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Professional headshots

Thinking About a New Professional Headshot? 10 Things to Know

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2 minute read
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Professional headshots
Professional portrait of a man with glasses in a navy button-down

Maybe your headshot is more than five years old. Maybe you have just started a new job, or your own business is taking off. Either way, it may be time for a fresh headshot. Before you search for the nearest photo studio or photographer, here is how to make sure your LinkedIn profile photo or business portrait makes a strong first impression.

1. Don’t rush it

Your photo should show you at your best. Squeezing a shoot between meetings or right before the school run is a bad idea, because stress shows. Pick a calm day, perhaps a weekend or after work. Even for a quick 15–30 minute session, being relaxed is the key to great photos.

2. Dress the part

Your headshot outfit should match the way you present yourself at work. Avoid loud patterns and very bright colors. You want people to notice your eyes, not your outfit. For more on choosing clothes, read Make Your Wardrobe Work for You, Not Against You.

3. Beat photo jitters

Does a headshot session sound about as much fun as a dentist appointment? Look for an experienced photographer with a friendly manner and good reviews. They will help you relax. Let go of past bad photos and allow yourself to enjoy it. There are more tips in How to Beat Photo Jitters.

4. Considering makeup?

Professional makeup can make a real difference. It adds polish, and it gives you a few calm minutes before your shoot. Men, don’t rule out makeup either; it is simply about looking your best.

5. To smile or not?

Your headshot should show a warm, confident, and genuine you. A good expression is not only a smile with your mouth. Let your eyes do the talking by thinking of something that makes you happy.

6. Posing matters

Your pose makes a big difference. Let your photographer guide you: a slight tilt or lean can change your whole look. Remember, the focus stays on your eyes.

7. Sit or stand?

This depends on what works for you. Using a chair for some poses can give your photos a more natural feel.

8. Indoors or outdoors?

Choose based on the image you want to project: indoors for a traditional corporate look, or outdoors for something more casual and relaxed.

9. Yes to retouching

Light retouching can turn a good photo into a great one. The key is subtlety.

10. What does it cost?

Prices vary with location and competition. What matters is the right balance between quality and value. Steve lists his headshot session prices openly.

That’s it. Ready to update your headshot? It is all about presenting the best version of you. Steve photographs professional headshots in Asheville, and you can book a headshot session online.

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Send a note with what you need the portraits for. Steve can recommend the right session type and help plan the best visual direction.

Prefer a specific time? Use the booking calendar on the Book page. You can also send this note and Steve will reply at hello@headshots1.com.

Three answers are required: name, email, and what the portraits need to do. There is no time limit, and nothing is sent until you check your answers on the next step and press Send inquiry.

The name Steve should use when he replies.

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Say where the images will be used, when you need them, and the impression you want to make. Example: “Team of 12 on-site in Asheville, consistent LinkedIn headshots by March.”