genuine facial expression.

What a professional headshot can communicate for men in the workplace

The right headshot can have a big impact on your career. A professional-quality headshot shows potential employers, clients, or business partners that you’re competent, approachable, and take your role seriously, opening doors with a single photo.

Here are just a few of the ways a good headshot supports your professional goals:

• Career advancement: Online profiles with professional headshots receive 14 times more views than those with selfies or other unpolished photos. This simple detail can help you instantly stand out to recruiters or potential employers, helping you climb the career ladder faster.
• Industry credibility: Investing in headshot photography shows that you take your job seriously and establishes you as a true professional at a glance.
• Personal branding: The right headshot reinforces your professional brand for a more cohesive online presence.
• Networking effectiveness: High-quality headshots are memorable and can increase your approachability, making it easier to build connections at networking events.

Expectations for professional headshots for men vary by industry. In some industries, a polished yet casual look is standard, while others require more formal attire and a more formal pose. Before your photo shoot, research your industry’s expectations so you’re prepared.

How to prepare for a headshot session

Preparation is key to a successful headshot photo, no matter which photography services you use. While getting ready for the picture, keep your career goals in mind and let them guide the final look.

Define your purpose

Before you get started, think about where you’ll use your headshot. Are you using it for your LinkedIn profile and personal projects, or will it be featured on your company’s website?

If your headshot is primarily for company use, you may need to stick to their brand guidelines when choosing your background or outfit. If you’re building a personal brand, you have a bit more room for creativity. Also, decide what tone you want to set with your headshot, whether that’s authoritative and knowledgeable or friendly and creative.

Clarify industry style

Every industry has different expectations for headshot styles and formality. Before your photoshoot, look up examples from peers in your industry. This research is especially important if you’re transitioning to a new role.

Let’s break down some common industry standards to get you started:

Plan timing and session logistics

If you’re taking photos in person with a headshot photographer, get on the same page before the shoot. Confirm in writing how many photos you’ll receive, the file format, the number of edits, and the pricing.

When scheduling the photoshoot, choose a day and time when you’ll be relaxed and well-rested so your personality can shine through. For example, if you’re not a morning person, opt for an afternoon or evening when you’ll be at your best. Plan a buffer between your photoshoot and other activities that day so you can get ready without rushing.

Organize wardrobe options

Have your outfits clean and pressed before the photoshoot to reduce stress. Have a second outfit on hand in case of accidental spills, snags, or other issues.

When choosing your clothing, opt for classic pieces that fit you well—the last thing you want is to be fidgeting because something is too tight. Simple accessories like glasses or a watch can add sophistication without distracting from your face.

Attire and grooming signals that show credibility

Your headshot is an opportunity to make a strong first impression with professional contacts, so you want to show yourself in your best light. A sophisticated look shows potential employers that you take your work seriously.

Here are styling choices that give your photos instant credibility:

• What to wear: Your outfit should be appropriately formal for your industry, whether that’s a full suit, a blazer and an open-collared shirt, or a sweater with a sophisticated knit. Choose pieces that enhance your look: think clean lines and colors that flatter your skin tone.
• Hair styling: Schedule a haircut before your photoshoot for a fresh look. Style your hair as you would for an important meeting: tame edges and flyaways, but avoid using too much product, as it could make your hair look overly crunchy or shiny. If you have facial hair, give it a trim the day of the photoshoot for a neater look.
• Skincare: Taking care of your skin isn’t just for women—a bit of moisturizer and lip balm will help you look your best on camera. If your skin gets oily, try applying a bit of powder to prevent glare from the lights.

Best posing tips for men’s headshots

The right pose and facial expression will give you a natural-looking, authentic photo rather than a stiff or forced one. However, finding the right headshot poses can be tricky if you’re not used to being in front of the camera. Use these posing tips to look your best on the big day.

Relax shoulders, lengthen posture

If you’re feeling tense before the photo shoot, you might find your shoulders creeping up toward your ears, which makes your photo look tense. To avoid this, take a deep breath and roll your shoulders back and down.

