THE MOST COMMON HEADSHOT MISTAKES (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
Your professional headshot is often the first impression you make. Whether someone finds you on LinkedIn, visits your company website, or connects with you online, your portrait should communicate confidence, professionalism, and approachability.
Creating a great headshot doesn’t require you to be naturally comfortable in front of the camera. Many of the details that make an image feel polished and authentic come down to thoughtful preparation. Here are some of the most common headshot mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Wearing Too Much (or Too Little) Makeup
Camera lighting can change the way makeup appears compared to everyday life. Heavy makeup can sometimes look unnatural in photos, while wearing little to no makeup may cause your features to appear less defined.
What to do instead:
Aim for polished, natural makeup that enhances your features. Think of your everyday look, just slightly more refined and camera-ready. The goal isn’t to look like a different version of yourself. It’s to look like the best version of yourself.
2. Choosing Distracting Jewelry
Accessories can add personality to your portrait, but they should complement your overall look rather than compete with it. Large statement pieces, highly reflective jewelry, or anything that creates a distraction can pull attention away from the most important part of the image: you.
What to do instead:
Choose simple, timeless pieces that support your style. Small earrings, a classic necklace, or a meaningful accessory can add personality while keeping the focus on your expression.
3. Arriving Tired or Rushed
A great portrait captures more than just how you look. It captures your personality and presence. When you’re tired, stressed, or rushing into your session, it can be harder to relax in front of the camera.
What to do instead:
Get a good night’s sleep before your session, stay hydrated, and give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Arriving relaxed helps you feel more comfortable and allows your natural expression to come through.
4. Wearing Clothing That Doesn’t Reflect You
Your wardrobe plays an important role in your professional image. Busy patterns, large logos, and overly trendy pieces can distract from your face or make your portrait feel dated over time.
What to do instead:
Choose clothing that fits well, feels comfortable, and reflects your personal style. Solid colors, subtle textures, and classic pieces often photograph beautifully and create a timeless look. Not sure what to bring? We’re happy to help you plan your wardrobe beforehand. You can also bring a few options to your session so we can choose what photographs best.
5. Overlooking Small Grooming Details
Professional photography captures details that may not be noticeable in everyday life. Wrinkled clothing, flyaway hairs, or a haircut that’s too fresh can impact the polished look of your final images.
What to do instead:
Prepare your wardrobe ahead of time by steaming or ironing your clothing. We encourage you to bring outfits on hangers and change at the studio to keep everything looking fresh.
For men, shaving or trimming facial hair the day of your session typically creates the cleanest look. If you’re planning a haircut, schedule it about one to two weeks beforehand so it has time to settle into a natural style.
6. Choosing a Background That Doesn’t Fit Your Brand
Your background helps set the tone for your portrait. While trendy or highly stylized options may seem appealing, they can sometimes limit how and where you use your images. A great professional portrait should feel current while still being timeless.
What to do instead:
Choose a background and style that align with your industry. Whether you need LinkedIn headshots, business portraits, or personal branding photos, your photographer can help create an image that feels like a natural extension of your brand.
7. Using an Outdated Headshot
Your headshot should represent how you look today. An outdated image can create a disconnect when people meet you in person or interact with you professionally. This is especially important after changing careers, updating your personal brand, receiving a promotion, or making a significant change to your appearance.
What to do instead:
Most professionals benefit from updating their headshot every couple of years, or anytime there is a meaningful change in their appearance or career. Keeping your portrait current helps ensure your online presence accurately represents you.
Final Thoughts
A great headshot isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about creating an image that feels confident, approachable, and genuinely you. With thoughtful preparation and the guidance of an experienced photographer, your headshot becomes more than just a photo. It becomes a reflection of who you are, the work you do, and the impression you want to leave.
At Jean Johnson Portraits, we specialize in creating professional headshots and personal branding portraits that feel natural, polished, and true to you. From wardrobe guidance to posing and expression coaching, we’re here to make the experience comfortable from start to finish.
Because the best headshots don’t just look professional. They feel like you on your best day.
JEAN JOHNSON PORTRAITS
LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER | PERSONAL ARTIST | FAMILY HISTORIAN
CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @jjshotme
Facebook: Jean Johnson Portraits
Serving as headshot photographers for families in Sammamish, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, North Bend, Carnation, Woodinville, and the greater Seattle area.