Headshot Examples: That headshot staring back at you – the one on your LinkedIn profile, company website bio, or acting resume – could be the difference between making a great first impression or leaving someone thinking, “Next!“
In an increasingly visual world, a good headshot is now an essential part of promoting yourself personally or professionally.
But what qualities make a headshot actually good?
What small details distinguish the ones that make you look like a friendly, trustworthy person versus appearing awkward or unprofessional?
This article reviews the nitty gritty details of lighting, posing, expression, and composition that separate fantastic headshots from the uh, not-so-fantastic.
With side-by-side headshot examples and simple tips, you can take your upgraded headshot using your phone’s camera and a helpful fluffy companion to catch your best angles.
As Tina Fey reminds us, “If you can’t face a camera, you probably can’t face the world.” So, let’s face this together!
What Makes a Good Headshot
So, what spells the difference between the headshots that make you mutter “yikes” under your breath versus ones so artfully crafted they look like they leaped from the glossy pages of Vanity Fair?
Captivating headshots have some key ingredients in common.
Proper strobe lighting works magic – bathing subjects in a soft, diffused glow free from harsh shadows or blown-out highlights.
Ever glance at a headshot and notice shadows under the nose or forehead wrinkles spotlit like criminals under a police helicopter searchlight?
We can’t have that!
A simple solid or subtle gradient backdrop also shifts focus to the face instead of viewers playing Where’s Waldo, hunting for distracting details.
And crisp focus paired with amazing depth of field makes eyes sparkle like stars in a night sky.
Finally, the right pose brings the je ne sais quoi.
A relaxed expression with eyes that engage just past the camera makes a connection.
In contrast, an awkwardly tilted neck or tension lines around the eyes and mouth can leave viewers feeling disoriented instead of drawn in.
Let’s delve into some head-turning headshot examples of what to aim for!
Good Headshot Examples
These are some of the best examples of good headshots with images and descriptions.
#1. Smile & Keep Simple Background
This vibrant headshot uses a genuine smile with warm lighting on the subject’s face to showcase a friendly personality. The blurred office background with trees directs full attention toward the man’s engaging expression without distracting background elements, creating an effective portrait.
#2. Genuine Smile and One Colorful Background
The woman has a natural, friendly smile on her face in this well-lit headshot. The solid yellow backdrop ensures all focus lands squarely on her relaxed yet approachable expression. Simple but thoughtful composition and lighting choices make this an exemplary headshot.
#3. Stand Straight & Keep Away Distracting Elements
With a confident posture and a light gradient backdrop, the woman commands attention in this crisp headshot. No distracting background elements interfere with the classic lighting and composition focused on his slight smile. The gradient adds visual interest while still keeping emphasis directly on the subject.
#4. Looking Right and Playing with Hair
The woman glances slightly down and right with a subtle, little open-mouth smile in this flattering headshot. Soft lighting and focus complement her face as she twirls a lock of hair. The casual pose and little peek at her teeth lend personality and approachability to the stylish composition.
#5. Simple Smile with Folding Hands & No Distracting Background
Hands gently folded, a man smiles softly in this clean, balanced headshot. Even lighting illuminates his face, devoid of shadows, while a light pink t-shirt provides a neutral backdrop that focuses entirely on his kind eyes and approachable expression. Simple but thoughtful composition and lighting choices make this an exemplary portrait.
#6. Simple Blazer Pose with No Expression
The man wears a sharp blazer with an intense gaze in this striking headshot. A deep black backdrop highlights the crisp lighting that defines his chiseled features and intense eyes. The pose and stark styling craft an image that demands attention despite the subtle expression.
#7. Curling Down the Hairs on One Side
With a curled lock of hair framing her face, the woman connects through the camera with an intense gaze. Shadows sculpt the striking angles of her features as she makes direct eye contact. The subtle twist of her neck and bare shoulders adds an alluring, intimate feel to this professional portrait.
Bad Headshot Examples
These are some of the best examples of bad headshots with images and explanations.
#1. Don't Make Bad Expression
This headshot, unfortunately, exhibits an awkward expression with tension in the face and eyes that creates an unflattering image. Even good lighting and composition cannot overcome the off-putting impression made by strained or exaggerated facial expressions. Keeping a natural, relaxed demeanor is key for photographic appeal.
#2. Be Look a Like from Specific Industry
The man on the left looks professional and businesslike with his collared shirt, mature demeanor, and properly framed portrait. By contrast, the casually dressed man on the right needs to convey executive presence, undermining perceptions despite what could be strong competencies. Matching appearance to goals matters.
#3. Retouch with easy Color Grading
The left image is blended with the background and has only a simple color grading retouch. On the right hand, Overdone retouching, like color grading, should blend rather than look conspicuous. When post-production is too heavy-handed, it can be distracting regardless of other strong techniques.
#4. Be Confident when posing for Headshot
The image on the left depicts confidence with great posture and a steady gaze, while the image on the right conveys nervousness through slumped shoulders and averted eyes. Posing with assurance and making a solid connection through the lens is key for a self-assured impression.
#5. Look More expensive with clothing
The man on the left commands attention through stylish grooming and a sharp blazer that conveys success. By contrast, the casually dressed man on the right does not emit the same executive polish and authority that aligns with leadership roles, showing that intentional styling choices make an impression.
#6. Don't Overdo Makeup, Keep it Facile
The heavy makeup in the headshot creates an artificial look that distracts from showing the person’s genuine self. Makeup should enhance natural features, not overwhelm them. As shown above, a fresh-faced, authentic image allows personality and confidence to shine through.
How to Take Your Own Good Headshot
What if you could capture professional-grade headshots without booking a fancy photography studio or awkwardly asking your buddy to “Hey, snap some pics of me looking all serious?”
Good news: crafting your own on-point headshots is possible from the comfort of home with just your trusty phone camera and helpful fluffy companion.
- Natural lighting is your best friend for even glowy skin (no zombie eyes here!), so park it next to a nice big window.
- Diffused light is the most forgiving, so grab a sheer curtain panel if you’re getting squinty.
- Now relax your face and give a slight, closed-mouth smile to seem approachable yet intriguing.
- Have your camera buddy on four legs? Perfect!
- Set that phone camera timer and assume a power pose. Shoulders back, stand tall!
- Click goes the camera as you turn your face slightly to the side, with eyes gazing upward and looking beyond the lens to bright futures ahead.
See, who needs fancy studios? With a few simple tricks and tips, you already have all the tools to take online profile pictures or modeling audition headshots that leave lasting impressions.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, a quality headshot captures and expresses your core personal brand –who you are and the value you offer.
Follow our tips on flattering lighting, poses, expressions, and intentional styling to reveal your amazing self through the lens authentically, not artificially. A headshot should build connections, not barriers.
And remember, the most magnetic portraits feature confidence and approachability with a dash of personality.
So, strike an inspired pose and give your online profiles an uplifting image makeover!
Go let that beautifully unique you shine.