THE DO’S, THE DON’TS, AND HOW TO ROCK YOUR NEXT HEADSHOT SESSION A handy dandy guide on getting the most out of your next headshot session. Covering the do's and don'ts, how to prepare for your headshots, why they're important, and how to work with your photographer to get the most out of your time together.

1. THE DO’S, THE DON’TS, AND HOW
TO ROCK YOUR NEXT SESSION
ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS

2. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
“I HATE HAVING MY PICTURE TAKEN!”
Yep. We all feel that way from time to
time. Headshots can be a stressful
experience. It’s intimidating to simply
“be yourself on a really great day” -
especially when you’re staring down
a 200mm lens (that’s a long one). It
can feel as if it can see into your very
soul. I get it.
Hi. I’m Clint. And I’m gonna help you
rock your next headshot session.

3. SOME FACTS
ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS

4. IT TAKES US 40
MILLISECONDS
TO FORM AN
OPINION OF A
STRANGER.
Alexander Todorov

5. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
THE HARD TRUTH
Fact: A current headshot is a business necessity.
You shouldn’t think of it as an expense.
It’s an investment in your career.
Why?
Your clients and potential employers are going to look
you up online before they ever meet you.

6. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
THE HARD TRUTH
The headshot you’re using on your website and on social
media speaks volumes about how you present yourself —
and about your personal judgment.

7. YOU
ARE YOUR
BRAND

8. GIVING PEOPLE THE RIGHT VISUAL CUES IMMEDIATELY
IS CRITICAL TO GETTING THEIR ATTENTION AND GAINING
THEIR TRUST. TO USE AND/OR POST A HEADSHOT WHICH
DOES NOT REFLECT YOUR ‘CURRENT LOOK’ IS TO
APPEAR DISINGENUOUS OR VAIN; NEITHER A POSITIVE
TAKE AWAY.
Kimberly Rice
Legal Marketer
ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS

9. IF YOU WANT TO ROCK YOUR NEXT
HEADSHOT SESSION, IT’S WORTH
DOING A BIT OF PLANNING AND
PREPARATION TO CAPTURE THE
IMAGE YOU WANT.

10. JUST AS YOU WOULD NEVER USE
Comic Sans
TO SEND A COVER LETTER AND
EXPECT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY,
THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT
YOU DON’T WANT TO DO WITH
YOUR PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
PHOTOS.

11. SO LET’S START
WITH THE “DON’TS”

12. THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES ARE BASED
ON ACTUAL LINKEDIN PROFILES.
TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT, I’LL BE USING
EMBARRASSING PHOTOS OF MYSELF TO
ILLUSTRATE WHAT NOT TO DO.
DISCLAIMER

13. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
The Dude
The takeaway:
I’d rather be playing golf.
I’m cool.
I don’t brush my hair.
The Adventure Guy
The takeaway:
I’m adventurous.
Look, I ski!
Good luck remembering my
face.
The Clown
The takeaway:
I’m a goofball.
I don’t take myself seriously.
I live with my parents.

14. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
The Cat Dude
The takeaway:
I’m a crazy cat person.
I REALLY don’t want you to
know what I look like.
Meow.
The Doodle
The takeaway:
I look way better in 2D.
Doodle, doodle, doodle,
doodle….I’m sorry was I
supposed to be taking notes?
The Blur
The takeaway:
Meh. I want you to imagine
what I look like (in motion).
I just got my friend to take my
photo.
I probably shoulda hired a pro.

15. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
Mister Mystery
The takeaway:
When we meet, I hope you
recognize me by my hand or
some other obscure detail.
But don’t look at my face.
Also, I might be a magician!
The Date Cropper
The takeaway:
I’m the guy who looked good in
a suit on that day at my sister’s
wedding.
It’s the only time I dress up.
Mister Way Back Machine
The takeaway:
I wish it was 28 years ago.
I’m stuck in the 80’s.
I don’t like what I look like now,
so I cling to my youth.

16. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
Desperado
The takeaway:
Please, sir, can I have a job?
I like to be way below the
camera because I hate my
double chin.
I’m sensitive.
Mister Good Time
The takeaway:
I’d rather be at the bar.
Flag Face
The takeaway:
I’m patriotic.
O Canada!
Meet me at the water cooler
and we’ll talk universal health
care.

17. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
Tiny
The takeaway:
That’s me in the corner…
The Glamour Guy
The takeaway:
Still clingin’ to my youth, just
look at my super smooth skin.
Also, Photoshop RULES!
I’m a barbie girl, in a barbie
world…
Where is Glamour Guy?
The takeaway:
I think I can fool you with my
photoshop skills.
Nothing about my image is
real.

18. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
RIDICULOUS RIGHT?
It took me about 5 minutes to find an
example of each of these on LinkedIn. It’s a
hilarious game to play and I encourage you to
try it. Imagine if I was actually using one of
those shots to connect with my future clients.
I don’t think they’d take me very seriously.

19. BUT THE BIGGEST “DON’T”
FOR PROFILE IMAGERY
HAS TO BE…

21. BEING ON LINKEDIN WITHOUT A PHOTO
IS LIKE ATTENDING A NETWORKING
EVENT WITH A BAG OVER YOUR HEAD.
Alice Heiman
Founder & CSO at Alice Heiman, LLC
ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS

22. EVERYONE
should have
a great
headshot

23. ON THE NEXT FEW PAGES, I’LL COVER:
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SHOOT
HOW TO RELAX IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR
PHOTOGRAPHER

24. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
PREPARE TO SHOW YOUR PROFESSIONALISM
Take yourself seriously and
put yourself together.
Looking “professional”
sounds easy — and we all
know what it means. But
there are a few things you
should pay attention to
before you show up for
your photo shoot.

25. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
WHAT WILL YOU WEAR? DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.
Try everything on at home. Look in a mirror and
ask, “Does it fit? Do I really love the way it looks
on me?” If not, try something else or go shopping.
(I won’t tell if you leave the tags on.)
Is there a shirt or top you wear that seems to
prompt compliments? Try it on!
Pick classic cuts and tailored shapes — what’s
trendy now might not be next summer.
Tailored tops are slimming.
Pick colors that look good on you. Keep things
darker than your skin tone. If you think it might
wash you out, it probably will.
Suits in black, gray or navy always look classic and
sophisticated.

26. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
WHAT WILL YOU WEAR? DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.
Keep patterns to a minimum. They can be
distracting, and tight patterns can appear to
strobe on certain screens. This goes for jackets,
suits, ties and shirts.
Iron your stuff. It can make or break a photo.
Beware of tank tops or camisoles with lace that
read too much like lingerie.
Is your top see-through? Hold it up to a light and
check. If so, wear an appropriate layer beneath it.
Do you have a pet? Use a lint roller on your
clothes before you arrive at the shoot. (Please,
show me pictures of your animal friends, but let’s
leave their fur at home.)

27. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
DON’T FORGET THE REST OF YOU. HAIR, MAKEUP, CONFIDENCE
AND ATTITUDE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. PAY ATTENTION
TO THE DETAILS!
Skin. If you shave on the day of the shoot, use a
fresh razor and hot water and go slow. Avoid razor
burn. And if you wake up with a huge pimple, don’t
mess with it! It’s much easier to Photoshop a
blemish than to correct for swollen, red, irritated
skin.
Stray hairs. Get up close with your mirror and check
for stray eyebrows or unruly ear and nose hair. If
you can see it, the camera can, too. If you need a
facial or a wax go for it, but do it at least a week
before the shoot so any irritation from the
procedure has time to fade.
Feeling puffy? Try to drink mostly water 48 hours in
advance of your shoot. As the day approaches, take
it easy on the caffeine, alcohol and salty snacks.

28. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
DON’T FORGET THE REST OF YOU. HAIR, MAKEUP, CONFIDENCE
AND ATTITUDE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. PAY ATTENTION
TO THE DETAILS!
Makeup. Whether you do it yourself or hire
a professional, men and women alike will
benefit from a little bit of makeup and
powder in a photograph. You want your
makeup to look like you’re not wearing
any — fresh, light, natural, even, clean and
crisp. We can afford a little drama on the
eyes, but don’t go too far.
Teeth. Maybe spend a little time with a
white strip. Brush and floss if you ate prior
to the shoot, and check for lipstick.
Hairstyle. Don’t get a haircut the day
before. You want to give it time to settle in.

29. A great shot requires a
bit more than just
standing in front of the
lens while the
photographer clicks
away. Portraying
confidence is both a
physical and mental
game.

30. CONFIDE IN YOUR
PHOTOGRAPHER

31. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
CONFIDE IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Think of your photographer as your coach, and
trust the person to direct you throughout the
process to find the best angles and lighting for
your face and body.
Confiding in a photographer is tough — but
what’s said in the studio stays in the studio. It’s
worth sharing your physical insecurities and
letting your photographer know what makes
you self-conscious or what you want to hide.
“I have a lazy eye, I hate my double chin, I don’t
like my teeth, my nose always looks crooked in
photos, I used to be 30, my eyes get scrunchy
when I smile …”
Whatever it is, tell your photographer.

32. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
CONFIDE IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Remember, your photographer wants
your shot to look just as amazing as you
do.
I always appreciate it when my clients
can be candid with me so I can tweak
the lighting and work with them on
body positioning and head angles to
bring their best features forward.
Let me worry about the stuff that makes
you anxious so you don’t have to.
Plus, it will save time!

33. THE PHYSICAL
GAME
THE EASY PART

34. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
THE PHYSICAL GAME
Your goal is to have an authentic connection with the
camera, and it all starts with your eyes.
Look right through the lens.
Keep breathing! The camera picks up everything from
tension to breath. (Seriously, I can tell when a person’s not
breathing in a photo.)
Like most physical activities, keep your knees soft and
your shoulders square. Get grounded. Take a deep breath
and then …
Listen to your photographer’s directions and follow them
as best you can. If they ask you to do something that feels
silly, go for it. Chances are, it looks good through the lens.
It’s best to move slowly. I always say “slo-mo/half inches”
when I’m asking people to move their head. I’m often
aiming for a subtle tweak of the light or head tilt, and
when people go too far or too fast we can miss it.

35. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
THE PHYSICAL GAME
Chin way up? It says “I’m too good for this job.” Chin
way down? Says “Please, sir, can I have a job?” We
try to avoid these. Chin slightly down, however, can
make your eyes seem bigger and more engaged.
A slight turn or twist of the body is slimming and
provides a sense of movement. But a body turned
too far away says “I’m hiding something” or “I’m
already out the door.”
A slight tilt of the head can say “I’m listening” or “I
understand.”
Try the chicken! If you push your face slightly toward
the camera when you’re facing it straight on, you
can define that jaw line just a little bit more. Feels
weird, but looks great.

36. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
THE PHYSICAL GAME
Smile!
Smiles are hard for some people. Smiles look best
on their way down. Don’t be afraid to go too far or
too big and then let it fade or even laugh it up a
bit when you’re going for the warm, friendly shot
— just keep your eyes on the camera. You’re
bound to get something good.
If you have a habit of putting your tongue
between your teeth when you smile, don’t. It looks
weird.
No gum or mints.
Don’t wanna show your teeth? You might take a
tip from Tyra Banks and “smize” with your eyes.
You can (and should) practice this stuff in a mirror.

