How to Plan For Male Professional Headshots: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s world of hybrid and remote work, first impressions are often made long before a handshake. For men in the professional sphere, a well-crafted corporate headshot is not just a luxury—it's a necessity.

With less emphasis on in-person interactions, your online presence plays a vital role in how others perceive you. Whether you’re hopping on a Zoom call, updating your LinkedIn profile, or introducing yourself via email, your headshot is often the first thing people see.

This guide covers everything you need to know about men’s professional headshots, ensuring you put your best face forward in any setting.

Why Professional Headshots Matter for Men in Business

Let's take a look at why professional headshots are crucial — especially for men in the corporate world. A high-quality headshot:

1. Establishes credibility and professionalism

2. Helps you stand out in a sea of generic profile pictures

3. Makes you more approachable and relatable to colleagues and clients

4. Conveys your personal brand and style

In this increasingly digital business environment, it’s never been more vital that your headshot makes a strong, lasting impression.

Set Clear Goals for Your Men’s Professional Headshot Session

Define the Purpose of Your Headshot

Before you book a photographer, it's essential to understand what you want your headshot to accomplish. Ask yourself:

• What is the primary use for this headshot? (LinkedIn, company website, press kit, etc.)

• How do others in my industry represent themselves via their headshot? Use this as a guide to identify norms and best practices.

• What professional qualities do I want my headshot to project?

• Am I looking for a traditional corporate look or something more creative?

Showcase Your Professional Identity

Your headshot should be a visual representation of your professional persona. Consider what qualities you want to emphasize: trustworthiness, approachability, expertise, etc.

Think about how you want to be perceived by clients, colleagues, or potential employers. Communicate these goals with your photographer so they can align their approach with your desired result.

Determine the Scope of Your Session

What do you want to get out of your session?

• Are you looking for variety in backgrounds or just a simple, clean shot? If you’re regularly featured in press, company outreach, and speaking engagements, it’s a good idea to get a variety of looks so you can showcase different headshots for each need.

• Where do you plan to use the photos? Will you need any negative space in the image to overlay marketing copy? Discuss these points with your photographer to ensure they capture the appropriate styles for your needs.

• Will you need multiple outfits to highlight different elements of your brand? Consider working with a professional stylist who can coordinate a number of outfits that align with your personal brand.

Understanding your goals will help you communicate effectively with your photographer and ensure your session is a success.

What To Wear For Men’s Professional Headshots

Choosing the right outfit is crucial for creating the best professional headshots for men. Here are some tips to help you select the right outfits for your session:

Identify Industry Standards

Different industries have different expectations when it comes to attire. A suit and tie might be perfect for finance or law, while a smart casual look could be more appropriate for tech or creative fields.

Use LinkedIn to search for male corporate headshot examples in your field. Try to identify any common trends and best practices of your peers.

Highlight Your Personal Brand

While consideration of industry standards is important, your headshot should still feel authentic to who you are. Don’t be afraid to inject a little personality through your wardrobe to showcase your unique personal brand.

• Incorporate signature accessories, like a watch, cufflinks, or subtle jewelry, to add a touch of personality.

• Consider adding a pop of color, such as a bold tie or pocket square, while keeping the overall look professional.

• Ensure that any added personal touches enhance, rather than detract from, the overall professionalism of your look.

Color Theory and Branding

Understanding color theory in fashion can help you make impactful choices. While the best colors for professional headshots can be subjective, there are some general rules to consider. Blues tend to convey feelings of trust and stability, while grays project sophistication and balance. Earth tones can communicate approachability and reliability.

Consider your company's branding colors as well; incorporating these can help to create a cohesive look across all professional materials.

Layering and Texture

Adding layers (like a well-fitted blazer over a dress shirt) can create depth and interest in your headshot. Textures can also add visual appeal, but watch out for patterns that may be too busy or distracting.

Choosing the Perfect Background for Men’s Corporate Headshots

The background of your headshot can significantly impact the overall impression of your corporate headshot. When planning, consider these three main options:

Studio Headshots

Studio environments offer controlled lighting and neutral backgrounds. This is ideal for creating a clean, professional look that’s safe and suitable for most corporate settings. A neutral background integrates well with any website and allows the focus to remain squarely on you.

Environmental Portraits

You’ll often see men’s corporate headshot examples taken in a workplace or industry setting. These backgrounds add context and personality to the image. For instance, a tech executive might be captured in a modern office space, while a doctor could be photographed in a clinical setting.

Outdoor Locations

Outdoor settings leverage natural light and can add visual or geographic interest to your portraits. This option can work well for professionals in creative fields or those wanting to project a more approachable image.

If you provide a local service, such as a real estate agent, having a headshot that features the area you serve can be a great way to tie your brand to your community.

When deciding on the location for your headshot, consider your industry standards, personal brand, and the message you want to convey. Discuss these options with your photographer to determine which setting will best showcase your professional persona and create the most impactful male corporate headshot.

Mastering Men’s Posing and Expression

The way you pose and express yourself in your headshot can significantly impact how you're perceived. While no pose is inherently gendered, here are some tips for men's professional headshot poses to use in your session. For more, see our complete guide on how to pose for headshots.

Posture

• Stand or sit up straight to project confidence, keeping your nose and chin level with the camera

• Lead slightly with one shoulder. Having a slight angle gives the image more of a portrait feel. Don’t overdo it here — keeping the angle slight will maintain a broad silhouette.

