{"id":81932,"date":"2023-01-06T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flytographedev.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/guide-to-having-professional-headshots\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T23:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T07:23:37","slug":"guide-to-having-professional-headshots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flyphotoprod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/guide-to-having-professional-headshots\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Guide to Professional Headshots in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How professional headshots have transformed<\/b><\/h2>\n

For decades, professional headshots were largely reserved for aspiring actors, professional athletes and image-conscious business people. <\/span>\ud83c\udfac <\/span><\/a> Now, you\u2019re not quite a contemporary citizen without at least one headshot, as the various uses for headshots are increasing \u2014 and increasingly required \u2014 in places well beyond LinkedIn. For example, many hiring companies request a business headshot or will check out your social media profile<\/a> to see how you present yourself. So if you\u2019re transitioning into a new career, turning the page on a new chapter, or are looking for new ways to tell your story \u2013 it\u2019s headshot time. <\/span><\/p>\n

The main takeaways: How you present yourself online is everything at the moment. Personalized, thumb-stopping photos are a compelling way to tell your story. Ana a headshot is your first impression in telling that story! In other words, everyone needs a headshot and deserves one that communicates personality and brings out who you are. \ud83e\udd29 <\/span><\/p>\n

Here at Flytographer<\/span><\/a>, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our professional photographers around the world to tell us all of their insider headshot tips.<\/p>\n

We want to answer the questions we hear people asking about how to get a modern headshot, namely:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. What makes a good professional headshot?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  2. How can I pose naturally and look my best?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. How does the type of industry I work in affect my headshot?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  4. What\u2019s the best online dating profile pic that stands out? <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  5. What are some graduation photo ideas?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    There\u2019s a lot to get into\u2026so let\u2019s dive into it!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Natalia in Barcelona for Flytographer.<\/a> <\/strong>Kathleen poses by sitting on a bench for her Modern Headshot photo shoot in Barcelona.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    What makes a good professional headshot? <\/b><\/h2>\n

    A good \u2014 no, great \u2014 professional headshot communicates your authentic personality while sowing seeds of trust with future clients, employers, colleagues, partners and\/or customers. It inspires confidence and curiosity. It helps you stand out from the first impression.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It might show you in your work context. It might reveal something about your lifestyle. It might even take a classic corporate look, but in a fresh and current way, with a meaningful and dynamic backdrop. It should never be boring pantsuits and gray school picture backgrounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Remember, whether we like it or not, these days your customers and collaborators often look at your profile photo on your email or Slack channel more than in real life. So the stakes are high. Professional photographers can help a lot. <\/span>\ud83d\ude07<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Fernanda in Cabo San Lucas for Flytographer.<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>Kritika captures memories in Cabo San Lucas with a modern headshot photoshoot.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    How to pose naturally and look my best<\/b><\/h2>\n

    The Modern Headshot is about YOU \u2014 your brand, your personality, your style<\/a>. It\u2019s about showing the world who you are. Gone are the days of cheesy or stiff portraits that say nothing about the person in the photo. The tried-and-true tenet of people doing business with those they like and trust starts with your personal brand identity, whether you are a professional, a student, an entrepreneur or a creative.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Part of what makes a pro photographer so helpful is that she or he can help put you at ease and find a natural and appealing way to position your body, head and hands. They\u2019ll also help navigate the fickle \u2014 and fundamental \u2014 element that is lighting. (Avoiding direct sunlight is just the beginning!) A high-quality professional headshot doesn\u2019t happen without it, whether that is accomplished using timing and natural light or professional lighting devices. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Here are some of our favourite posing ideas from our community:<\/p>\n

    Tuck hands in pockets<\/b><\/h3>\n

    This helps mellow many people out and conquer the \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do with my hands in photos!\u201d dilemma. Success with this pose may include adding a little swaying movement, pretending the camera isn\u2019t there and avoiding direct looks at the lens. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Claudia in Lisbon for Flytographer.<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>Meg captures memories in Lisbon with a modern headshot photoshoot.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Lean on a wall<\/b><\/h3>\n

    A little support goes a long way in making a shot look and feel more genuinely comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Izumi in Manchester for Flytographer.<\/a><\/strong> Aditi poses by leaning on a wall for her Modern Headshot photo shoot in Manchester.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Sit down<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Who knew? It really does work! A staircase or ledge may do the trick. If the shoot is indoors, a unique chair is a great way to go. Having one knee higher than the other and resting a hand on a knee also helps.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Luis in Cabo San Lucas for Flytographer<\/strong>.<\/span><\/a> Marcus poses for his Modern Headshot photo shoot in Cabo San Lucas.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Take a walk<\/b><\/h2>\n

    There\u2019s a reason it works in movies. (Cue the slow-mo!) The movement automatically humanizes its subject because the mind can focus on a super common activity rather than the uncommon occurrence of shooting professional photos with a portrait photographer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Natalie in Honolulu (photo taken in Prague).<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>Carol captures memories in Prague with a modern headshot photoshoot.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Bring a prop<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Something meaningful and relevant \u2014 a camera, a professional tool, a laptop, a notebook or some piece of professional or sporting equipment \u2014 helps the person relax as they turn their attention on the object while simultaneously relaying something to tell the story of what you do.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Elisenda in Washington for Flytographer.<\/strong><\/span><\/a> Keisha poses with a prop for her Modern Headshot photo shoot in Washington DC.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Look amazing in photos<\/h2>\n

    Get 50+ insider tips on how to prepare, what to wear, and easy posing ideas for your next photo shoot!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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