“Should I smile in my corporate headshot?” is a question I hear often during headshot sessions.
Your expression plays a major role in how others perceive you. In a digital-first business environment, a corporate headshot is often the first impression clients, employers, or partners have of you. Because of that, choosing the right expression isn’t a small detail — it’s part of how you present your professional identity.
Why Smiling Works (Most of the Time)
First impressions happen quickly.
Research shows that people form judgements about trustworthiness, competence, and personality in a fraction of a second, often based largely on facial expression. Your expression in a headshot sends strong non-verbal signals about who you are and how you work.
There’s a common assumption that corporate images should always look serious to appear professional. In reality, very neutral or serious expressions can sometimes feel distant or unapproachable. Smiling is consistently associated with warmth and trust — both of which are important in many business contexts.
Smiling can also signal confidence, which often translates into perceived competence. In professional platforms such as LinkedIn, headshots with approachable expressions often generate higher engagement.
Why Smiling Works (Most of the Time)The Smiling Spectrum
The choice isn’t simply between smiling or not smiling.
Expressions exist on a spectrum, and the right choice depends on your role, industry, and how you want to be perceived. Below are some common approaches and when they may work best.
– Neutral or Serious Expression
Works well for: Finance, law, senior leadership, regulated industries
Conveys: Authority, confidence, seriousness
A neutral expression can communicate focus and expertise, especially where authority matters more than approachability. In more relaxed industries, however, this can sometimes feel cold.
– Broad Smile
Works well for: Creative roles, customer-facing positions, sales, health
Conveys: Warmth, energy, friendliness
A broad smile can feel welcoming and positive. In some high-risk or highly technical industries, it may be perceived as less serious, so context matters.
– Soft Smile
Works well for: Consulting, HR, tech, leadership roles
Conveys: Calm, thoughtful, approachable
A soft smile often strikes the best balance. It suggests openness while still maintaining professionalism and confidence.
– The Smirk
Works well for: Entrepreneurs, start-ups, creative leadership
Conveys: Confidence, individuality, insight
A subtle smirk can help someone stand out and communicate self-assurance. Overdone, it risks appearing arrogant, but when used carefully it can suggest innovation and personality.
The Risk of a Forced Smile
The benefits of smiling apply only when the expression feels genuine.
A natural smile softens the face and reaches the eyes. Forced expressions, even if subtle, are often sensed by viewers and can create a feeling of discomfort or distance.
During corporate headshot sessions, I focus on helping people relax so expressions feel natural rather than posed. Some of the strongest headshots are captured between moments, when someone isn’t actively “trying” to look a certain way.
It’s also important to remember that a headshot session isn’t about one single image. Exploring a range of expressions allows you to choose photographs that suit different platforms and professional contexts.
Final Thoughts
The real question isn’t “Should I smile?” — it’s “How do I want to be seen?”
Your expression should align with your role, industry, and personal brand. Whether that’s a warm smile, a calm neutral look, or something in between, the most effective headshots are those that feel authentic.
In a professional context, natural expressions build connection. Forced ones do the opposite. A corporate headshot works best when it reflects who you are and how you want to be perceived.