Good professional headshots for men are more than just photographs; they’re your first impression and a vital component of your professional branding. Whether networking on LinkedIn, auditioning for a role, or building your brand, a high-quality headshot can make all the difference.

This article aims to help men look their best in headshots, offering essential tips and ideas to ensure they present themselves in the most polished and professional manner.

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Headshot

The purpose of your headshot varies depending on your industry and the message you want to convey. Each sector has its standards and expectations for male professional headshots, so aligning your photo with these norms is crucial.

  • Corporate: Business headshots of men often feature formal attire, such as suits and ties, and a professional and confident expression. A neutral background and bright, even lighting are important to highlight professionalism and reliability.
  • Creative: Smart casual outfits with a relaxed and approachable expression. This is common in theatrical headshots and male actor headshots. The background can be more varied, sometimes featuring elements that reflect your creative environment while maintaining a polished look.
  • Casual: Neat, well-fitted clothes that reflect your style with a friendly and authentic expression. These headshots are often used for personal branding or less formal professions, where a more relaxed and personable image is beneficial.
black guy in a suit smiling for professional headshot photo

2. Choose the Right Outfit

Selecting the appropriate headshot outfits for theatrical shots, acting headshots, and male celebrity headshots is crucial to conveying the right image for professional headshots for men.

  • Corporate: Choose classic suits, ties, and button-down shirts for a polished and authoritative look. This outfit suits roles or appearances where a formal and professional appearance is expected; it is more likely suitable for business headshots for men.
  • Creative: Smart casual attire allows for a more relaxed yet still polished appearance. Consider blazers paired with stylish shirts or sweaters, reflecting a creative and versatile personality. This style is ideal for actors showcasing their range or celebrities aiming for a stylish and approachable image. This style is more likely suitable for male celebrity headshots, male actor headshots, and theatrical headshots.
  • Casual: Choose well-fitted, neat clothing that reflects your style while avoiding patterns that could distract from your face. This approach suits headshots that convey a laid-back, authentic personality or character.
white guy with no facial hair in casual wear smiling for a professional headshot photo

3. Pay Attention to Grooming

Proper grooming is essential for a polished and professional headshot. Attention to detail in your appearance can significantly impact your photo’s overall quality and impression. 

  • Hair: Ensure you have a fresh haircut styled appropriately for your professional image. Avoid drastic changes right before your shoot; stick to a style that you’re comfortable with, and that reflects your everyday look.
  • Facial Hair: Whether you have a beard or prefer to be clean-shaven, ensure your facial hair is well-groomed. Trim your beard or mustache neatly, or shave closely to maintain a clean look.
  • Skin: Follow a consistent skincare routine leading up to your shoot. Keep your skin moisturized; you do not want it to be dry and flaky in your headshot. On the day of the shot, use a mattifying product to prevent shinny skin, especially under bright lights.

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Do you know you must have a good night’s sleep to have the best male headshots? Adequate rest before your headshot session is essential to look fresh and alert. You do not want to have dark circles, puffiness, and a tired appearance around your eyes on your headshot. It is advised to have seven to nine hours of sleep the night before your shoot is best to minimize these effects. Proper rest helps you maintain a vibrant and energetic look, enhancing your overall appearance in the headshot.

5. Practice Good Posture

Maintaining a good posture is essential to present yourself confidently and professionally in your headshots. Keep your spine aligned and shoulders relaxed. This posture conveys confidence and openness, enhancing your overall presence in the photo.

6. Use Natural Light if Possible

Natural light can enhance the quality and authenticity of your headshots. The best time of the day is to aim for the “golden hours” shortly after sunrise or before sunset for soft, flattering light. Position yourself facing the light source to evenly illuminate your face, minimizing shadows and highlighting your features. Position yourself away from direct sunlight to avoid harsh shadows or overexposure, which can distract from your expression.

Male wearing formal wear for professional headshots

7. Background Matters

Choosing the right headshot background sets the tone and focus of your headshots. You can have a simple, non-distracting background by choosing plain walls, neutral colors, or minimalistic settings that won’t compete with your presence in the photo. If you decide between having your photo indoors or outdoors, ensure that the mood and context you wish to convey will reflect on your headshot.

  • Open, approachable stance: Stand or sit with an open posture that conveys approachability and confidence. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and do not cross your arms, which can create a closed-off impression.
  • Do not slouch: Maintain good posture to appear confident and attentive. Slouching gives the look of disinterest or lack of confidence, which is not ideal for a professional headshot.
  • Lean forward slightly: To convey engagement and interest, consider leaning forward slightly towards the camera. This subtle movement can make your pose more dynamic and engaging.

8. Facial Expressions and Poses

Mastering facial expressions and posing is key to capturing compelling headshots that convey professionalism and personality. Keep your smile natural and confident. Avoid forced expressions and aim for a relaxed smile that matches your eyes instead. Engage directly with the camera to establish a connection with the viewer. Your eyes should convey warmth, confidence, and approachability.

