A headshot is a professional portrait that focuses on a person’s face and shoulders, used to represent them in a business or professional context. You see them on LinkedIn profiles, company team pages, speaker bios, real estate listings, and acting submissions. The goal is simple: a clear, flattering, on-brand image of you that makes the right first impression before you ever say a word.
What makes a photo a headshot
A headshot is tightly framed on the face and shoulders, with the subject usually looking toward the camera. The background is clean and uncluttered, the lighting is even and flattering, and the focus stays on the eyes. That framing separates a headshot from a full portrait, which includes more of the body and setting, and from a casual selfie, which rarely controls light, background, or framing well enough for professional use.
Where headshots are used
- LinkedIn and professional profiles: the first thing a connection or recruiter sees
- Company team and About pages: consistent portraits that make a business look established
- Speaker and author bios: conferences, books, and press features
- Real estate and sales: agents who put a face to their brand
- Acting and modeling: industry-standard submissions
Types of headshots
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Corporate | Executives, teams, LinkedIn, company sites |
| Personal branding | Founders, coaches, consultants, creators |
| Actor / model | Casting and agency submissions |
| Real estate | Agents and brokers marketing themselves |
What makes a good headshot
- Sharp focus on the eyes, which is where a viewer connects
- Flattering, even lighting that suits your face and avoids harsh shadows
- A clean background that keeps attention on you
- A natural, genuine expression that matches your role and brand
- Wardrobe that fits the context, from formal corporate to relaxed personal branding
How to prepare for a headshot session
Bring two or three wardrobe options in solid colors, get a good night of sleep, and come with grooming the way you want it to look in the final image. Tell your photographer where the headshot will be used so the framing, background, and tone match. A quick conversation about your role and brand does more for the result than any single pose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a headshot and a portrait?
A headshot is tightly framed on the face and shoulders for professional use, with a clean background and even lighting. A portrait is broader, often including more of the body and a setting, and tends to be more artistic or personal.
What should I wear for a headshot?
Wear solid colors that suit your role, and bring two or three options. Avoid busy patterns and logos that pull attention from your face. Match the formality to where the image will be used.
How long does a headshot session take?
Most individual sessions run 20 to 45 minutes. On-site corporate sessions move quickly per person, so a full team can be photographed in a few hours with a mobile studio setup.
Can a whole team get headshots at once?
Yes. A photographer can set up a mobile studio at your office and photograph the entire team in one visit, which keeps the look consistent and the scheduling simple.
Get headshots that make the right impression
A strong headshot works for you everywhere your name appears. Whether you need a single professional portrait or consistent headshots for your whole South Florida team, get in touch and we will plan a session built for where your images will be used.