Most men think getting a professional headshot is easy. Why wouldn't they? All they need to do is show up and smile. But is that really it? No, it's not. Honestly, getting a perfect shot can be stressful. You need to think about what to wear, how to pose, and how to appear confident on camera. Fortunately, we have put together this guide to help men who are finding it difficult to get a good headshot. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about professional headshots for men. Let’s get started.
How to Prepare for Professional Headshots Men?
Getting a great professional headshot men starts long before you step in front of the camera. To make sure your photos truly represent you, it’s important to prepare carefully. Here’s how you can get ready for a headshot session that brings out your best.
Define the Purpose of Your Headshot
Before you book a photographer, take a moment to think about what you want your headshot to achieve. Ask yourself: Where will I use this photo? Is it for LinkedIn, a company website, or a press kit? Also, check out how others in your industry present themselves. That can give you a good idea of the standards and styles to follow. Then, you'll decide if you want a traditional corporate look or something more creative. Knowing this will help you and your photographer plan the perfect session.
Showcase Your Professional Identity
Also, your headshot should reflect who you are professionally. What qualities do you want to highlight? Is it trustworthiness, approachability, or expertise? When you have the answer, you sit down and strategize on how to do so effectively.
Plan Your Session Details
Before you go for a photo shoot session, you need to decide what you really want. Do you need just one clean, polished image, or multiple looks with different backgrounds and outfits? If you’re featured often in the press or marketing, having a mix of photos is a smart move. Also, let your photographer know if you’ll need space in the frame for text or graphics. You can also benefit from a stylist to help pull together outfits that reflect your personal brand.
With your purpose in mind, the next step is choosing the right outfit that reflects that professional identity and makes you look your best.
What Should a Man Wear to a Professional Headshot?
Professional headshots for men go beyond just wearing a suit. There are a few details that, if paid attention to, can take your photo to a whole new level. Here’s how to prepare, what to wear, and how to match shirts and ties effectively.
Fit
No matter what you wear, make sure it fits just right. Baggy clothes don’t look good in photos. This is because they can bunch up or make you look wider than you are. A good trick is to sit down while wearing your shirt. If it wrinkles or puffs up at the bottom, it’s probably too big. To be on the safer side, try on your clothes a few days before the shoot. This will enable you to have time to fix or swap anything that doesn’t fit well.
Color
When it comes to color, it’s not just about wearing your favorite shirt. Instead, aim for colors that flatter your skin tone and hair. For example, blue suggests trust and calm, while grays bring a classy, balanced vibe. Additionally, avoid loud prints or super trendy shades that will look outdated later. Solid colors are your safest bet as they’re clean, timeless, and let your face take center stage. On the flip side, if your company has brand colors, subtly working them into your outfit can help your photo look cohesive on their website or marketing materials.
Undershirt
You can wear an undershirt every day, but during a photo shoot, it will be a sneaky troublemaker. More often, studio lights make them peek through or create awkward lines under your shirt. That’s why it’s usually best to skip it altogether. But if going without one makes you uncomfortable, choose a deep V-neck that stays hidden.
Patterns and Stripes
Now, that checkered shirt might be your favorite, but in photos, busy patterns tend to compete with your face. And let’s be honest, when it comes to headshots, your face should win every time. For this reason, plain patterns is the safest way to go. However, if you love patterns, go for something small and quiet, and balance it with a plain blazer. Simplicity helps keep the focus on you, not your wardrobe.
Ties
If you’re wearing a tie, make sure it’s tied properly. The knot should be snug and centered, so it doesn’t sag or look uneven. Before the shoot, place the tie on top of your shirt to check how the colors look together. If you’re unsure, bring a few tie options to your session so that your photographer can help you pick the best one.
Well, your clothing choices are only part of the story. How you carry yourself in front of the camera matters just as much. That’s why knowing how to pose properly is essential to completing your professional look.
How to Pose for a Headshot
The right pose can help you look confident, approachable, and professional. Here’s how to do it:
Stand or Sit Up Straight
Okay, imagine you’re being introduced to someone important. You’re not going to slouch like you’re binge-watching Netflix, right? You’d stand tall, shoulders relaxed, back straight, like you own the room. That’s what we’re going for. Sitting or standing straight helps you look confident..
Angle Your Body Slightly
Now, instead of facing the camera straight-on like it caught you off guard, turn your body just slightly. To perfectly get this, just imagine someone calling your name from the side, and you gently turn your shoulders to respond. That small angle makes you look more relaxed and makes the image more than a passport photo. It adds dimension and a bit of charm too.
Keep Your Chin Forward and Down
Here’s a weird but amazing trick. Push your chin forward like you're reaching for a cookie on a high shelf, then drop it a little. Sounds silly, but this move creates a clean jawline and avoids any double-chin shadows. It’s like Photoshop without the software. Every pro uses this trick, even the ones with perfect jaws.