Do not be afraid to experiment with slight angles and gentle head tilts to add dimension and interest to your headshot. Avoid stiff poses; aim for a relaxed yet composed stance that reflects your personality.

9. Body Language Tips

Your body language in a headshot can convey a lot about your personality and demeanor. Here are some tips to ensure your body language enhances your professional image:

10. Use Props Wisely

When preparing for theatrical headshots, actor headshots, or male celebrity headshots, props should be minimal and relevant to your profession. Keep props minimal to avoid distraction from your main focus—your expression and personality. Consider simple items that hint at your role or character type for theatrical headshots. In acting headshots for males, props might subtly suggest your versatility or the roles you typically portray.

11. Retouching and Editing

Retouching and editing can enhance your headshot, but it is important to strike the right balance to maintain a natural and authentic look. Focus on minor adjustments to improve the overall quality of your headshot. This can include smoothing skin blemishes, reducing shine, and correcting minor lighting issues. However, avoid drastic changes that significantly alter your appearance, such as heavy airbrushing or altering facial features. Over-editing can result in an unrealistic image that does not accurately represent you.

12. Feedback from Trusted Sources

Seeking feedback from trusted individuals can help you choose the best headshot and ensure it meets your professional needs. Ask colleagues to offer insights on whether your headshot aligns with professional expectations, while friends can offer an honest, unbiased perspective.

13. Update Your Headshot Regularly

Keeping your headshot up-to-date is crucial for maintaining an accurate and professional image. Update your headshot every one to two years to ensure it reflects your current appearance. This regular refresh keeps your professional profiles and branding consistent. Schedule a new headshot if you undergo significant changes in your appearance, such as a major haircut, weight loss, or growing a beard. This helps prevent a disconnect between your photo and your look in person.

14. Use Headshot Generators

If your time is limited and you cannot prepare an outfit, consider using an AI headshot generator like Profile Bakery. You can transform your selfies into headshots. AI technology can create professional-looking headshots quickly and conveniently. These tools allow you to take men headshots at home and customize them with features like hairstyle, facial expression, background, and even the outfit you wear! 

15. Specialized Tips for Professional Male Headshots

Professionals and purposes require different approaches to ensure your headshot conveys the right message. Whether aiming for a corporate look, capturing the essence of a character, or showcasing your personal brand as a celebrity, these specialized tips help you achieve the perfect headshot for your specific needs.

Features Business Headshots Theatrical Headshot Actor Headshot Celebrity Headshot
Attire Formal business wear, tailored suits, conservative colors Simple, solid colors that highlight features Varies by role type but is generally neutral, allowing focus on the face Stylish, trendy, often high-end fashion
Background Neutral or office settings Simple, often black or grey Simple, non-distracting Can be more creative, incorporating elements of personality
Expression Professional, confident, approachable Dramatic, intense, capturing character essence Versatile, capturing different emotions and characters Charismatic, unique, capturing personal brand
Lighting Bright, even lighting to highlight features Moody, soft shadows to create depth Natural and balanced to bring out features without overshadowing High-quality, professional setups to create a glamorous look

Frequently Asked Questions

Some frequently asked questions

A professional headshot is essential because it is your visual introduction to potential employers, clients, and colleagues. It conveys professionalism, competence, and trustworthiness, which are important in making a positive first impression. In today’s digital age, networking, and online presence play pivotal roles. A well-crafted headshot can enhance visibility and credibility across platforms like LinkedIn, corporate websites, and social media profiles. It showcases your professional demeanor and communicates your commitment to presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Preparation for a headshot session involves several steps to help you fulfill the headshots you expect. Begin by selecting appropriate attire for your industry that aligns with your style. Grooming is equally important; ensure your hair is neatly styled, facial hair is well-groomed, and your skin looks healthy. Communicate clearly with your photographer about your objectives and the specifics in which you intend to use the headshots. Lastly, practice posing and facial expressions in front of a mirror to feel more confident and natural during the session.

When choosing attire for a professional headshot, choose clothing that reflects your industry’s norms and conveys the image you want to convey. Solid colors work well as they don’t distract from your face. Do not wear clothes with patterns or bright colors, it detracts from your professional image. Remember, your goal is to look polished and professional while ensuring your attire complements the background and lighting of the photo.

Grooming is crucial because it directly impacts your appearance in your headshot.  A fresh haircut, well-groomed facial hair, and a clean, moisturized complexion contribute to a polished appearance. These aspects enhance your visual appeal and reflect your attention to detail and professionalism. Whether your industry calls for a more conservative look or allows for a bit of personal flair, maintaining a well-groomed appearance ensures your headshot portrays you in the best possible light.

The background of your headshot should be simple and unobtrusive to keep the focus on you. Neutral colors like gray, white, or muted tones work well, providing a clean backdrop that doesn’t distract from your face. Consider the purpose of your headshot; a plain background is typically preferred for corporate settings, whereas creative industries allow for slightly more personalized backgrounds that maintain a professional look. Ultimately, the background should complement your attire and enhance rather than detect your overall professional image.