How to Get a Headshot That Looks Like You, Only Better

Set Up Your Shot Like a Pro Photographer

Forget the bathroom selfie mirror. The single biggest mistake I see is bad light. You need a large, soft light source. A window on a cloudy day is perfect. Stand facing it, about three feet away. See how the shadows under your eyes and chin soften? That’s the goal. If the sun is direct, pull a white sheet over the curtain rod to diffuse it.

Your background must be simple. A plain wall works, but watch for texture. That trendy exposed brick in your apartment? It’ll date your photo and distract everyone. A smooth, neutral-colored wall—cream, grey, soft blue—is a safer bet. If you’re using a phone, make sure the background is at least six feet behind you to get that nice, soft blur naturally.

Camera height is non-negotiable. The lens should be level with your nose. Too high and you’ll look like a child; too low and you’ll get a double chin. Prop your phone on a stack of books. For a photographer, say, “Let’s keep the camera at my eye level.” This one adjustment fixes 80% of awkward angles.

The One Expression That Works Every Time

You don’t need to grin. A genuine, relaxed smile starts in the eyes, not the mouth. Think of a specific person you’re genuinely happy to see walking toward you. Your best friend. Your dog. That feeling, just before the big smile breaks, is the sweet spot. Your eyes will crinkle slightly and your whole face will soften.

Practice in a mirror. Say the word “hey” out loud. Notice how your face naturally animates? That’s more real than holding a stiff, photo-ready smile. During the shoot, I often have clients tell me a quick, funny story about their pet or a recent win. We capture the reaction, not the pose.

Avoid the “photo face.” You know the one—lips pressed together, eyes wide, everything tense. It reads as nervous or insincere. Instead, let your lips part slightly. Take a gentle breath in through your nose and exhale slowly just as the shutter clicks. This relaxes your jaw and shoulders instantly.

Why Your Phone's Portrait Mode Is a Trap

Portrait mode tries to fake a shallow depth of field. It guesses what’s your hair and what’s the background. Often, it guesses wrong. I’ve seen it blur the tip of someone’s ear or create a weird, glowing halo around frizzy hair. The algorithm can make you look like a cut-out pasted onto a blurry background.

Stick to the standard photo mode. Get that clean, soft background by using distance, not software. Have your friend stand closer to you, not using zoom. The best headshots have a natural transition from sharp to soft. Portrait mode’s version is often jarring and artificial upon close inspection, especially on a LinkedIn profile picture viewed on a desktop monitor.

Phone sensors are small and struggle in lower light. Portrait mode makes this worse by cranking up digital processing, which adds noise and makes skin look like plastic. Better to use standard mode in great window light. You’ll get a cleaner, more professional file that won’t fall apart when you print it for a conference badge.

How to Give Feedback That Actually Helps

“I don’t like it” is useless feedback. “I don’t like it” leaves your photographer guessing. Be specific about what you want to change. Point to the screen and use clear, directional language. Here’s a script: “Can we make my shoulders look a bit narrower by adjusting the angle?” or “I think my smile looks forced in this one; can we try a more relaxed expression?”

Reference other photos you like, but bring them with you. Show your photographer a shot where you love your hair or your expression from a past event. Say, “I love how my eyes look here—can we aim for that energy?” This gives us a visual target, not an abstract feeling. It transforms the session from a mystery into a collaboration.

If you’re working with a pro, trust their expertise on technical points. You can say, “This feels a bit dark to me,” rather than, “Increase the exposure two stops.” A good photographer will know three ways to brighten the image while keeping the mood you hired them for. Your job is to communicate the feeling; their job is to execute it.

From Digital File to Real-World Use

You need the right file for the right job. That tiny, compressed JPEG from a text message will pixelate on a company website. Always ask for and save the high-resolution JPEG. For print, like a business card or brochure, you might need a TIFF or PDF. A common spec is a 300 DPI file at 8x10 inches. Ask your designer what they require before you send anything.

Crop for different platforms. LinkedIn looks best with a tight crop, from mid-chest up. A speaking event banner needs space around your head for text. Save three versions:

• A tight headshot for profiles (square or 4:5 ratio).
• A medium crop for general use (8x10 ratio).
• An uncropped version for future needs.

Color consistency is everything. The photo that looks warm and bright on your phone screen might print with a sickly green tint. Before you order 500 business cards, do a test print at a local pharmacy kiosk. Check it in daylight and under office lights. If the skin tone looks off, go back to your original file and adjust; don’t just accept the kiosk’s auto-correction.

A great headshot isn't a mask; it's a clear window. It’s the version of you that walks into a room confident and prepared. Start with soft light, find that genuine “hey” expression, and be your own best advocate during the process. The right photo will work for you for years, opening doors with a simple, honest glance.