Business Headshot, Executive Portraiture, and Branding Resource Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Professional or Business Headshot?
A professional headshot is sometimes called a business headshot, business portrait, or artistic portrait (for actors, authors, and artists).
Your professional headshot should make you look trustworthy, competent, and friendly, someone people want to do business with. This is your opportunity for people to put a face to your name, and you want this first introduction to be a good one.
Business headshots are typically cropped from mid-torso on up, otherwise known as head and shoulders, and are usually photographed on a backdrop or in an office with a simple background. Since business headshots are often displayed as small profile images on a website or a social media platform like LinkedIn, they are cropped tightly so the viewer can easily see your face.
Actors, authors, and artist portraits have more room for creativity in background, clothing, lighting, and posing. If you’re interested in an artistic portrait, please visit my Actors, Authors, and Artists Resource Guide.
What is an Executive Portrait?
As with a business headshot, the goal of an executive portrait is to convey competence and to present a positive image to your viewers. Corporate and executive portraits can be cropped to just the head and shoulders (headshots) but sometimes include more of the body; these images tend to be more formal in posing and background. We often include the environment to give a glimpse of your workplace and will necessarily take more time to ensure you have different options for your creative director or designer.
Why Should I Have My Portrait Taken Professionally?
If you want to stay current in your profession, you need to market yourself; your image is a large part of how people first get to know you. It’s important that you look approachable, friendly, competent, and like someone you’d want to do business with. With the right lighting and posing, and in an environment that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable, a professional headshot will make you look great and do wonders for your online presence.
Your professional image will be viewed on LinkedIn, your company website, and with any reports, documents, or marketing materials your business creates. My goal is to capture several different looks so that you have options for your different portrait needs. Your LinkedIn page might have a more traditional or classic look, while your personal FaceBook profile image might be more casual or ‘business-casual.’ And if you’d like to give a portrait of yourself to a loved one, we want to ensure you have good options for that, as well.
Where Do You Take Business Portraits?
Headshots are often taken in my studio, located about 2 miles south of Concord Center. My studio has a portrait garden and is adjacent to conservation land if you would prefer a more natural setting. In addition, I frequently travel and can photograph you in your office or other location if desired.
Studio, Office, or Outside? When planning your business portrait session, think about what you would like your image to look like and where you want it taken. Are you interested in a head and shoulders headshot taken with a plain background at your office or in a studio? Or would you rather have an image with the environment incorporated into the image (office, building, nature, etc.)? Sometimes, people need their portrait to match their colleagues’ images so the firm’s website has a cohesive look and feel. Other times, the location and background needs to be inline with your business’s brand. I can work with you and help you find places to take your portraits to match your needs.
What Should I Wear for My Headshot?
Dress according to your profession or the job you hope to have. If you work in a conservative industry such as finance or law, a jacket and tie for a masculine look or a nice top, blazer, or dress for a feminine look would be a good choice. If you are in a different industry, take a look at what others have worn for their portraits and get some ideas from them. Smart casual is always a good choice.
Choose colors that complement your skin tone and pieces you love that have garnered compliments. Try to avoid bold patterns or anything that will detract from your face.
Long sleeves are usually best since you want the viewer’s attention to go to your face and not your arms. Likewise, it’s best to avoid bright colors, bold stripes, and shirts with words on them. Choose colors that complement your skin tone and clothes that have garnered compliments. If in doubt, feel free to bring some extra clothes so that you can try different looks. If wearing a tie, you might consider bringing a few extra ones. This goes for blouses and blazers, as well. There is no harm in bringing extra clothes or accessories and making these decisions during your session rather than at home.
Can You Photograph the Whole Team?
Absolutely. Whether in my studio in Concord or on location, I will work with you to determine the best place for your group portrait. Often, I will photograph the whole group and then also get individual headshots of each team member.
Can You Help with Branding and Video Marketing?
From professional product photos to video content and testimonials, I can help create the stunning visuals needed to showcase your business and what you offer. I handle everything—from shooting high-quality, professional photos and videos to editing them into a powerful, polished video that tells your brand’s story. It’s the perfect way to attract new customers, build credibility, and stand out from the competition.
Salted Soul in Acton, MA, offers Sound Therapy by Zen-Rise Wellness and Reiki by Nuna Therapy.
Planning your Business Headshot
Before Your Session:
Clothing: Make sure to plan out your outfit at least a week before your session. Try it on, make sure everything fits properly and that it is clean and looks fresh.
Hair: If you’re going to get your hair cut, do so at least 4-5 days in advance so it has time to grow in a bit. Alternatively, plan to see the hairstylist before your session so it looks great when you arrive.
One Week in Advance:
This is the time to make sure you are taking good care of yourself (well, you should always take good care of yourself… but it’s especially important before your portrait session). Make sure you get some exercise, time outside, rest, and eat right. If you’re feeling good, you’re going to look great.
Gather your outfit and possible change of outfits (extra ties, accessories, different sweater or jacket, etc.). Include a hairbrush for last-minute touch-ups. If there are any photos that have been taken of you that you really like, feel free to bring them to show me so we can make sure to try to capture that angle in some of the poses.
Day of portrait:
You’ve prepared and planned, so you’re ready to go. Don’t forget to bring your change of outfits, hairbrush, and other accessories.
Allow extra time for traffic, and to enjoy the beautiful Concord scenery on your drive.
When you arrive, relax, and enjoy your session!
Click here to see my Business Portrait Gallery.
Get In Touch
If you’re looking for a photographer and you connect with my work, I would love to hear from you!
Looking for ideas for great portrait locations? Check out my Location Guide!
Do you want to see more business photos? Please visit my Business Gallery!
Any questions? Contact me!