If you’re struggling to relax your shoulders, try gently pulling your coat lapels down. This subtle cue can subconsciously help you release tension. Additionally, make sure both shoulders are at the same level before taking the photo. Many people have one shoulder that naturally holds more tension than the other.

Chin slightly forward, eyes engaged

When posing, push your chin slightly toward the camera. This emphasizes your jawline and minimizes the appearance of a double chin.

However, avoid tilting your chin too far forward, as this can add tension. If you’re not used to being photographed, try a few practice shots beforehand to find your best angle.

Keep your eyes on the camera. To avoid a strained appearance, narrow your lower eyelids slightly without fully squinting. This can help you avoid a look of wide-eyed surprise. Blink regularly between takes to prevent squinting.

Find an expression that fits your role

One of the most challenging parts of taking a headshot is finding the right expression. 

• For a professional look, treat the lens as if you’re greeting a respected colleague. 
• If you’re a sales rep or in another customer-facing role, that might mean a friendly smile. 
• In executive roles, this could mean a confident neutral look.

You don’t need a million-watt smile if it’s not appropriate for your industry, but think positive thoughts to keep your eyes soft. No matter what role you’re in, avoid an overly serious frown or forced grin, as both extremes can look disingenuous.

Use purposeful micro-gestures

Small movements can make your photo more dynamic and prevent stiffness. Instead of staying in one static position between photos, relax and make slight natural movements. This can be as subtle as slightly tilting your head or shoulders.

Choosing the right background

Your headshot background reflects your professional brand. This might be a:

• Clean office
• Nature background
• Neutral-colored backdrop
• Cityscape with subtle architectural details

No matter which background you choose, avoid clutter or patterns that could take attention away from your face. You’ll also want to avoid colors that clash with your outfit, skin tone, or hair color.

AI headshot tools like InstaHeadshots generate a selection of flattering backgrounds in minutes. This makes it easy to compare options and choose one that aligns with your professional goals.

When AI-generated headshots make sense

For many busy professional men, AI-generated headshots are a practical alternative to traditional photoshoots. InstaHeadshots is a great choice for fast, realistic, and appealing professional portraits. All you have to do is upload well-lit selfies, and InstaHeadshots takes care of the rest. There’s no need to fit a time-consuming photoshoot into a packed schedule.

There are some instances where you’ll still need to take photos in person. For example, AI can’t replicate group shots or ultra-specific backgrounds.

However, AI is perfect if you need new headshots quickly and affordably. They’re also a great choice if you’re still building your personal brand and want to experiment with different styles. If you work remotely, InstaHeadshots can also help you get coordinated portraits without any travel.

Get your professional look quickly and affordably

Professional headshots are a must for career-oriented men. Following these dos and don’ts will help you look your best, whether you’re taking photos in person or using an AI tool.

Luckily, taking headshots doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or stressful. InstaHeadshots helps you get the job done in 15 minutes. With plenty of customizable styles and backgrounds to choose from, you’ll get headshots that match your industry and personal branding.

Try InstaHeadshots today for professional headshots that are fast, affordable, and high-quality.

FAQs

Can AI headshots match or exceed a traditional photo shoot?

Yes, modern AI headshots from quality providers like InstaHeadshots deliver professional-grade images that often exceed traditional photography in consistency, variety, and polish. Many professionals find that their AI headshots look more natural and confident than studio shots because there's no pressure or awkward posing involved.

Will AI headshots look authentic and not like avatars?

Top-tier AI headshot generators create images indistinguishable from professional photography, using advanced algorithms that preserve your unique features while adding professional lighting and composition. InstaHeadshots specifically optimizes for realism, which is why over 150,000 professionals trust their results for LinkedIn, company websites, and professional materials.

How quickly can I get AI-generated headshots?

AI-generated professional headshots are typically ready within 15–90 minutes after uploading your photos, compared to traditional photography, which requires scheduling, shooting, and one to two weeks for editing. InstaHeadshots delivers over 100 high-resolution options in about 15 minutes, making it ideal for professionals who need quality headshots immediately.