What Makes a Great Headshot?
A great headshot is not just a nice photo of your face.
It is often the first impression someone has of you, before they read your website. before they meet you, before they decide whether to work with you.
Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile, launching a new business in Surrey, refreshing your company website in London, or simply ready for something that feels more like you, your headshot matters more than you might think.
So what actually makes a great headshot?
Let’s break it down.
It Looks Like You on Your Best Day
This is always my starting point.
A great professional headshot should look like you. Not a filtered version. Not a heavily retouched version. Not someone you barely recognise.
When someone meets you in person, they should feel reassured straight away. The photo matches the person standing in front of them.
Looking like you on your best day does not mean perfection. It means rested, confident and comfortable. It means your skin looks natural. Your expression feels genuine. Your posture feels open rather than tense.
A big part of my job is helping you relax enough for that to happen. Most people are not used to being in front of a camera, especially on their own. I guide you through simple adjustments in posture, angles and expression so we avoid anything stiff or forced.
Often, clients tell me they “hate having their photo taken” at the start of a session. By the end, they are surprised at how much they like the images. That shift usually comes down to feeling at ease and being photographed in a way that feels honest.
A great headshot should still feel like you a year from now. It should not follow a trend that quickly dates. It should feel timeless and true to your personality.
It Matches Your Industry and Audience
One of the most common questions I get is what should a professional headshot look like?
The answer depends on who you are and who you want to attract.
A corporate professional in London may need something clean and polished with a neutral backdrop. A creative entrepreneur in Surrey might want something more relaxed and approachable. A personal branding client may need a small set of versatile images that work across their website, social media and press features.
A great headshot fits the space it is going to live in. It works on LinkedIn. It works on your website. It works when cropped into a circle for social media. It feels aligned with your brand rather than disconnected from it.
The Lighting Is Flattering and Professional
Lighting is one of the biggest differences between a quick phone photo and a professional headshot.
Good lighting shapes your face and draws attention to your eyes. It softens shadows without flattening your features. It gives your skin a natural, healthy tone.
Whether I am photographing you in my Epsom studio, at your office in London, or on location in Surrey, the aim is always the same. Light that feels clean, flattering and professional.
It should look effortless, even though it is carefully controlled.
Your Expression Feels Natural
Should you smile in a headshot?
There is no strict rule. Some roles suit a warm smile. Others call for a more neutral, confident expression.
What matters most is that it feels genuine. A forced smile is easy to spot. So is an overly serious look that does not reflect your personality.
During a session, we experiment. Small changes in eye contact, chin position or posture can completely shift the feel of an image. The best headshots usually happen in between poses, when you relax and your expression settles naturally.
You Feel Comfortable
If you feel awkward, rushed or self-conscious, it shows.
That is why even my mini headshot sessions in Surrey and London are structured to feel calm and straightforward. In 30 to 45 minutes, we can create a strong set of images without it feeling overwhelming.
When clients say, “That was much easier than I expected,” I know we have achieved the right balance.
Confidence always translates into better photographs.
Are You Wearing the Right Outfit?
What should you wear for a professional headshot?
Simple works best. Clothes that fit well. Colours that suit you. Nothing too busy or distracting.
If you work in a corporate setting, tailoring often photographs beautifully. If you are a creative or small business owner, you might choose something slightly more relaxed but still polished.
Hair and make-up are available as an optional extra for headshot sessions. It is there to enhance, not to transform. The goal is to help you feel confident and camera-ready.
The Background Supports the Image
A great headshot is not just about your face.
The background plays an important role in setting the tone. It should support you rather than compete with you.
In the studio, we can keep things clean and minimal with neutral backdrops that draw full attention to your expression. This works particularly well for LinkedIn profiles and corporate websites.
On location in London or Surrey, we might use an office environment, soft natural light outdoors, or a subtle architectural setting. For personal branding clients, the background can add context. A workspace, a creative studio, or an urban setting can quietly reinforce what you do without distracting you.
The key is balance. The background should add depth and interest while keeping you as the clear focus of the image.
It Is Technically Strong
There is a technical side to what makes a great headshot, even if you never consciously notice it.
Sharp focus is essential, particularly on the eyes. They are where connection happens. If the eyes are not crisp and clear, the image loses impact.
Composition matters too. The framing should feel balanced. There should be enough space for cropping across different platforms without cutting awkwardly into the shoulders or the top of your head.
Exposure and colour tone need to be carefully controlled. Skin tones should look natural. Whites should not look dull or overly bright. The image should feel polished without looking heavily edited.
Retouching should be subtle. The goal is to remove temporary distractions, not permanent features. You should still look like yourself.
When all of these elements come together, the result feels effortless. Professional. Trustworthy.
It Tells a Subtle Story
The best headshots say something without being obvious.
They suggest confidence. Warmth. Authority. Creativity. Approachability.
When someone lands on your website or LinkedIn profile, your image should help them feel something positive straight away. It should build trust before a single word is read.
That is especially important for professionals and business owners working in competitive areas such as London and Surrey.
How Often Should You Update Your Headshot?
As a general guide, every two to three years is sensible.
You may want to update it sooner if you have changed your hairstyle significantly, rebranded your business, stepped into a new role, or if your current photo simply no longer feels like you.
If you hesitate before sending your headshot to someone, that is usually a sign it is time for a new one.
How Much Does a Professional Headshot Cost?
The cost of a professional headshot depends on what you need.
A mini headshot session is ideal if you want a quick refresh for LinkedIn, press use or your website profile. Larger personal branding sessions offer more variety in outfits, backdrops and image styles.
If you are unsure which option suits you, I am always happy to talk it through and recommend what will work best.
So, What Makes a Great Headshot?
It is a balance of :
strong lightingNatural expression
Thoughtful styling
Professional technique
And authenticity
It should look like you. On a good day. Feeling confident.
If you are based in Surrey or London and thinking about updating your headshot, whether for LinkedIn, your website, press features or a new business launch, I would love to help you create images that feel natural, professional and genuinely reflective of who you are.
Your headshot is often your first introduction. Let’s make it a good one.