• Keep your shoulders relaxed and hands unclenched to avoid looking tense

Facial Expression

In most cases, a smile is a good idea, but it may be worth considering whether you should smile for your headshot. Industries and professions where trust and competence are paramount may be better served by a serious headshot.

• If you plan to smile, practice in the mirror to find your most natural look (see our complete guide on how to smile in a headshot)

• Consider a mix of smiling and serious expressions for variety

• Aim for authenticity—forced expressions rarely photograph well. Your photographer should help you with this through the use of natural conversation or funny prompts.

Eye Contact

• Look directly into the camera for an engaging, confident appearance

• Experiment with looking slightly off-camera for a more informal, candid feel

Hand Placement

• If including hands, keep gestures natural and relaxed. See our headshots posing guide for a number of ideas on how to incorporate your hands naturally.

• Crossed arms can be a strong pose, but this may appear as defensive when matched with the wrong expression. Aim to project confidence with this pose, while leveraging a sincere smile to make yourself look personable.

Your photographer will provide direction, but being aware of these elements can help you feel more prepared and confident during your session.

Grooming and Preparation Tips for Male Corporate Headshots

Attention to grooming is essential for creating polished headshot examples for men. Here's how to prepare:

Hair and Facial Hair

• Get a haircut about a week before your session to allow it to settle

• Decide on your preferred facial hair style and maintain it well

• Bring grooming products to touch up during the shoot if needed

Skincare

• Start a good skincare routine at least a week before your session

• Stay hydrated to ensure your skin looks its best

• Makeup isn’t just for women. Consider using your photographer’s makeup artist to reduce dark circles and provide a polished, even look to your skin.

Rest and Relaxation

• Get a good night's sleep before your session to look refreshed

• Practice relaxation techniques to help you feel confident and at ease.

• If you’re feeling anxious, practice taking headshots with a friend so you can test out some poses and get comfortable being in front of a camera.

While retouching can help to address any cosmetic issues, using these tips will ensure that your raw images are off to the best start.

Choosing the Right Photographer For Men’s Headshots

Selecting the right photographer is crucial for achieving the best male professional headshots. Here's what to look for:

Specialization in Corporate Photography

Look for a photographer who specializes in business headshots, particularly those with experience in men's professional headshot poses and styles. They'll understand the nuances of lighting, posing, and expression that work best for male subjects in a corporate context.

Strong Portfolio of Men’s Headshots

Examine the photographer's portfolio, paying special attention to their male corporate headshot examples. Do their images align with the style you're aiming for? Look for variety in poses, expressions, and backgrounds to ensure they can capture the look you want.

Consultation and Communication

A great corporate headshot photographer should be willing to discuss your goals and offer advice on how to prepare for your session. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how well they listen and whether they offer valuable insights specific to your needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Male Professional Headshots

To ensure you get the best results, steer clear of these common mistakes:

1. Overdressing or underdressing for your industry

2. Wearing clothes that don't fit well or are wrinkled

3. Neglecting skincare or grooming before the session

4. Choosing overly busy or distracting backgrounds

5. Forcing unnatural expressions or poses

6. Failing to communicate your goals clearly with the photographer

7. Rushing through the session without taking time to relax

Key Takeaways for Successful Male Corporate Headshots

As we wrap up this guide on how to prepare for men’s headshots, let's take a look at some essential points:

1. Set clear goals for your headshot session, considering its purpose and the image you want to project.

2. Select attire that aligns with your industry and personal brand.

3. Consider the pros and cons of different locations and backgrounds for your shoot.

4. Utilize natural poses and expressions to convey confidence and approachability.

5. Pay attention to grooming details to ensure you look your best.

6. Choose a photographer experienced in creating professional headshot examples for men.

By following these tips for men's headshots, you'll be well-prepared to create a powerful and effective corporate portrait that represents you at your best. Whether you're a seasoned executive looking to update your image or a young professional establishing your personal brand, investing time and effort into planning your male corporate headshot will pay dividends in your career.

With the right preparation, photographer, and mindset, you'll come away with a set of headshots that authentically represent your best professional self.

Frequently Asked Questions About Male Professional Headshots

• How much do corporate headshots cost?

  The scope of your session, your local market, and the talent and expertise of the photographer will all play a role in the cost of your headshots.

  You’ll find photographers at every price point, from $150 to well over $1,000. You’ll have to determine if the value they offer is worth the price tag.

  See our article on how much corporate headshots cost for more info.

• How long does a corporate headshot session typically take?

  Most sessions last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of outfit changes and locations.

• What should I bring to my headshot session?

  Bring multiple wardrobe options that align with your professional image and your industry’s standards. Include any grooming essentials for quick touch-ups, as well as water and a snack to keep you refreshed during longer sessions.

• Should I wear my glasses in my headshot?

  If you typically wear glasses, include them in your headshot. Consider non-glare lenses, or if possible, pop out the lenses to avoid any reflections.

• What's the best time of day for outdoor headshots?

  Early morning or late afternoon often provide the most flattering natural light for outdoor shoots. If shooting indoors, aim for the morning when your clothes and appearance will be the most fresh.

• How often should I update my professional headshot?

  It's a good idea to update your headshot every 3-5 years, or sooner if you've had a significant change in appearance.

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Men’s Corporate Headshots in NYC

Get the best men’s corporate headshots in NYC at Johnny Wolf Studio. Book your session today and let us help you make a lasting impression in your industry.