Common Mistakes in Headshots & How to Avoid Them
Your headshot is often the first impression you make—whether on LinkedIn, your company website, or a personal brand portfolio. A great headshot builds trust, exudes confidence, and helps you stand out. However, many people unknowingly make common mistakes that can diminish the impact of their professional image.
As a professional photographer specializing in headshots and branding photography, I’ve seen it all! Let’s dive into the most common headshot mistakes and, most importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Wearing the Wrong Outfit
Your wardrobe choice plays a huge role in how professional, approachable, and confident you appear in your headshot.
Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Wearing busy patterns or distracting prints (unless that aligns with your brand)
❌ Choosing colors that blend into the background (unless that aligns with your brand)
❌ Overly casual attire (unless that aligns with your brand)
❌ Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothing
How to Fix It:
✅ Opt for solid colors that complement your skin tone
✅ Choose professional attire that reflects your industry and personal brand
✅ Keep accessories minimal to avoid distractions
✅ Ensure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and wrinkle-free
PRO TIP: When you schedule professional headshots in my studio, I will assist you with your outfits and will help you pick the ones that will make the most impact and fit your brand
2. Using an Outdated Headshot
If your current headshot is more than 3-5 years old, it’s time for an update! Using an old photo that no longer represents you can be misleading and unprofessional.
Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Using a headshot from a decade ago (especially if your appearance has changed)
❌ Cropping yourself out of a group photo
❌ Using a casual selfie instead of a professional shot
How to Fix It:
✅ Schedule a new headshot session every few years (or sooner if your look changes significantly)
✅ Invest in a professional photographer to capture a high-quality image that reflects your current brand
✅ Make sure your headshot aligns with your career goals and industry standards
3. Poor Lighting & Bad Backgrounds
Lighting and background can make or break a headshot. A poorly lit image can make you look tired, while a cluttered background can be distracting.
Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Harsh shadows or overexposed lighting
❌ Distracting, messy, or busy backgrounds
❌ Unflattering indoor lighting (fluorescent lights can cast strange hues)
How to Fix It:
✅ Choose natural or soft studio lighting to enhance your features
✅ Opt for clean, neutral backgrounds (white, gray, or blurred environments work well)
✅ Work with a professional photographer who understands lighting and composition
PRO TIP: When you schedule professional headshots in my studio, you don’t need to worry about this part.
4. The Wrong Facial Expression
Your headshot should make you look approachable, confident, and professional—but striking the right balance isn’t always easy.
Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ A forced or overly stiff smile
❌ Looking too serious or intimidating
❌ A blank expression that lacks energy
How to Fix It:
✅ Relax your face and take deep breaths before the shoot
✅ Think of something that makes you genuinely happy for a natural smile
✅ Work with a photographer who can guide you into the perfect expression
PRO TIP: When you schedule professional headshots in my studio, you don’t need to worry about this part.
5. Bad Posture & Awkward Posing
Your posture in a headshot communicates confidence and professionalism. Slouching or stiff shoulders can send the wrong message.
Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Slouching or hunching your shoulders
❌ Holding tension in your jaw or neck
❌ Overly dramatic or unnatural posing
How to Fix It:
✅ Keep your shoulders relaxed but upright
✅ Angle slightly to the camera for a flattering look
✅ Use small head tilts and subtle angles to add personality
PRO TIP: When you schedule professional headshots in my studio, you don’t need to worry about this part.
6. Over-Editing or Too Much Retouching
While some retouching is great for removing blemishes and refining details, excessive editing can make your headshot look unnatural.
Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Over-smoothing skin to an unrealistic level
❌ Altering facial features to the point of looking unrecognizable
❌ Heavy filters that look overly processed
How to Fix It:
✅ Choose a professional photographer who provides natural, polished retouching
✅ Request subtle edits that enhance without drastically changing your look
✅ Keep your headshot true to who you are!
PRO TIP: When you schedule professional headshots in my studio, you don’t need to worry about this part.
7. Not Considering Your Personal Brand
Your headshot should align with your career, industry, and personal brand. A lawyer’s headshot will look very different from an artist’s or a real estate agent’s.
Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Using the same style of headshot as everyone else
❌ Not considering your industry and career goals
❌ Choosing a generic photo that doesn’t reflect your personality
How to Fix It:
✅ Consider the message you want your headshot to convey
✅ Choose attire, lighting, and posing that align with your brand identity
✅ Work with a branding photographer who understands how to tailor your session
PRO TIP: When you schedule professional headshots in my studio, one of the first question I ask is what you do and how are you planning to use your headshot. Knowing those answers, I can guide you and provide you with aligned options for your new headshots
Your headshot is a key part of your personal and professional brand. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure you present yourself in the best possible light—whether on LinkedIn, your website, or a speaking engagement.
Need a professional headshot that helps you stand out and make a lasting impression? Let’s create a headshot that truly represents you!
