How To Take Corporate Headshots That Impress Clients

Master the art of professional headshot photography with proven techniques that deliver polished, credible results every time.

In the corporate world, your headshot is often the first time clients see your face, and it needs to make a great impression. A great headshot can set the stage for a successful meeting or even a long-term partnership by conveying competence and experience.

You know you and your team need high-quality headshots to land clients, but traditional photography can be time-consuming and hard on your wallet. Luckily, you don’t need a professional photographer to get impressive headshots.

With the right lighting, posing, and background, you can create beautiful DIY headshots that rival studio quality. To make things even easier, you can also use AI-powered solutions to get modern headshots in minutes. Here’s how to take corporate headshots that build trust and authority.

TL;DR: High-quality corporate headshots can help you build trust with clients. Consistent lighting, styling, and backgrounds create a professional look.

What are corporate headshots?

Corporate headshots are professional portraits used for a wide range of business purposes, including company websites, LinkedIn profiles, email signatures, and marketing materials.

Corporate headshots look more sophisticated and polished than a casual selfie. Here’s what makes corporate headshots different:

• Flattering lighting: Corporate headshots illuminate the face evenly with no harsh shadows.
• Intentional composition: A corporate headshot purposely focuses on the face and shoulders, without any distractions in the background.
• Polished appearance: Wearing business-appropriate attire with clean hair and makeup shows you take your work seriously.
• Consistent quality: All headshots in an organization have a uniform style, rather than using mismatched personal photos.

Viewers can form first impressions within seconds of seeing a face for the first time. Having a great corporate headshot helps make that first impression a positive one.

Investing in professional-looking headshots shows that you and your team pay attention to detail and quality. High-quality headshots also make your organization look credible and trustworthy.

Essential equipment for taking a headshot

You don’t need expensive gear to take a great photo. In fact, many successful corporate headshots use basic equipment. Here’s what you need to get a professional look on your own.

Camera or phone setup

Modern smartphones have advanced sensors and built-in photo editing features, and with the right technique, they produce professional-quality results. To do this, you’ll need an iPhone 11 or later, or any Android flagship model from the last five years or so.

Use these settings to take a good headshot with your smartphone:

• Portrait mode: This creates a natural background blur so your face pops.
• Timer function: Use a 10-second delay when taking your own headshots.
• Grid lines: A gridded interface will help you take a photo that’s straight and well-balanced, with no awkward angles.
• HDR off: On smartphones, the HDR mode can result in over-processed shots, so turn it off when you’re taking photos in good lighting.

If you have access to a DSLR or mirrorless camera setup, use it with a 50mm to 85mm focal length when taking headshots. This will give you clear, natural images with no distortion.

Tripod or stabilizer

To get a corporate-ready headshot, you need a way to keep the camera steady—that’s non-negotiable. But you don’t need to spend much money to do it: an affordable $20 to $50 tripod will get the job done right.

When setting up your tripod, keep the camera at eye level. Place the tripod on a stable surface like a table or chair if necessary, and tighten it to make sure there are no wobbles.

Simple lighting accessories

The easiest lighting option is completely free: try positioning yourself near a window for natural light. If natural light isn’t an option, you can use several budget-friendly lighting options for a soft, flattering glow. Keep these lighting tips in mind:

• Use a sheer curtain over your window to diffuse harsh sunlight.
• Place white foam board ($5-10) opposite the window and below your face to serve as a DIY reflector.
• If you don’t have a good window in your apartment or office, a ring light ($30-80) will help you get even lighting.
• If you want to take your DIY headshot session to the next level, try using LED panels ($50-100) to adjust the color and temperature of your lights.

Choosing the right background and lighting

The lighting and background you choose for your corporate headshot can change the way potential clients perceive you. A clean background keeps the focus on you, while good lighting conveys vitality and shows off your best features. With a little planning and creativity, you can get great lighting and backdrops on your own, without a professional headshot photographer.

Natural light strategies

If you’re using natural light, shoot one to two hours after sunrise or before sunset for a soft glow. You can also shoot on overcast days at any time for similar results. Position yourself at a 45-degree angle toward the window to add depth to your photo.

Try a few test shots and adjust your lighting setup as needed. If the light is too bright, move further away from the window, or use a sheer curtain or sheet to diffuse the light. If the light is too dark on the opposite side, use a white poster board as a reflector. If the shadows are too harsh, wait for golden hour to get softer light.

Artificial light setup

If you’re using an artificial light source, keep it simple by placing it at a 45-degree angle slightly above eye level. The exact positioning will depend on the strength of the light, but placing it three to four feet away usually creates soft, gentle shadows. You should also sit at least three feet away from the wall behind you to maintain depth of field.

If you have a second light source, place it on the opposite side as a reflector. This softens shadows and makes light look more even. The colors of both lights should match, so they’re either all warm or all cool tones.

Background and backdrop ideas

These background options will complement your face, rather than detract from it:

• Solid-color wall: White, grey, or muted blue tones are universally effective for headshot photos.
• Office environment: A blurred bookshelf or conference room creates a natural look that’s still professional. Use wide aperture camera settings to blur the background.
• Portable backdrop: If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, a portable fabric or paper backdrop in neutral tones will help you take a great headshot anywhere.
• Outdoor options: By shooting outdoors, you can take advantage of natural light and visually interesting backgrounds, like blurred greenery or sleek, neutral architecture.

