Headshots are focused vertical-format images that are cropped close to reveal a person’s head and shoulders. They are different from portrait photography, which is more artistic and focuses on storytelling. Headshots, on the other hand, are mostly used for professional purposes including casting, LinkedIn Profiles, to display members or employees of a team or company, etc.  Considering their purpose, headshots create first impressions. They are what a casting director or a recruitment manager sees before meeting you.

This is why it’s important to get them right. In order to do so, you must first recognize the type of headshot you need.

Types of Headshots

There are two main kinds of headshots, namely acting headshots, and corporate headshots. Acting headshots include commercial, comedic, and dramatic headshots, while corporate headshots include speaker, team, and standard headshots.

Commercial headshots usually include a toothy, but relaxed smile and friendly, approachable body language. These kinds of headshots are used for advertisements, cheery characters, stage actors, and general commercial use.

Comedic headshots are well-lit and full of life. They don’t need to be funny-looking, but liveliness and quirkiness is always welcome. These kinds of headshots are the brightest of all the types and don’t include any shadows.

Dramatic headshots play with shadows and light and usually incorporate a serious, intense expression. Actors commonly go for this type of headshot and play around with lighting to add moodiness. This does not mean that you should scare the casting director!

Speaker Headshots include the upper half of the body instead of cutting off at the chest. These are used by public, keynote, and motivational speakers, spokespersons and media people. These headshots are friendly and confident.

Team headshots are for groups of employees, usually taken by a photographer hired by the company. The photos share similar features like a consistent background and lighting. They are used to portray the members of a team or the executives working in the company.

Standard corporate headshots are just that, standard. They display some aspects of your work in your natural environment and are used for various purposes such as resumes/CVs or social media profiles where you display your work and employment history, etc.

The type of headshot you choose depends on the goals you wish to achieve. Here are some don’ts of a professional headshot:

1)     DON’T take your headshot with your phone’s camera. Spend some bucks and book an appointment with a professional photographer. It will be worth it.

2)     DON’T wear distracting clothing with busy patterns and overly bright colors. The focus should be on you. Wear simple, solid colors that draw the attention to your face and compliment you.

3)     DON’T airbrush your pictures. You should look like yourself in your headshots. Who you are. No need to brush away wrinkles.

4)     DON’T wear too much makeup. Some mascara, light foundation, and a lip balm should be enough. Don’t go overboard.

5)     DON’T seem desperate! Be professional and don’t go overboard with props. Just look like you normally do on a good day.