How Do I Pose for a Professional Headshot?

It’s the third most common question asked by people who are preparing to have a professional headshot taken (after “What should I wear?” and “How should I do my hair and makeup?”).

And honestly, it’s where a lot of people go wrong when they are trying to DIY their headshot, whether by taking a selfie or handing their phone off to a friend to snap a quick pic.

Why? A few reasons:

1. Many people have a preferred “side” but don’t always know the most flattering angle of the face to highlight some features and downplay others.

2. People often try to camouflage a double chin or thickness around the jowls by holding the phone high above eye level, giving a distorted perspective that may (somewhat) achieve the desired result, but also makes them look like a bobble head.

3. The things I will have you do to define your jawline and slim your body will not feel normal or natural. In fact, you might think I’m crazy! Thus, most people won’t do the small moves to the body that make for a great shot.

What to do?

Well, hire a professional (that’s me), of course! :)

But I’m also happy to share my top poses for headshot and personal branding photos that make the most of your body shape and focus on expression.

a word about body language

Body language communicates a lot about your capability, likeability, and confidence. A seasoned professional headshot photographer will make sure that your posture, body angle, hand position, and facial expression are all working together to communicate the message YOU want to portray with your images. Your headshot and personal branding poses should also reflect your personality, so if you never cross your arms, that shouldn’t be one of your poses!

Even though it may not feel like it, intentionally guided posing can make you look less awkward and more natural, so you can show up as your best, most confident self in your photos.

Let’s get on with it, shall we?

9 Winning Poses for Headshots and Personal Branding Photos

Pose #1: The Head-and-Shoulders

The most classic of all headshot poses, I always recommend that my clients take one of these shots. It has so many use cases, and works perfectly on platforms when your profile appears tiny when scrolling (hello, LinkedIn). We’ll photograph both sides of your face as well as straight on.

Pose #2: Leaning On a Wall

Leaning gives your images an approachable, friendly feel while still projecting confidence and capability. (If you’re DIY-ing, make sure that the wall you’re leaning against is clean and brightly lit.)

Pose #3: Leaning In

Leaning toward the camera signals approachability, friendliness, and trust. It gives the viewer a sense that you are “with” them - always a great thing in business! It’s a bit more casual, so this is a great option for entrepreneurs, creatives, or other industries with a more relaxed vibe.

Pose #4: Sitting and leaning in

Similar to #3, leaning while sitting gives us more options to show more or less of the body. It also gives us an opportunity to experiment with body angles; an asymmetrical tilt of the shoulders communicates approachability and friendliness, while a straight-on, level-shoulders angle projects confidence and capability.

Pose #5: Use a Prop

Laptops, books, art tools, glasses, your planner and favorite pen…anything that you use in your day-to-day work can make a great prop for your photos. Bring them along!

Pose #6: Hands on Hips (Women)

This pose can read powerful, playful, confident, or flirty, depending on the body position and facial expression. (We stay away from “flirty” for professional images.) Variations in crops and one hand on the hip vs. both hands give us a lot of flexibility with this one.

Pose #7: Hands in Pockets (Men)

Pose #8: Arms Crossed

This pose can read differently based on the body position and facial expression (especially the eyes and mouth), so make sure you’re not communicating dominance and aggression if you mean to communicate confidence and reliability.

Pose #9: Rock That Candid

Candids (eyes somewhere other than directly in the lens) are great options for lending personality to social media posts, email newsletters, and website pages. Everyone should have a few great candids in their image library!

There you have it - 9 poses that will help you make your first “introduction” a great one. With these posing tips and a little guidance, you’ll feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. My goal is always to capture the real you in a way that feels genuine and true to your brand. If you’re in the greater Houston area (or beyond) and ready to update your professional image, I’d love to work together and create a headshot you’re truly proud of. Reach out anytime or book your shoot now—I’m here to help you shine!

Navigating Networking: 7 Invaluable Tips for Introverts

Introverts are having a moment, aren’t they? Long relegated to the categories of “shy”, “quiet”, “reserved”, or maybe even “boring”, introverts are now being seen for what they really are - thoughtful individuals who don’t, in fact, hate being around people, but rather draw their energy from time alone or with a small group of people SO THAT they are well-charged for interacting with the wider world. (By contrast, extroverts draw their energy from interacting with lots of people and thrive on group situations and dynamics and feel less comfortable spending time by themselves.)

