As a business headshot photographer, I work with companies to help them create professional, yet friendly and approachable headshots for employees, partners, and clients. These can be used on social media, company websites, or in print materials. Having a great set of headshots is important for creating a consistent brand, capturing the right personality and tone, and encouraging confidence.

A lbusiness headshot is a close-up of your face and shoulders that is used to identify you in the marketplace. It’s a picture that will be used fairly small and surrounded by text, so it needs to capture your face and eyes to have the biggest impact on viewers. This type of headshot can be done in a studio setting or with an environmental background that reflects your office, factory floor, or outdoor environment.

Behind the Lens: How to Choose the Best Business Headshot Photographer

It’s important to communicate with your client in advance about what type of headshot they need and how it will be used. A dramatic look may be appropriate for a fashion model, but it won’t work in a headshot for a lawyer or banker.

It’s also important to discuss your posing and expression with your client in advance. Looking into the camera with a relaxed, natural expression is more likely to create a connection with your audience than staring off into space or smiling in a way that feels fake or overly-contrived. This will result in a more successful headshot that will keep your client’s audience engaged and wanting to connect with them.