What Are Business Headshots?
What Are Business Headshots?
© Alan Rowlette
Business headshots are a type of business portrait photo typically used for company websites, business cards, press releases, presentations, and LinkedIn profiles.
Functionally speaking, business headshots are very similar to general professional headshots in attire, backgrounds, and overall feel.
But, as opposed to general professional headshots, business headshots are slightly more focused on conveying the idea that you’re “good to do business with” – which can mean your photographer will make minor changes/suggestions toward that goal during your shoot.
But, business headshots don’t necessarily need to be the “corporate” in look. Plenty of startup professionals or small business owners can benefit from a professional, yet more casual, headshot for their careers and businesses.
A great business headshot should focus on showing your professionalism, friendliness, and competence to the outside world.
Are Business Headshots Important?
Have you ever met someone that you instantly either liked, or disliked?
Maybe you knew why you felt that way about them, or perhaps you didn’t, but most people are prone to generating “first impressions” of other people in just 1/10th of a single second. These first impressions can have dramatic impact on who they hire, buy from, and otherwise listen to.
These days, most first impressions start online.
Hiring managers use LinkedIn to screen applicants. Potential clients use LinkedIn to research vendors. Investors use the company About Us page to learn about company executives.
A great business headshot is critical for making a good first impression with these people – and so can have a major impact on your career or company.
What Do I Wear for Business Headshots?
It depends on your personality, industry and where the photos will be placed!
For more conservative industries like law and finance, we recommend the standard suit-and-tie, or female equivalent.
Otherwise, the best rule-of-thumb is to take a look around LinkedIn to see how peers and senior executives in your industry are dressed. Make sure to pay closer attention to people who are successful vs whomever is in your immediate network.
Remember, dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
How Do I Pose for Business Headshots?
No need to go crazy on your poses for business headshots. In our sessions, we tend to focus on minimalist poses. I’ve seen other photographers force clients into some truly bizarre poses. But, we avoid this practice like the plague.
At the beginning of your session, you should warm up with simple and straightforward poses. Simply stand there and smile.
Later, we will work toward some arms-crossed headshots and perhaps a couple candids.
What Backdrops are Best for Business Headshots?
For more conservative industries like law and finance, we recommend neutral backdrops based in white, grey or black. With those colours, we can get really crisp shots that convey reliability and consistency.
If you work in creative industries, non-profits, or tech, you have a lot more scope to try different types of shots, try an outdoor/in-office session.
If you’re a senior executive, entrepreneur or thought-leader, you should probably have several photos of yourself that you can use across platforms. Ideally, you would have a couple outdoor or office photos to supplement your studio headshots.
How Should I Prepare for Business Headshots?
There are three keys to preparing for your headshot ahead of time.
First, if possible, try to get some sleep, exercise, and sunshine in the weeks before your session. Our editing team airbrushes your selected photos before delivering them to you, but your preparation will help ensure that the photos look as natural as possible.
Second, make sure to briefly wear your desired clothing a couple days before your session. You want to make sure that your outfits still fits properly and doesn’t need dry cleaning.
Third, take a look at some prior photos of yourself and see if there are any that you particularly like. When you arrive at the studio, show those photos to your photographer, and that will help us find an angle that you find flattering.
What If I’m Not Photogenic or Hate Getting My Photo Taken?
That’s grand, so do I!! In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s why I became a photographer!!
Most portrait photographers are unfortunately guilty of creating a cringe-y environment for their clients. They force you into awkward poses and don’t truly understand what clients are looking for from their session. Either that, or they rush you through the session.
There are also many photographers who refuse to specialise in one form of photography, so they’re frankly not very skilled at any specific type of session.
I strive to create a fun and stress-free environment for every client.
Alan Rowlette is a Dublin-based corporate, PR, event, conference and commercial photographer. Alan's corporate photographic practice specialises in corporate headshots, corporate events, meetings, launches and conference photography.
Alan's commercial photography focuses on food, restaurant, people, fitness, product and property photography.
As with all of our work we shoot in a contemporary and dynamic reportage style.
To make and enquiry, or to view more of our work please go to
Alan’s background is firmly rooted in photojournalism and documentary photography and this shines through in his work. Alan specialises in bringing events, brands and businesses to life with his fresh and dynamic reportage approach. Alan's client list includes Google, Meta, Salesforce, Hubspot, TikTok, Diageo, The Royal Convention Centre Dublin, Aviva Stadium, The Convention Centre Dublin, Croke Park, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland, Bord Bia, Failte Ireland, The Happy Pear, Lidl, Bord Gais, Gala Foods and Wicklow Wolf Brewing.
Alan is a member of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, The Dublin Convention Bureau, Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers and SITE Global.
You can view more of Alan Rowlette’s work here:
Dublin Industrial Photography
Dublin Award Photography
Dublin Brand Storytelling Photography
© Alan Rowlette