Since we (yes, I proudly claim the “introvert” label!) tend to prefer solitary time and pursuits to being in large groups of people, networking can pose a special challenge for introverts, as it often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and engaging with unfamiliar people - often in large doses. However, our introvert superpower doesn't have to hinder our networking success. With a little preparation and the right mindset, introverts can excel at building professional connections. In this post, we'll explore seven invaluable networking tips specifically tailored to introverts, empowering us to navigate networking events with confidence and authenticity.

1. Embrace your introversion

   The first step to successful networking as an introvert is to accept and embrace your introversion. Understand that being introverted doesn't make you any less capable or talented. We introverts possess unique strengths such as active listening, deep thinking, and empathetic communication. Embracing these qualities will help us approach networking from a position of authenticity, allowing us to establish meaningful connections.

2. Prepare and set goals

   Before attending a networking event, take some time to prepare and set clear goals. Define what you want to achieve from the event, such as making a certain number of connections or learning about specific industries or job opportunities. Having a clear purpose in mind will give you focus and motivation, making the event less overwhelming. Since pressing a business card into someone’s hand moments after meeting them may not jive with your introverted nature, start small by planning to introduce yourself to just three people (or even one person, if you’re just getting started and feeling overwhelmed). As you talk with someone new about their career, the conversation will naturally turn toward what you do, and you can then share what you love about your work. Prepare some talking points (make sure you have your elevator pitch ready!) and questions to initiate conversations, which will help ease any social anxiety you may feel.

3. Start with small groups or one-on-one interactions

   Networking events can be crowded and noisy, which can be overwhelming for introverts. Instead of diving into a large group, start by engaging in smaller conversations or one-on-one interactions. Seek out individuals who are standing alone or approach a group with fewer people. These smaller settings provide a more comfortable environment for introverts to showcase our communication skills and build connections on a deeper level - and you just might connect with a fellow introvert - especially if you seek out those that aren’t talking to anyone else. They will be so glad you did!

4. Listen and ask open-ended questions

   Introverts excel at active listening, which is an invaluable asset in networking. Rather than feeling pressured to constantly talk, focus on listening attentively to the other person's thoughts and ideas. Show genuine interest by asking open-ended questions that encourage the other person to elaborate. This not only helps you understand their perspective better but also establishes a rapport and makes the conversation more enjoyable for both parties.

5. Find common ground

   Finding common ground is a powerful technique for establishing connections. Look for shared interests, hobbies, or professional experiences when engaging in conversations. These commonalities provide a natural entry point for discussions and help foster a sense of rapport and connection. By focusing on shared interests, introverts can feel more comfortable and confident in our networking interactions.

6. Take breaks and recharge

   Networking events can be mentally and emotionally draining, especially for introverts. Recognize when you need a break and give yourself permission to step away for a few minutes. Find a quiet corner or a less crowded area where you can gather your thoughts, take deep breaths, and recharge. If starting conversations is anxiety-producing for you, you might keep a quick list of great questions or conversation topics on your phone that you can refer to when taking a break. You can also use this time to reflect on your conversations, adjust your goals if needed, and rejuvenate your energy for the next interaction.

7. Follow up and nurture relationships

   Building relationships is the ultimate goal of networking, and following up is where introverts can really shine! As an introvert, you may prefer fewer, deeper connections over a large network. After a networking event, take the time to follow up with the people you connected with. Send a personalized email or connect on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Engage in meaningful conversations, offer assistance, and find ways to support their goals. Nurturing these relationships over time will strengthen your professional network and open doors to new opportunities.

8. bonus tip: plan ahead

   Especially if attending a network event isn’t at the top of your list of favorite things, it’s a good idea to schedule events ahead of time. If you know a particular event would be helpful for promoting your business or getting job leads, go ahead and schedule it sever weeks out. Then you’ll have the time reserved on your calendar and all you need to do is show up. I’ve found that doing the things I don’t want to do FIRST helps me get them done - otherwise, it’s all too easy for my less desirable (but most important) tasks to languish, thereby costing me business opportunities.

Being an introvert in a room seemingly filled with extroverts can be hard. By embracing our introversion, preparing adequately, and leveraging our unique strengths, we introverts can build genuine connections and advance our careers. Remember, networking is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but rather about being authentic, empathetic, and present in your interactions. With practice, networking can become a valuable tool for personal and professional growth for introverts.

Psst…need a fabulous headshot to show off once you make those new connections? Check out my headshot package options to see how I can help you create a scroll-stopping headshot that gets you noticed.