Best Headshot Poses: 15 Flattering Poses for Any Profession

The right pose can transform a forgettable photo into a powerful first impression. Whether you are shooting for LinkedIn, a company website, or an acting portfolio, these 15 poses are proven to look flattering on camera. For women-specific guidance, check out our headshot poses for women guide.

1. The slight body angle

Never face the camera completely square-on. Turn your body about 20 to 45 degrees to one side while keeping your face toward the lens. This slim your torso, adds dimension, and creates a more dynamic composition than a flat, passport-style shot.

2. The confident straight-on

Facing the camera directly with squared shoulders projects authority and strength. This is popular among executives, lawyers, and leaders. The key is to keep the expression warm: pair the strong posture with a slight smile or relaxed brow so you look confident without appearing intimidating.

3. The three-quarter angle

The three-quarter pose is the most universally flattering angle for headshots. Turn your body about 45 degrees, with one shoulder closer to the camera. This creates depth, slims the face, and lets you show a bit of your shoulder line without looking overly posed.

4. Chin forward and slightly down

One of the most impactful micro-adjustments. Push your chin forward and tilt it slightly downward. This defines your jawline, eliminates any double-chin effect, and makes your eyes look more engaged. It feels unnatural at first, but on camera it looks perfectly natural.

5. The subtle lean-in

Lean your upper body slightly toward the camera. This conveys engagement and approachability. It works especially well for roles in sales, consulting, and client-facing positions where you want to project warmth.

6. Drop the leading shoulder

Lower the shoulder closest to the camera by a few inches. This subtle adjustment creates a natural diagonal line from your shoulder to your head, adding visual interest and making the pose feel relaxed rather than stiff.

7. A gentle head tilt

A slight tilt of the head (just a few degrees) softens the overall look and adds personality. Tilting toward the lower shoulder tends to look more approachable, while tilting toward the higher shoulder conveys more authority. Use sparingly: too much tilt looks unnatural.

8. Arms crossed (done right)

Crossing your arms can look either powerful or defensive depending on execution. Keep your arms loosely crossed, shoulders relaxed, and pair it with a genuine smile. This works well for three-quarter and full-body professional headshots where more of the body is visible.

9. One hand near the chin

Resting your hand lightly near your chin or along your jawline adds a creative, thoughtful element. This works best for creative professionals, authors, and speakers. Keep it relaxed and avoid pressing your hand against your face, which can distort your features.

10. The seated pose

Sitting on a stool or the edge of a chair creates a more casual, approachable vibe. Lean slightly forward, keep your spine straight, and rest your forearms on your thighs. This is popular for entrepreneurial and startup headshots where the energy is more informal.

11. The slight look-away

Instead of looking directly at the camera, shift your gaze just slightly off-center. This creates a candid, editorial feel and works well for acting headshots and creative professionals. Keep your face mostly toward the camera so the viewer still connects with your expression.

12. The power stance

For full-body or three-quarter shots, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight on your back foot. Keep your hands naturally at your sides or one in a pocket. This communicates confidence, authority, and forward momentum, which is favored by leaders and entrepreneurs.

13. The over-the-shoulder glance

Turn your body mostly away from the camera and look back over your shoulder. This creates dramatic tension and works well for theatrical headshots or editorial-style portraits. It shows range and personality beyond the standard front-facing shot.

14. The half-profile

Turning to show about two-thirds of your face highlights your jawline and facial structure. This is a strong option for model headshots and creative portraits. Make sure your near eye is still clearly visible to maintain connection with the viewer.

15. The candid capture

Some of the best headshots happen between posed shots, when you are laughing, adjusting your collar, or mid-conversation. These candid moments feel authentic and human. If you are working with a photographer, tell them to keep shooting during the “breaks” too.

Quick posing tips for better headshots

• Relax your shoulders. Tension in the shoulders is the most common problem in headshots. Take a deep breath, let them drop.
• Keep a gap between your arms and torso. Pressing your arms against your body makes you look wider.
• Think about someone you like. The warmest expressions come from genuine thoughts, not forced smiles.
• Practice in a mirror. Find your best angle before the shoot so you feel confident directing yourself. More tips in our headshot tips guide.

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