Six headshot poses that don’t look awkward
Greg Mulvey. Published , last updated .
A good headshot is more than a sharp lens and a soft light. Most of it is posture, expression, and what you do with your hands. Nobody is born knowing how to stand in front of a camera, and nobody needs to be, because directing you is my job. Still, it helps to know what we’re going for. These are the six poses I use most, who each one suits, and a few things that make all of them easier.
1. The classic straight-on shot
Best for: business headshots, LinkedIn, team pages.
Square to the camera, shoulders back, chin slightly down, a relaxed closed-mouth smile. It reads as direct and confident, and it’s the one that matches across a team.
2. The slight angle pose
Best for: personal brands, creative fields, authors, speakers.
Turn your body 10 to 20 degrees and bring your face back to the camera. It adds dimension, softens the shoulders, and keeps the authority.
Tip: I’ll move your shoulder and chin a half-inch at a time until it’s right. You hold still and let me fuss.
3. The over-the-shoulder look
Best for: actors, models, lifestyle brands.
Turn your back slightly to the camera and look back over your shoulder. Less formal, more personality, good for portfolios and creative work.
Tip: keep it light. Don’t strain your neck.
4. The seated confidence pose
Best for: entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants.
A chair, turned slightly, one elbow on the knee or armrest. Spine straight, shoulders loose. Don’t cross your arms hard over your chest; it reads closed. A lot of people relax the moment they sit down, and that’s the point.
5. The laughing or mid-smile pose
Best for: lifestyle headshots, personal brands, team bios.
These happen between the posed photos. I say something, you laugh, and I’m already shooting. They’re often the one people pick, because they look like the person their clients know.
6. Hands-in-frame shots
Best for: artists, makers, speakers, business owners.
Arms crossed loosely, a hand under the chin, glasses in hand. Hands turn a headshot into a portrait, and they give you something to do.
Bonus tips for natural-looking headshots
- Relax your jaw. Let your tongue rest on the roof of your mouth; it defines the jawline.
- Don’t force the smile. Think of something that is actually funny.
- Blink reset: close your eyes for a second and open them gently before the photo.
- Dress simply: solid colors, no busy patterns, no pure white unless it’s layered.
- Let me direct. That’s the whole reason it isn’t stressful.
Where I make headshots
Nearly all of them at the client’s office or on location: Naperville first, then Downers Grove, Wheaton, Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, and the towns between. On a backdrop I bring, or in real light.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for a headshot session?
Solid colors, mid-tones, no busy patterns, and something you feel good in.
How long does a headshot session take?
Fifteen to thirty minutes on a backdrop for one person; on location takes longer, and more than one outfit adds time either way. Teams run on fifteen-minute slots.
Can headshots be taken outdoors in Naperville?
Yes. Most headshots I make are at the client’s office or on location around Naperville, on a backdrop I bring or in real light.
Final thoughts
Posing doesn’t have to feel awkward. A little preparation and someone directing you is all it takes. If you need a headshot, tell me how many people and where, and I’ll send a quote.
See more: Headshot photography