10 Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Headshots

In today's business environment, networking has become more important than ever. Currently, most networking happens online. In fact, the business networking giant, LinkedIn, now boasts more than 690 million professionals looking to connect.

Your website or profile is your opportunity to make a good first impression. Landing a new job or contract can depend on catching the eye of a recruiter or client with your LinkedIn profile. The ability to optimize your reputation through LinkedIn, lnstagram, and other social media depends on having a polished professional on line image. For this reason, it is more important than ever to have professional headshots for LinkedIn as well as other social media.

If you're wondering whether to engage a professional headshot photographer for new website or LinkedIn photos, make sure you understand these questions and answers before deciding.

1. Can I Use a Selfie as a Headshot?

It is possible to use a selfie as a headshot, but the real answer is that you probably should not.

You could choose to cut your own hair, but normally, especially for a special occasion, you would go to a salon and work with an expert hairstylist. Headshots are a "special occasion" photo. This is an instance when you really want to shine. That is why it is recommended that for the best result, you work with a professional photographer to shoot your headshots.

2. Are Professional Headshots Worth It?

Making the investment in professional headshots will put you in the best light. That isn't just the best light figuratively, but also literally. When you book a session with a photographer, you are not only getting access to their expertise, but also the expensive equipment needed to get the best shots. Professional photographers understand the small adjustments needed to capture the right images for your industry.

Think about the last time you looked for someone new to work with. Did you look at their profile picture? Did you form an opinion based on their headshot? The answer to these questions is usually, yes.

3. What Makes a Good Professional Headshot?

A great headshot should be technically good - high resolution, good lighting, and background. In addition to being technically sound, a good professional headshot should achieve the goal of capturing your image genuinely and naturally. Like a well-written email, It should send the right message to your audience.

4. How Much Do You Charge for a Headshot?

The cost of a photo session ranges widely. There are many factors involved. To name only a few, the skill and experience of the photographer, the quality of the images, and the length of the session all play a part in determining the price.

5. How Much Should I Pay for Professional Headshots?

Professional photo equipment is expensive and, as with any skilled profession, professional photographers have invested time and effort into becoming experienced.

A good approach is to set a budget of what you can afford. Most photographers have an online gallery showcasing examples of their work so that you can determine whether their style fits with what you are trying to achieve . When you find a photographer that you would like to work with, contact them, and be upfront and honest about your budget.

Many photographers offer different levels of packages or can suggest a solution you may not have considered.

6. What Should I Wear for a Professional Headshot?

To answer this question you will want to ask yourself some other questions . What would I wear to a job interview or client meeting? What outfit portrays the impression I want potential clients to have? How will the camera pick up this color or pattern?

For a photoshoot, it is best to wear solid colors and stay away from too much pattern. Patterns can distract attention from your face. Keeping things simple will allow your genuine smile to be the focal point.

Another thing to avoid is bulky or loose clothing. Fitted clean lines will appear more polished on camera. The texture of your outfit should also be taken into consideration. For example, a small detail such as a shiny tie reflecting the light can detract attention from you.

7. Should You Smile in a Headshot?

A natural smile is one of the easiest ways to make yourself more attractive. Studies have shown that happy faces are seen as an invitation to communicate, making people that are smiling appear more approachable.

If you are employed in a serious profession, it may be appropriate to smile a little less broadly, to convey a more solid, knowledgeable appearance.

A professional photographer can advise you on both your body and facial expressions, ensuring that you are delivering the appropriate message for your profession or industry.

8. Should You Wear Make-up in a Headshot?

The short answer is yes, you should wear make-up in a headshot.

Keep in mind that any make-up you do apply will look more subdued in the final photo. That means that you may want to apply a bit more make up than usual while still keeping a natural look. If you've considered your make-up and still are unsure, a pre-session consult with your photographer may help you find the right balance.

Bringing some make-up along with you is recommended. Having powder or lipstick on hand for a quick touch-up can mean the difference between a good photo and a great one.

9. Should You Wear Jewelry in a Headshot?

There isn't a hard and fast rule regarding whether you choose to wear jewelry in a headshot or not. However, you really want the focus to be on you and not your jewelry.

Wearing jewelry can complicate the photo in ways you may not anticipate. For example, a necklace can sit awkwardly on a neckline or earrings can attract focus to your ears instead of your face. Trends in jewelry, clothing, and hair change over time. For a more timeless result, it is always best to stick to simple, natural, and classic looks.

10. What Color is Best to Wear for Headshots?

Solid colors such as darker neutrals and jewel tones generally work well in photos. It is best to stay away from patterns, but you may be able to pair a subtle pattern shirt with a solid blazer. Choosing a color that is too close to your skin tone may cause your face and clothing to blend in the photo.

If you've spent time thinking about your photo session look, and still aren't sure if your make-up, clothes, or accessories are going to work, a pre consult call with your photographer can set your mind at ease. While the advice given here is valuable, there are exceptions to every rule. The fact is, getting the advice of an experienced photographer is the easiest way to create an image that truly meets your individual goals.

Schedule Your Professional Headshot

To schedule your professional headshots in the Toronto area, contact Toronto headshot photographer, Stacy Naglie, at

Call 416 • 554 • 2510

With studio locations in downtown and throughout Toronto, we're sure to find a time and place convenient to your busy schedule.