“A great headshot is more than just a photo; it’s the first handshake before you even meet someone”
In most cases, today’s professionals make their first impression when they are online. Today, whether it is a job application, a LinkedIn connection, or a personal brand, a headshot of a person helps to show professionalism, friendliness, and reliability. However, not all headshots are the same. Depending on the profession, the industry, the dress code and the design of the headshot may be completely different.
In this article, we will take a look at examples of good professional headshots for various professions. Every picture presented will be relevant to the different fields and will explain why they are effective. So no matter whether you have to do with finance, tech, creative arts, or healthcare, these will help you realize what is considered a professional headshot appropriate for your job.
1. Corporate and Finance
When it comes to corporate business, banking, finance and similar industries, the target should reflect professionalism and trust as the main characteristics of the headshot. It may also be customary to present oneself as neat inside a plain setting. The background is typically plain white or grey or slightly blurred office image and formal attire is worn most commonly comprising of a suit and a tie or appropriate business dresses.
Moreover in these industries, one should be prepared to exude power and dependability. A significant number of recruiters (more than half) admit that they have ever made hiring judgments based on candidates’ appearances in social media, research conducted by CareerBuilder shows. A well-executed and tasteful headshot without a doubt emphasizes the candidate's ability to hold a position with extensive responsibilities.
Example: Handsome man in a well-fitted suit with a soft-focused camera leaning slightly forward dressed in grey and smiling – looking right into the lens. The soft light is balanced by the sharp focus results that highlight the subject ethnicity and attention to crispness. The impression is serious yet friendly at the same time.
Why it works: Such headshots project an image of self-assurance, reliability and ability to take charge which are very significant and particularly so in the finance and corporate sectors.
2. Technology and Startups
In most suits or other startup settings, people tend to be more casual regarding their professional headshots but still manage to be smart. One of the possible backdrops can be a contemporary office design or an open city, which would be in line with the character of this industry. The dressing code is less constraining than the one used in finance for example’ which is a strict business dress code, a smattering of unnecessary sex appeal but very serious attire, top with an unnecessary breaker paying attention only to the upper part imagines the dressed in clean, ironed shirt without a tie type of a professional, well dignified in half casual, meaning a starchedIRFXY W nm as well perhaps n t.
It's all about innovation, transparency, and imagination. People have got accustomed to such a pace in everything that attribute that one still uses a headshot is already a sign of backwardness. On the topic of headshots, it is common to see informal headshots in structures of Tech startups. This is according to the article from ‘Forbes’(Forbes 1994).
Example: Businesswoman in a blazer and blouse posing by the spacious window with her arm against the skyline. She projects a relaxed but professional demeanour with a confident smile and arms crossed. Natural light is used a lot due to the design of the warm contemporaneous space.
Why it works: This headshot illustrates approachability and advancement at the same time The person looks efficient and awaits to be put to work even in the most aggressive, dynamic and competitive industry.
3. Creative Industries (Media, Arts, and Fashion)
In professions related to media or arts, as well as fashion, headshots serve as a good opportunity to express one’s personality and creativity. Nowadays, it is quite common for such industries to embrace a more energetic and bright feel with wilder designs and attitudes. Sector professionals may prefer outdoor settings, artsy interiors, or, at times, plain, non-figurative backdrops since these reflect their personal preferences.
In the 2022 article by The Muse, every two creative recruiters interviewed responded that for certain positions, the importance or impact of a headshot with a personality is at least equal to the professional qualifications of a candidate.
Example: A fashion designer standing outdoors in front of a mural. They are wearing an interesting outfit that compliments their brand. They are posed in an easy yet assured manner, surrounded by vivid artistic colours, suggesting creativity.
Why it works: The individual’s headshot projects not only his level of professionalism but also his creativity, thus the portrait is appropriate for the industries that are more inclined towards creation and imagination.
4. Healthcare and Medical Professionals
Trust, warmth, and professionalism are fundamental attributes that need to be depicted in the headshot for the medical field. Medical professionals tend to choose simpler and brighter coloured backgrounds with the use of white coats and scrubs. Given that the medical field mainly revolves around trust and confidence with patients, it is also essential that the headshot shows warmth and the willingness to interact, while at the same time showing the competence of the subject portrayed in the headshot.
A study conducted by The Journal of Medical Internet Research in 2021 noted that patients were more often attracted to healthcare providers whose photographs communicated pleasant and caring traits.
To illustrate: a white coat averagely smiling doctor has his picture taken against the backdrop of a neuroradiology department corridor with a re-profiled soft focus. The illumination is bright with natural light, as the doctor sits on a chair at the back of the room. Sarah is open and welcoming, holding a clipboard as if to prove that the smiley doctor is a skilled medical professional.
What is the underlying principle of the photo? This headshot displays not just the professionalism but the friendly disposition of the subject making him quite comfortable and yet professional which is exactly what the patients are in quest for in a healthcare provider.
5. Real Estate
For realtors, the headshot is often one of the first sees prospective clients, making it important to find the middle ground between being too formal and looking too approachable. A shot for real estate agents would usually incorporate a plain backdrop such as a clear skyline or a spacious office and smart casual dressing. A confident smile and eyes locked with the camera instil confidence.
As stated by The National Association of Realtors, 80 per cent of buyers check the online profiles of real estate agents before selecting one. Therefore, it is important to use a warm and professional-looking headshot as such helps to create an element of trust.
For Example, A real estate agent wearing a blazer with an open collar shirt holding a tan standing against a house. The tan is emphasized as they are all smiles standing with a tablet. The surroundings depict some greens and part of the house mildly depicts their profession.
How it is effective: The headshot is easy to approach, looks professional, and is also industry-relevant. The subject appears warm and sound which is very important in client relations in real estate.
6. Education and Academia
In the field of pedagogy, the objectives can best be summarized with three terms: expert, authoritative, and approachable. Teachers, academic instructors, and people working in sciences usually prefer headshots taken against plain backgrounds such as bookshelves, university corridors, or in colours that do not pay attention to themselves. The dress code is business-like but not restricting; one may find cardigans, blazers, or blouses frequently worn.
In most cases, educators are respected and even revered, so there must be a measure of appeal in their portraits that otherwise inflects authority. For instance, Education Week explains Iconic teachers out there have photos that make them look inviting, which means that students and parents tend to be at ease and home.
Examples: A university instructor who is wearing a blazer and a collared shirt is posed in front of a wall with stacks of books. They are displaying a small grin with their head slightly tilted which suggests the ability to communicate well and a warm personality.
Why it works: The above headshot shows age, wisdom and kindness. The academic setting creates a sense of credibility about the individual, but the active posture of the subject suggests a desire to engage and relate to others.
Conclusion
An effective professional headshot will always depend on the field of work. For example, most of the sectors such as finance and healthcare would require more serious and classic photographs, while creative and technical industries are more open to freedom and flexibility.
Yet, in any industry, some factors will ensure that the headshots are successful and those factors are dressing like a professional, the right environment and how one looks to show confidence yet be friendly when taking the photograph. Whenever you are about to take a new headshot, think about the specific norms in your area of work. Although one may spend a lot on the right headshot, the effects of it will be evident since the audience will remember you for being different.
