How Do I Pose for a Professional Headshot?
Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company bio, or preparing for a public presentation, your headshot matters.
However, when booking a headshot session, one question inevitably comes to mind:
"How do I pose for a professional headshot?"
If you're not a professional model or actor, this question can make you feel apprehensive. The good news? You don’t have to be a pro model to know how to use the “pro angles." A professional headshot photographer, like me, will guide you through it, but understanding the basics still helps. Let’s break down how to pose in a way that makes you look great and shows off confidence and authenticity.
1. Start With Your Posture
The foundation of a great headshot is good physical posture. Good posture communicates a certain level of confidence, authority and energy, even if you’re feeling nervous.
Try This:
Sit or stand tall as if a string is pulling you from the top of your head upwards.
Pull your shoulders down and back. Think of pinching your shoulder blades. Avoid shrugging your shoulders upwards!
Don’t lean too far back, forward, left or right. You may not feel the difference, but it will show—your photographer will help you find the right angle and keep you standing straight.
2. Chin Position: Avoid the “Double Chin Effect”
No one wants to see themselves with a double chin in their headshot—especially when it doesn’t exist in real life! Luckily, there's an easy trick to avoid it.
Try This:
Push your face forward. (Think of doing the first part of a chicken impression, the head moves forward, but doesn’t move back)
Drop your chin slightly. (This will actually give your jaw more definition, but only if you push your face forward.)
Avoid raising your neck too high. Although common in modelling, it won’t help during a headshot session. After all, it’s called a Headshot, not a Neckshot!
Pushing your face forward will feel weird & awkward, but you’ll look great in camera! Trust me!
3. Your Eyes: Connection Is Everything
Eyes tell your story. A genuine, confident expression starts with the eyes!
Try This:
Keep your eyes on the lens. It will make sure your headshot gets people’s attention.
Imagine you’re making eye contact with someone you want to impress or slightly intimidate—but in a calm and friendly…ish way.
Don’t stare blankly or widely. Instead, think about how you’d convey confidence and approachability.
Narrow your eyes with a soft squint, not a hard squint. (Like a 50% Clint Eastwood impression; Never go full Clint Eastwood!)
4. Your Smile: Keep It Natural
There’s no one-size-fits-all smile. Some people look great with a full, toothy smile. Others shine with a subtle, closed-mouth smile. The key is that it needs to feel and look natural.
Try This:
Trust your photographer. A professional headshot photographer will have techniques to help you smile.
Think about something genuinely funny or someone who makes you happy.
Try a “subtle smile”—lips together with a hint of a smile on your lips and eyes.
Avoid the “say cheese face”—a forced smile that tenses up your jaw and eyes. Also, avoid pursing your lips in an attempt to control your mouth.
5. What to Do With Your Hands (If They’re in the Shot)
Most professional headshots are cropped at the shoulders or chest, but if your photographer is capturing a wider frame, the placement of your hands matters.
Try This:
Cross your arms lightly (not tightly).
Put your hands in your pockets, but be aware of your elbow placement.
Rest your hands lightly on a chair or table if seated.
Keep your hands relaxed and avoid clenching your hands or fists too tightly.
6. Angles That Flatter
Not all poses look their best when viewed directly from the front. A slight turn can end up being your “best side“!
Try This:
Turn your body about 10–45 degrees away from the camera.
Make sure you check both your left and right side. Unless you already know what your “good side“ is.
Think of how your angle affects how broad or narrow you look.
Let your photographer guide you to find your “best side”—most people have one!
7. Relax Your Face Between Shots
A common mistake? Holding a pose for too long. Your face starts to stiffen, and your expressions look forced.
Try This:
Take breaks between shots. Shake out your shoulders. Wiggle your face if needed.
If you don’t feel like smiling…STOP. Maintaining a smile that feels unnatural starts to look forced.
Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer, “How’s that looking?”
A relaxed face equals a natural headshot.
8. Practice (But Don’t Overdo It)
A little prep in front of a mirror goes a long way. Practice your posture, chin angle, and smile. Notice which side you naturally turn toward. But don’t obsess.
Try This:
Snap a few selfies to explore angles and expressions.
Ask a friend to take some casual photos of you.
See what difference occurs when you make slight changes.
This can boost your confidence ahead of your session.
9. Trust the Photographer
Here’s the most critical piece: you don’t need to figure all this out alone. A great photographer doesn’t just snap a photo—they direct, coach, and create an environment where you feel relaxed. This is vital since, for most, getting a headshot is not what they would consider a relaxing experience.
Expect This From a Pro Photographer:
Clear and direct posing directions
Real-time feedback: “Drop your chin a touch,” “That smile was perfect!”
Encouragement and reassurance throughout the session
Maybe a few “dad jokes“ thrown in for good measure
The goal is for you to feel confident, not self-conscious.
10. Expression Is Everything
The most impactful headshots go beyond perfect lighting or a flattering pose; they center on expression. What message do you want to convey?
Do you want to look:
Friendly and approachable? Choose a warm smile and open posture.
Strong and authoritative? Opt for a subtle squinch and a serious expression.
Creative and fun? Smile with your eyes, add some asymmetry, and keep it relaxed.
Collaborate with your photographer to ensure your pose and expression align with your brand or role.
Final Thoughts
So, how do you pose for a professional headshot?
You show up, stand tall, breathe, and trust the process.
It’s less about “posing” and more about presenting the best, most natural version of yourself. With the proper direction, you’ll walk away with a headshot that feels not just like “you” but the “you” that you want to convey to the world.
Ready for your next headshot session?
At Simon Rochfort Photography, I specialize in helping professionals look and feel their best on camera. Whether it’s your first session or your tenth, I’ll guide you every step of the way—posing, direction, and jokes included.