POSTED BY Bailey Alexander | Aug 24, 2023
A great headshot is more than just a photo—it’s your first impression whether it’s for a website, LinkedIn profile, or marketing materials, a polished headshot builds credibility and trust.
The good news? You don’t need a fancy studio or expensive equipment to capture a professional-looking headshot. With a few simple techniques, you can create high-quality images for yourself or your team—without breaking the bank.
Step 1: Determine Your Headshot Style
A great headshot isn’t just about looking professional—it should also reflect your brand’s identity and personality. Before you start snapping photos, consider these key factors to ensure consistency and alignment with your brand:
Brand Aesthetic
What overall look best represents your business? A modern, sleek brand may opt for high-contrast lighting and a darker background, while a friendly, approachable brand may prefer bright, airy photos with soft tones. Not sure? Click here for a helpful brand aesthetic guide!
Color Palette
Stick to colors that complement your brand. If your branding is bold and energetic, a pop of color in the background or wardrobe might make sense. If your brand is minimal and clean, neutral tones may work best.
Formality Level
Does your brand lean corporate and polished or relaxed and creative? A financial advisor’s headshot will look very different from a designer’s. Define the level of formality that aligns with your brand’s industry and audience.
Wardrobe Guidelines
If these are team headshots, establish a consistent dress code. Solid colors work best, avoiding busy patterns or overly trendy styles that may date the photos quickly.
Taking the time to define your headshot style ensures that your brand remains cohesive and professional, whether it’s used on your website, LinkedIn, or marketing materials.
Step 2: Find Your Light Source
Lighting is the most important part of photography—without it, there’s no photo at all! Normally, our studio team uses one to three external light sources for headshots. But you can still get great results without buying lights. The trick? Use natural light to your advantage.
Quick lighting tips:
- Find a big window, an open garage, or an outdoor shaded area for soft, even lighting.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows—shade or diffused light works best.
- The bigger the light source, the better—it helps soften shadows and create a natural glow.
- Diffuse the light using a sheer curtain, shower curtain, or anything semi-transparent.
- Position the light at a 45-degree angle in front of your subject for a flattering effect.
Step 3: Choose the Right Backdrop
Your background sets the tone for your headshot. That's why it's important to think about the message you want to convey before you set up and start snapping pictures.
Backdrop Insights:
- Dark backgrounds (black, navy, charcoal) create a bold, serious, and edgy look.
- Light backgrounds (white, light gray, beige) give a clean, modern, and approachable feel.
- A solid wall, large sheet, or neutral office space works well if you don’t have a backdrop.
Step 4: Pose Your Subject
There’s no one-size-fits-all pose for a great headshot. Everyone has different features, expressions, and comfort levels in front of the camera. That’s why it’s important to experiment with angles, poses, and framing to find what feels most natural for each person. The more variety you capture, the more options you’ll have to choose the perfect shot.
Pro posing tips:
- Capture both waist-up and close-up shots (chest-up).
- Have your subject sit and stand to see what works best.
- Angle them slightly to the left or right to add depth and dimension.
- Encourage natural expressions—have a conversation, tell a joke, or ask them to laugh to capture candid, genuine moments.
Bonus Tip: Know When to Call a Pro
With the right techniques, you can capture a high-quality headshot on your own—it just takes some trial and error. Experiment with lighting, angles, and expressions to find the best shot, and don’t be afraid to adjust along the way.
But if you need extra support or want a fully polished, cohesive look for your team, our professional photographers can take your headshots to the next level—ensuring they align seamlessly with your brand.
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About the writer, Bailey Alexander
Bailey is the Lead Studio Producer at Primitive, blending his background in music, audio engineering, and photography to create video content that moves people. With a deep love for storytelling and visuals that spark emotion, he helps brands stand out in meaningful ways. Outside of work, Bailey’s usually writing music, traveling, or playing disc golf with his dog, Lily.