Professional Headshot Examples: What Great Headshots Look Like

Knowing what a professional headshot should look like is the first step to getting one that actually works. Profiles with a professional photo receive 21x more views on LinkedIn and 80% of recruiters say a candidate's headshot helps them evaluate the person before an interview.

This guide breaks down what separates an effective professional headshot from an average photo, with examples you can use as reference for your own shoot. For a broader overview including acting and model shots, see our complete headshot examples guide.

What makes a headshot “professional”?

A professional headshot is not just a photo where you happen to be wearing a suit. It is a deliberately composed image optimized for trust and credibility. The best professional headshots share these qualities:

• Sharp eye contact. Both eyes are in focus and looking directly at the viewer, creating an immediate connection.
• Flattering light. Soft, diffused lighting that sculpts the face without creating harsh shadows under the nose or chin. Read our lighting setup guide for more detail.
• Appropriate crop. Typically from mid-chest or shoulders up. The face takes up about 60% of the frame. Too much space above the head looks amateur.
• Clean background. White, light grey, or a gently blurred environment. Nothing that competes with your face.
• Genuine expression. A natural smile or calm confidence. Forced smiles are instantly recognizable and erode trust.

Professional headshot examples for men

The classic executive

Dark suit, white shirt, neutral background. Shoulders square to the camera with a slight forward lean. Expression is confident but warm, with a hint of a smile. This is the gold standard for corporate and finance professionals.

The approachable leader

Sport coat with no tie, open collar. Body angled slightly to one side with the chin forward and tilted down just a touch. A genuine full smile. This works for consultants, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders who want to look capable but accessible.

The smart-casual tech look

A well-fitted crew neck or button-down without a jacket. Clean background, perhaps with a soft color. Expression is relaxed, friendly, and direct. Common for SaaS founders, developers, and product managers.

Professional headshot examples for women

The polished corporate look

Tailored blazer in a deep jewel tone over a simple blouse. Hair styled neatly (not covering the face). Subtle makeup that enhances without distracting. Expression is confident and warm. This style dominates LinkedIn profiles in legal, finance, and consulting.

The creative professional

A bold color or interesting neckline. Perhaps a statement necklace or distinctive earrings. The background might have more character, like a textured wall or natural setting. The expression shows personality and energy.

The warm entrepreneur

Less formal than corporate but still polished. A cashmere sweater, a structured dress, or a blazer with a casual top underneath. The key is looking both professional and relatable. More tips in our headshot outfits for women guide.

Common mistakes in professional headshots

• Outdated photos. If your headshot is more than two to three years old, or your appearance has changed significantly, it is time for a new one.
• Too much retouching. Light skin smoothing is fine, but removing all texture makes you look artificial. People should recognize you in person.
• Cropping from a group photo. The resolution drops, the background is messy, and the lighting is wrong. Always use a dedicated headshot.
• Selfie distortion. Phone cameras at arm's length distort facial proportions (bigger nose, smaller ears). Use portrait mode at minimum or, better yet, a proper setup.
• Distracting background. A messy room, a busy street, or a bathroom mirror behind you undermine even a great expression.

How to get professional headshots in 2026

The average cost of a professional headshot session in the US is $250, with premium sessions running $500+. For many professionals, AI headshot generators offer a faster and more affordable alternative.

With AiProPortrait, you upload a few selfies and receive 40+ studio-quality professional headshots in under an hour. The AI handles lighting, background, and outfit variations, so you get multiple looks without leaving your desk. Plans start at $19.