37. THE MENTAL
GAME
THE HARD PART

38. NERVES HAVE DESTROYED MORE PHOTOS THAN A BAD
PHOTOGRAPHER EVER DID. ALL NERVES MEAN IS A LACK
OF CONFIDENCE. A LACK OF PREPARATION.
I’m paraphrasing a line from Master Class by Terrence McNally
ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS

39. ON CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
THE MENTAL GAME
Forgive me if I start to sound a bit like a self-help book
here, but this stuff really helps.
Try to keep a sense of humor about the whole experience.
Relax. Nobody’s gonna get hurt.
Come to your shoot ready to play and trust that your
photographer is going to look after you. Leave your ego at
the door and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
Anxious? Get out of your head and stay positive.
Have a nonverbal conversation with the camera. Keep it
warm, curious, upbeat, friendly, flirty and engaging and let
your face follow your thoughts. (PS. There’s no crying in
headshots.)
Be patient with yourself and with your photographer. A
great shot doesn’t always happen with the first click. And
not every shot has to count.
It’s all digital nowadays and you only need one great one.

40. MAKE SURE YOUR
PERSONALITY SHOWS UP

41. A great headshot tells a story.
Tell your photographer about
what you do and how you
want to be perceived. Think
about breaking the corporate
stereotypes — or play to them.
A family lawyer probably
doesn’t want the look and
intensity of a pit bull litigator
… or maybe she does.

42. Unless your firm has strict
requirements for how you
dress for headshots, bring a bit
of your own personality and
style to the shoot. Some of my
clients like to wear ties from
their alma mater whenever
they update their photos, and
others are always in a bow tie,
or no tie, or a unique pair of
glasses. I love that.

43. Using your office space
is another way to show
your personality.
But please, no more
bookcases in the
background.
PLEASE.

44. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR
TIME WITH YOUR
PHOTOGRAPHER

45. Plan to use the entire time you have allotted with your
photographer.
Try to get as many looks and shots as you can muster.
The photographer will likely ask you to vary your expressions and
body positioning. But why not squeeze in a quick costume change,
too?
Take some with and without your glasses. With and without your tie.
With and without your jacket. Or change your hair! Options are
awesome. You only need one or two great shots in the end, but you
might feel like a change down the road.

46. PRO TIP:
YOU WANT TO THINK AHEAD
ABOUT WHERE YOU CAN USE
YOUR PHOTOS NOW AND IN
THE FUTURE.
NOT ONLY WILL YOU SAVE
MONEY IN THE LONG RUN BY
SHOOTING FOR OPTIONS, BUT
YOU'LL GREATLY EXPAND
YOUR MARKETING TOOLS
RIGHT OFF THE BAT.

47. ALWAYS MAKE THIS ONE
TECHNICAL REQUEST

48. Shoot in both landscape and portrait orientations.
Why?
Most websites are responsive and sometimes the crops of
photos will adjust according to various screen sizes. It’ll
also give your marketing team more to work with for
various mediums.
Plus, with a landscape photo, you can always crop it
vertically later. It doesn’t work the other way around, I’m
sad to say.
I’ll show you what I mean…

49. I had a twenty minute session with marketing expert,
Ann Heatherington (AH Strategic Marketing).
Before we met, we discussed her wardrobe, how she
wanted to represent herself in the market
(professional and creative, warm, confident, and
approachable) and how and where her shots may
appear.
We came up with a list of options, we both did our
pre-shoot homework, and she was able to walk out
of her session well armed with a ton of looks and
photos.
This one vertical shot allows us a few options for
crops.
Portrait Orientation

50. Landscape Orientation
A horizontal photo offers even more crop options.

51. MY FINAL TWO
CENTS

52. A great headshot is
your first chance to
communicate how
polished, skilled and
approachable you
are.
With a bit of
planning and simple
preparation, some
deep breaths and a
sense of play, you're
gonna nail your next
headshot session.
Promise.

53. ClintonBPhotography is based in New York City and specializes in headshots
for performers and business professionals.
www.clintonbphotography.com