Common Headshot Mistakes to Avoid
Your headshot is often your first impression. It’s the image people see on LinkedIn, your company website, a speaking engagement bio, or your personal brand profile. In just a fraction of a second, it communicates a story about who you are. That’s why it’s so important to get it right.
Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of professionals from all industries: executives, creatives, entrepreneurs, recent grads, and everyone in between. I’ve seen first-hand the difference a strong headshot makes. And I’ve also seen the same handful of mistakes show up time and time again…mistakes that can easily hold someone back from presenting their best self.
So, whether you're preparing for your first professional headshot or looking to update an outdated one, here are the most common headshot mistakes to avoid… and how to get it right instead.
1. Using a Cropped Group Photo
This one comes up all the time. You’re in a pinch, you need a headshot ASAP, and the only halfway decent photo you have is from your friend’s wedding or a work event. You crop yourself out and call it a day. While that might technically get the job done, it’s not doing you any favors.
Why it's a problem: Cropped group photos usually have uneven lighting, distracting backgrounds, and body language that wasn’t meant for a solo portrait. It can look unprofessional or sloppy—and it definitely won’t align with a polished personal brand.
What to do instead: If you’re in a place where you can invest in a dedicated headshot session, do it! You’ll get intentional lighting, composition, and direction that brings out your best self. It’s a small investment with a huge return.
2. Wearing the Wrong Clothing
Your wardrobe sets the tone for your headshot. The right clothing can make you look confident and put-together. The wrong clothing? Distracting, unflattering, or totally off-brand.
Common mistakes:
Busy patterns that draw attention away from your face
Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothing
Colors that clash with your skin tone or background
Overly casual outfits that don’t match your professional field
Pro tip: Stick with solid colors, clean lines, and tailored fits. For men, a well-fitted blazer or collared shirt works beautifully. For women, structured tops in flattering tones and minimal jewelry tend to look timeless. Think about how you want to be perceived, and dress the part.
3. Overdoing/UNDER-DOING Hair and Makeup
Yes, you want to look polished—but you still want to look like you. Too much makeup or an overly styled look can feel inauthentic or dated. The goal is to enhance your natural features, not mask them. That being said, you also want SOME makeup, even if you typically don’t wear any. Aim for an even skin tone, a bit of blush, and a light gloss on the lips. This natural “no makeup” look still takes some makeup!
What to watch out for:
Heavy foundation or dramatic eyeshadow
Shiny or greasy skin from poor prep or product
Flyaways or frizz that could have been tamed with a little product
My advice: Go for clean, natural makeup and well-groomed hair. If you're not confident doing it yourself, consider hiring a hair and makeup artist who specializes in photography. I work closely with Haus of Pretty and you can reach out to either of us to book this service as part of your session.
4. Using an Outdated Photo
We all have that one photo from five years ago when the lighting was perfect and we were having a good hair day. But if you’ve changed jobs, grown out your hair, shaved your beard, or simply aged a few years (we all do!), it’s time for an update.
Why it matters: When your headshot doesn’t reflect how you currently look, it can cause a disconnect. People might not recognize you at meetings or interviews. Worse, it can create a subtle lack of trust.
The fix: Update your headshot every 2–3 years—or sooner if you’ve had a major style or career change.
5. Ignoring Your Body Language
Headshots are more than just a smiling face. The way you carry yourself—your posture, facial expression, and subtle gestures—tells a story. Crossed arms, stiff shoulders, or a fake smile can unintentionally send the wrong message.
What I see often:
Tension in the jaw or eyes from trying too hard
Overly forced smiles
Closed-off body language that feels unapproachable
What works better: A relaxed posture, genuine expression, and light coaching to bring out natural confidence. As a photographer, I guide my clients throughout the session with posing and mindset tips to help them feel at ease. We also try several different poses to see what translates best on camera.. it’s often not what you might think so being open to trying a few things is important.
6. Over-Retouching on the Final Image
Yes, retouching is part of the process—but there’s a fine line between enhancing and altering. When a photo is overly smoothed, brightened, or digitally manipulated, it starts to lose authenticity.
Red flags of over-editing:
Plastic-looking skin
Unnatural eye color or overly white teeth
Removing every single wrinkle, line, or feature
Better approach: Light, natural retouching that removes distractions (like blemishes, lint, or flyaways) while keeping your natural texture and character intact. You should still look like you, just on your best day. It takes many years for photographers to develop the skills necessary to basically know when they’ve gone too far with retouching and how to edit images without making them look like they’ve been edited.
7. Choosing the Wrong Photographer
Not all photographers are the same, and not every talented photographer specializes in headshots. A great wedding photographer might not understand corporate branding. A portrait photographer might not know how to light or pose for business.
Here’s what to look for:
A portfolio that shows a variety of strong, consistent headshots
Clear direction and posing guidance (especially if you’re not comfortable in front of the camera)
A photographer who listens to your goals and helps you look the part
I focus specifically on headshots, which means I know exactly how to capture the best professional look for each of my clients. Having a background in more general portraiture allows me to expand each session if necessary for more casual or artistic photos for clients in more creative fields, but headshots are my exclusive speciality, and it shows in the final product.
8. Skipping the Planning Process
Some clients show up without giving much thought to their goals, wardrobe, or how they want to be perceived. While I can still guide them to a great result, the best sessions happen when we plan ahead.
Things to consider beforehand:
Who is your audience?
What kind of roles or clients are you trying to attract?
Do you want a formal, casual, approachable, or bold look?
Bringing clarity to these questions helps us shape the session in a meaningful way. We choose the right backdrop, lighting, wardrobe, and expression to match your unique message.
Your headshot is more than a nice photo, it’s often how other people view you online. Avoiding the common mistakes outlined above can make all the difference in how you’re perceived professionally.
Whether you're in the early stages of your career or an established leader, it's worth taking the time to get it right. And if you're ready to create a headshot that truly represents you, I’d love to help.
