Key takeaways
- Your headshot should echo both your personal style and your brand.
- Two looks in one session lets you cover a business side and a more personal side.
- Think about where the photo will appear before you decide.
- When in doubt, bring both and we will help you choose on the day.
It should echo you and your brand
The best answer is not "formal" or "casual." It is that your headshot should echo your personal style and your brand. The right choice depends on who you are, who you are speaking to and where the photo will appear.
Why two looks beats choosing one
Our Executive Portrait Experience includes up to two looks. That means you do not have to bet everything on one decision: one look can reflect the business side, and the other can reflect your more personal, relaxed side. If there is a particular style you want to convey, we can build it into the session.
Think about where the photo will appear
- Your firm or company website and LinkedIn: usually leans polished and professional.
- Speaker pages, podcasts and social media: often a good place for the more personal look.
- Press, bios and proposals: choose the version that matches how you want to be introduced.
Our page on LinkedIn headshots covers choosing a photo for your profile.
Making each look work
The formal look. A well-tailored jacket in a dark, solid color is the reliable choice. A tie is optional. We can shoot some images with a tie and some with it removed and the collar loosened, so you have both.
The relaxed look. Remove the jacket or switch to a solid knit or open collar. It still needs to be well-fitted, ironed and in a flattering color. Relaxed does not mean wrinkled.
The easy trick. Layers. An undershirt with a coordinating jacket or sweater lets us move from formal to relaxed quickly.
Choose the tone that fits your profession
Some fields lean traditional and others reward a more creative presence. Use that as a starting point, not a rule. What matters most is that the photo looks like you, and that the person who meets you matches the person in the picture.
Need a bigger library of images?
If you need a broader range of looks and locations for your website, press and social media, a branding session is designed for exactly that.
Not sure which tone to choose? Bring both. We will help you decide on the day. For wardrobe help, read what colors look best in headshots and how to prepare for a headshot session. See what's included, explore our professional headshot sessions, or book your session.
