Five Tricks for Headshots You Actually Like

Your Phone Is Your Camera: Set It Up Right

Forget the fancy gear for a minute. Your phone is a powerhouse, but you're probably using it like a point-and-shoot tourist. The first mistake? Holding it in your hand. Your hands shake. It's a fact. Grab a cheap tripod and a phone mount—you can get both for under $30. This single change gives you stability and frees your hands to fix your hair or adjust your collar.

Next, open your camera settings. Turn on the grid lines. Those two horizontal and two vertical lines are your new best friends; they help you keep your eyes level and your head centered. Now, clean your lens. I’ve seen more soft, blurry headshots ruined by a greasy fingerprint smudge than by bad lighting. Use your shirt. Do it now.

Finally, use the timer or, even better, a voice command. Saying “capture” or “shoot” lets you be in the moment instead of frantically tapping the screen. Set it for a 3- or 10-second delay. This setup takes five minutes and makes you look like you hired a pro.

Find the Light, Don't Let It Find You

Bad office lighting is the enemy. It casts shadows under your eyes that make you look exhausted, even if you just had three coffees. You must hunt for good light. The best source is free: a large window. But don't stand directly in front of it at noon. You'll squint.

Instead, stand about three feet away, facing the window, so the light washes evenly over your face. Do this in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is softer. If you only have overhead lights, they are a disaster. See that unflattering shadow under your nose? That's what we avoid. Turn off all ceiling lights and use that window. No window? A plain white poster board propped on a table across from your light source can bounce a little fill light back onto your face and soften those harsh lines.

Your phone screen can be a great test. Turn on the front-facing camera and watch how the shadows change on your face as you slowly turn. Stop when you see your eyes bright and clear, with no dark circles.

The 15-Degree Trick for a Natural Angle

Looking straight into the lens can feel confrontational. It flattens your features. Instead, turn your entire body about 30 degrees away from the camera. Now, turn just your head back toward the lens. This creates a more dynamic, slimming line with your shoulders.

Here’s the magic number: tilt your chin down roughly 15 degrees. Not a lot. Imagine you’re nodding slightly to say “yes.” This simple angle defines your jawline and prevents the unflattering “up the nose” shot. If your phone is on a tripod, position the lens just slightly above your eye level. You should be looking very slightly up, not down.

I had a client who always took selfies from a high angle, which made her look like she had no neck. We used this 15-degree chin-down trick with the camera at eye level, and she said, “I finally look like myself.” It took 10 seconds to adjust.

Stop Saying 'Cheese' for the Camera

“Cheese” creates a fake, stretched smile that doesn’t reach your eyes. Your expression needs to come from a real thought. Think of something that genuinely amuses you—your dog’s silly habit, a funny line from a show you love. Don’t just think “be happy.” That’s too vague.

Try this: right before the timer goes off, exhale slowly through your mouth and let a very small, natural smile form as you finish the breath. This relaxes your entire face. Another trick is to think of the word “money” or “hey.” These words shape your mouth in a relaxed, neutral-positive way.

Your eyes are key. Look directly at the lens, but imagine you’re looking through it at a friend you’re thrilled to see. Practice in the mirror. See the difference between a dead-eyed stare and a look with a tiny spark of recognition? That spark is what gets you the job.

Review and Refine Before You Upload

Don’t just take three shots and call it a day. Take at least 50. I know that sounds like a lot, but you need options. Change small things between each burst of five: shift your weight, adjust your shirt, think of a different memory to alter your expression. Use your phone’s burst mode by holding down the shutter.

Now, review them all on a bigger screen if you can—a tablet or computer. Your phone screen is too small to see details. Zoom in on your eyes. Are they in sharp focus? Check for these common flaws:

• A stray hair stuck to your forehead or collar.
• A crooked necklace or wrinkled shirt collar.
• A sliver of bright background distracting from your face.

Compare two similar shots side-by-side. Often, the winner is the one where your shoulders are more relaxed or your smile is 5% warmer. Crop tightly. For a professional headshot, your eyes should be about one-third down from the top of the frame, with a little space above your head. This isn't a passport photo.

Great headshots aren't about perfect features; they're about controlled choices. You set the stage with your phone on a tripod, you command the light from a window, you choose a flattering angle, you prompt a real expression, and you edit with a ruthless eye for detail. Do these five things, and you'll have a photo you're not just willing to use—you'll be proud to.