No matter which background you choose, avoid busy patterns or bright colors that could take attention away from your face. If you’re shooting at home, make sure your space is clean and your personal items are put away for a professional look.

Wardrobe and grooming tips for great professional corporate headshots

A sophisticated wardrobe is one of the easiest ways to convey professionalism in your headshot, as many people will notice your outfit before they register your facial features. However, it’s important to choose clothes that still feel like you. You’ll get a more natural and authentic look when you feel confident in what you’re wearing.

Colors and patterns

The best clothing colors for corporate headshots are navy, charcoal grey, and jewel tones like emerald or sapphire. These shades are flattering and sophisticated without overwhelming your face. Soft pastels and muted earth tones also work well, especially if they complement your skin tone. These are good alternatives to bright white, which can make you look overexposed, or black, which can look harsh.

Additionally, avoid busy patterns or shiny fabrics that could distract from your facial features. Matte, solid colors keep the attention entirely on you.

Hair and makeup basics

When preparing for your photo shoot, keep your hair and makeup clean and neutral to make a great first impression. Less is more—a good headshot accentuates your features so you look like your best everyday self.

When styling your makeup, avoid brand-new styles that could look outdated in just a few years. Use matte powder to control shine and light concealer to hide blemishes, while enhancing your favorite features with neutral tones.

For hair, use a light amount of product to control flyaways, but don’t be afraid to embrace your natural texture. If you have facial hair, opt for a fresh shave or trim to keep things looking neat.

Since your hair and makeup can change throughout the day, get ready about 30 minutes before you’ll be in front of the camera.

Choosing accessories

Accessories are an easy way to add a little personality to your headshot, but they should enhance your look rather than detract from it. Here’s how to incorporate minimalist accessories into your look:

• Glasses: Clean your glasses thoroughly before your photo session, and tilt your glasses slightly down to prevent glare.
• Jewelry: Opt for small, classic pieces that align with your personal style and complement your skin tone. Avoid dangly earrings or bold necklaces that could take the viewer’s attention away from your face.
• Watches: If your watch will be in frame, remove it or position it in a way that won’t distract from your face.

Ensuring consistency for team or business headshots

Having mismatched team photos on your website could undermine your company’s professionalism and deter potential clients. Consistent types of headshots create a unified brand presence online—here’s how to achieve them.

For remote teams, it can be challenging to coordinate multiple photoshoots. An easier alternative is using AI-powered InstaHeadshots to create matching headshots in minutes.

Whether you’re having your team take their own headshots or use AI tools, give them guidelines to maintain consistency. Include a detailed lighting diagram, color codes or swatches for backgrounds, and a style guide with visual examples.

A better alternative for fast professional headshots

Creating DIY professional photos for your team requires a significant amount of time, skill, and coordination. AI headshot generation with InstaHeadshots helps you achieve the same results without the hassle.

With InstaHeadshots, you can upload casual photos directly from your phone. AI assesses your facial features and creates portraits based on your professional standards and preferences.

You’ll get over 100 studio-quality headshots in just 15 minutes, and you can choose from 10 different professional styles to suit your company or personal branding. The entire process is beginner-friendly and works with the photos you already have.

With InstaHeadshots, you get access to multiple backgrounds or looks without time-consuming reshoots; AI maintains the same style and lighting for your entire team. And InstaHeadshots creates authentic results that have received high resemblance scores in independent testing. Over 150,000 professionals at companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have already made the switch.

Elevate your professional image and unlock opportunities

Professional photos serve as first impressions for clients who find your company online. While you can create great DIY headshots, many modern professionals value the efficiency of using an AI tool. Instead of spending hours on lighting, posing, and styling, you can get superior headshots in minutes with InstaHeadshots.

Skip the complex photoshoots and get your corporate headshots in 15 minutes. 

Try InstaHeadshots today to join 150,000+ professionals elevating their professional image. Get your AI-generated headshots now!

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best time of day to take professional headshots outdoors?

Schedule outdoor photoshoots for headshots during golden hour, the period immediately after sunrise or just before sunset when natural light is most flattering. You’ll get warm light with soft shadows that don’t overpower your facial features. Overcast days also work well for outdoor photography, as the clouds work as a natural diffuser for even, flattering light.

How many headshots should I take to get one good photo?

For DIY photoshoots, plan to take at least 50 headshots, changing your angles and facial expressions between each one. Professional photographers often take anywhere from 100 to 200 photos during a session to get three to five good options. The more photos you take, the more options you’ll have to choose from.

Can I use my laptop camera for professional headshots?

Laptop cameras don’t have the resolution and control necessary for professional headshots, but don’t worry—you don’t have to go out and buy a professional camera. Instead, you can use your smartphone camera. Modern smartphones have the high-quality sensors, portrait mode, and editing tools you need to take a professional headshot. Position your phone on a tripod at eye level for stability and a flattering angle, rather than looking down at a laptop screen.

How often should corporate headshots be updated?

Update your corporate headshot every two to three years to keep things looking fresh. You may need to take new headshots more frequently if you have a change in your appearance, such as a new hairstyle or glasses. Keeping your headshot updated helps you maintain trust with clients who expect you to look like your photo.

What if my team works in different locations?

Even if your team works from different locations, aligning your headshots will give your website a cohesive feel. One option is to create a detailed style guide for your remote team outlining the lighting setups, camera angles, and background colors you want them to use. You can also use AI headshot services like InstaHeadshots to create high-quality, consistent headshots, with no need to coordinate photo shoots remotely.