Refreshing your LinkedIn profile, updating a company website, or preparing for a press release all have one thing in common: the need for a strong corporate headshot that supports your professional image.
A corporate headshot is often the first visual impression clients, colleagues, and stakeholders have of you or your business. How you pose plays a big role in communicating confidence, credibility, and approachability.
I create corporate headshots for businesses and professionals across the Midlands. This guide explains how to pose effectively, so you feel prepared and confident on the day of your session.
1. Stand (or Sit) Tall: Posture is Key
Good posture instantly communicates confidence and professionalism.
Sit or stand upright, gently rolling your shoulders back and lengthening through your spine. Imagine a string lifting the crown of your head upward. This helps avoid a slouched or disengaged look and gives you a clean, confident posture.
Strong posture is one of the simplest ways to make your headshot look polished for LinkedIn, company websites, and marketing materials.
2. Angle Your Body Slightly
Facing the camera straight on can feel rigid.
Instead, angle your body slightly away from the camera, around 30–45 degrees, then turn your head back towards the lens. This adds shape and dimension while keeping the image professional and approachable.
It’s a subtle adjustment, but it almost always looks more natural.
3. Keep Your Chin at the Right Height
Chin position makes a bigger difference than most people realise.
Aim to keep your chin level or very slightly lowered. Lifting the chin too high can feel overly posed, while dropping it too low can shorten the neck. A neutral position helps define the jawline and keeps your proportions balanced.
4. Use Your Eyes to Connect
Your eyes do a lot of the work in a corporate headshot.
Think about what you want the image to communicate — confidence, warmth, authority, approachability — and let that guide your expression. A calm gaze into the camera creates connection and trust.
Avoid opening your eyes too wide or squinting. A relaxed expression photographs best.
5. Don’t Force a Smile
A natural expression always works better than a forced one.
If a big smile doesn’t feel like “you”, a softer smile or neutral expression can still look confident and professional. I’ll guide you through small prompts during the session to bring out expressions that feel genuine.
6. Know What to Do With Your Hands
If your hands appear in the frame, keep them relaxed and intentional.
Resting hands lightly, keeping them by your sides, or using a simple, role-relevant prop can work well. Avoid clenched fists or fidgeting, which adds tension to your shoulders and face.
The goal is to keep everything calm and controlled.
7. Dress for the Role
Your outfit should reflect your role, industry, and the impression you want to give.
Solid colours tend to photograph best. Busy patterns, shiny fabrics, and large logos can distract. Make sure clothing fits well and is neatly pressed, as creases show up easily in high-resolution images.
If you’re unsure what to wear, I’m happy to advise before the shoot.
8. Trust My Direction
A corporate headshot session isn’t about you guessing what to do.
I’ll guide you through posture, angles, and expression step-by-step, adjusting the small details that make the biggest difference. Clear direction helps you relax and keeps the images consistent and professional.
When the process feels easy, the photos look natural.
Ready for Your Corporate Headshot?
A professional corporate headshot is more than a portrait — it’s a visual asset you can use across LinkedIn, websites, press, and marketing.
If you’re updating your professional image or planning corporate headshots for your business, I’ll help you create confident, brand-appropriate headshots with a relaxed, guided experience from start to finish.