Key takeaways
- Your photo is part of your pitch: it should look like someone people want to hear from.
- Aim for a confident, genuine expression, not a stiff pose.
- Solid, well-fitted wardrobe and a simple background keep the focus on your face.
- Two looks let you cover a polished image and a more personal one.
The short answer
A good speaker or coach headshot looks confident and approachable, with a relaxed, genuine expression, a simple background and solid wardrobe that keeps the focus on your face. It should still look like you when you walk on stage. You sell expertise and trust, and people decide whether to hire, book or follow you partly on how you look in a photo.
Where your headshot will be used
Your photo appears on your website, speaker one-sheet, event programs, book jackets, podcasts, media kits and LinkedIn. A high-resolution portrait that works at large and small sizes gives you a consistent image everywhere.
Authentic, not performed
The goal is not to put on a persona. It is to capture your authentic expression and confidence, the same qualities that make a great impression in person. We guide your posing and expression throughout the session.
Wardrobe
- Bring what you are most comfortable and confident in, in solid, well-fitted wardrobe.
- Dark, solid, muted colors photograph better than bright colors or busy patterns.
- Bring more than one option. One polished look and one more relaxed look gives you choices for different uses.
For more detail, read what colors look best in headshots.
Headshot or branding session?
A headshot is one or two strong portraits. If you need a broader library of images for your website, social media and press, a branding session is designed for that.
See what is included
Our professional headshot session includes professional grooming, expert direction, up to two looks and two retouched portraits. See pricing or the Executive Portrait Experience.
