Professional Business Headshots

Baltimore, Maryland Professional Business Headshots

How to pose for professional headshots ranks second only to what to wear when searching Google for questions about headshots. While we like to discuss posture and expressions with our clients one-on-one during photography sessions, we are delighted to share our favorite shots of professional headshots with you here. Like many other aspects of photography, posture is best demonstrated rather than described. We’ve provided several photos as samples of some natural stances that businesspeople can use for their shoots.

• Professional headshot posing should not be hard.
• It should not feel uncomfortable, unnatural, or staged.
• But, don’t get discouraged if one of your poses doesn’t work out – just try another.

The greatest postures for professional headshots are those that make the subject feel at ease, allowing them to put their full attention on their expression. New studies demonstrate, however, that body language can convey significant information about your likeability and competency. Therefore, you should consider how to pose for professional shots, especially if your headshot is taken with your body showing. You probably won’t feel at ease in every conceivable yoga position. So, test out a few and compare your findings in-between fires.

• The Standard – To begin, there is NOTHING improper about choosing a tried-and-true headshot posture for your photo shoot. You should only stand tall, tilt your chest 10–45 degrees away from the camera, and lean forward slightly to achieve this look.
• Arms Crossed – Looking to add some swagger to your pose? You can convey an image of strength and toughness by crossing your arms. A powerful, welcoming impression can be made with crossed arms and a faint or full smile. Attorneys and business leaders will look great striking this position.
• Hands-on Hip – Posing with your hands on your hips gives the appearance that you’re working hard, and it’s a lot of fun to do.
• Over Shoulder – The over-the-shoulder shot is a humorous and natural choice. This method gives off the sense that the photographer “snuck up on you,” making the photo seem more natural. Actors, models, and corporate executives who want a headshot that also conveys something about their character will love this format.
• Props – You want to seem calm and collected, right? If you want to look more attentive in your image, try taking a few shots while wearing your favorite pair of glasses. Designers, artists, and influential thinkers should strike this stance.
• Lean Sideways – Just as the over-the-shoulder stance conveys an air of authenticity, so does a casual lean against a wall for a headshot. A dirty wall will detract from the effectiveness of this stance, so be careful you strike it in a well-lit area.
• Lean In – A natural-looking stance that can be adopted when seated and looking at the camera is a slight lean toward the lens. Clients who want to conceal a double chin should adopt this stance. There will be no criticism leveled here.
• Cross Candid – Cross-candid shots of consultants, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders can be a huge boon to personal branding efforts, but they’re notoriously tricky to get well. A “cross-candid” photograph is one in which the subject is not directly gazing at the camera but is instead looking “across” at the photographer. (This picture would be considered “candid” if the subject were staring directly at the camera.) This is a great option for use on a business website or social media posts, but it isn’t suitable for use as a primary profile picture on LinkedIn. A natural-looking stance that can be adopted when seated and looking at the camera is a slight lean toward the lens. Clients who want to conceal a double chin should adopt this stance. There will be no criticism leveled here.

That settles it; the discussion is over. We trust you appreciated this compilation of natural, flattering options for professional headshots. Feel free to let your photographer know whatever poses you’re interested in trying before the shoot begins.

Whether it’s before or after your headshot session, we’re always interested in hearing from you about what you’d like to see in your final portrait. Visit our Individual Sessions page to view pricing and package details if you’re thinking about getting a new headshot in the near future.