Smile with Your Eyes
You know that forced “cheese” smile? Skip it. A genuine smile isn’t all about your mouth. When you feel a little joy or calm, your eyes soften and light up naturally. That’s what makes a photo feel warm and inviting. Try to think of something that brings you ease or joy. That little spark behind your eyes will do more than a forced grin ever could.
Relax Those Hands
If your hands are in the shot, don’t just let them dangle like confused noodles. Rest one hand in your pocket, cross your arms gently, or let them hang naturally. You can act like you're leaning on a doorway or casually chatting with someone. That vibe is what makes hands look relaxed and confident, not stiff or staged.
Practice Before the Big Day
Don’t wait till the lens is pointed at you to figure it all out. Grab your phone, snap a few practice selfies, and try different angles and smiles. See what makes you look like you, but on your best day. You’ll walk into your shoot already knowing your good side, and that confidence totally shows in the final photo.
Understanding these posing techniques can also help you visualize the kind of headshot that suits your profession and style, which is why looking at examples can be so useful.
Top Professional Headshot Examples for Men
Below are seven professional headshot examples for men, each tailored to different occasions and industries:
1. Classic Business Headshot
The classic look never goes out of style. For this type of headshot, wear a well-fitted suit, a dress shirt, and a tie that complements your outfit. Groom your hair neatly and aim for a confident yet approachable expression. This headshot is ideal for corporate profiles, financial professionals, consultants, and executives who want to project professionalism and trust.
2. Modern Corporate Headshot
Modern corporate headshots reflect today’s dynamic work culture. Suits are still welcome, but sometimes a blazer over an open-collar shirt is enough. These shots often use neutral or blurred office-style backgrounds and softer lighting for a natural, contemporary feel. If you’re in tech, marketing, or a progressive firm, this is your sweet spot.
3. Office Setting Headshot
Do you want to show people where the magic happens? These headshots are taken right at your workplace, either near a desk, in a hallway, or by a window. They feel real and relatable. Just make sure the background isn’t cluttered with dirty mugs or open snack drawers in sight.
4. Outdoor Headshot
These headshots feel fresh, modern, and a little more laid-back. You can take them in tree-lined streets, cool building backdrops, or even a sunny sidewalk. You can also go with business casual here, like a nice shirt and a light jacket. Furthermore, natural light gives you that glow, and it helps you look approachable and confident, especially if you work in a creative or people-focused field.
5. LinkedIn Profile Headshot
Your LinkedIn photo can open doors or close them. This is your digital handshake, so make it count. Wear clean and professional attire that reflects your role. Also, use a plain or softly blurred background and keep your face well-lit. The goal is to look friendly, capable, and confident. A light smile goes a long way.
6. Studio Headshots
Studio lighting and plain backdrops make everything look sleek. You don’t need to worry about the background or light. Just show up, dress well, and let the photographer guide you. These are perfect for press releases, company bios, or when you just want a solid, timeless shot.
7. Casual Professional Headshot
Here’s where you can show a little personality. You can wear a dark tee or a lightweight sweater, lean against a wall, or sit casually. However, it still needs to look clean and put together. This kind of headshot works great if you’re in a creative industry or want to come across as super approachable.
What's an Alternative to Getting a Professional Headshot Men?
If you’re short on time, don’t love being in front of a camera, or simply want an affordable and easy alternative, Headshot Photo is what you need. This AI-powered tool helps you create professional-looking headshots without ever stepping into a studio. All you have to do is upload a few casual photos of yourself, and the platform will generate high-quality headshots that look like a professional photographer took them.
It doesn’t if you need a corporate photo, modern LinkedIn update, or a more relaxed creative vibe, Headshot Photo gives you a wide variety of styles and backgrounds to choose from. It can even match the look of traditional studio lighting, outdoor shots, or office settings, without you ever changing your clothes or leaving your house.
Aside from all of that, the process is simple, fast, and budget-friendly compared to hiring a photographer. Also, if you’re not sure what style suits you best, you can generate multiple looks and pick your favorite.
Conclusion
Getting the perfect professional headshot for men requires proper planning, posing, and presenting yourself in the best light. Every choice you make, from clothing to expression, helps shape how others see you. Also, you can go the traditional route with a photographer or create studio-quality images using Headshot Photo AI. This smart tool gives you professional results from the comfort of your home. Want a sharp, polished look without the stress or high cost? Headshot Photo is your go-to tool.
FAQs
1. Should men smile in professional headshots?
Yes, a natural smile helps you look friendly and confident. It’s best to avoid big fake smiles. Just look relaxed and approachable.
2. What makes a bad headshot?
A bad headshot has poor lighting, a messy background, or awkward posing. Wearing wrinkled clothes or looking too serious or fake can also make the photo look unprofessional.
3. How do I make my headshot look professional?
Wear clean, fitted clothes, use soft lighting, and choose a simple background. Sit or stand tall, relax your face, and make sure the photo is clear and well-edited.
