25 Professional Headshot Examples

We’ve all seen it, that one headshot that looks like it was cropped from a wedding photo or taken during a bad Zoom call.
Your headshot isn’t just a picture; it’s your digital first impression. Before anyone reads your bio or checks your portfolio, they see your face.

Whether you’re updating LinkedIn, launching a startup, or auditioning for Netflix, a great headshot instantly says: “You can trust me.”

Let’s explore 25 good headshot examples, each showing what works, what doesn’t, and how you can capture the same confident, natural energy, without feeling robotic or over-posed.

Why Headshots Matter (More Than You Think)

According to LinkedIn, profiles with professional headshots receive 21× more views and 9× more connection requests.
HubSpot even found that users spend 40% more time on pages with human faces.

That’s not vanity — that’s psychology.
People trust people. Your headshot is your virtual handshake.

What Makes a Great Headshot

✅ Good lighting: Soft and natural beats harsh and flashy.
✅ Eyes in focus: The human brain is drawn to the eyes first.
✅ Simple background: You, not the wallpaper, are the star.
✅ Expression: Confident, approachable, and authentic.
✅ Outfit: Solid colors photograph better than patterns.

25 Good Headshot Examples (With quick tips 🍫)

Here’s your visual guide — 25 stunning examples for different professions, styles, and goals.

1. Corporate Headshot Example

A timeless executive-style portrait that radiates confidence and authority.
Why it works: Balanced lighting, neutral tones, and direct eye contact.
👉 Tip: Avoid shiny fabrics — they reflect studio lights unpredictably.

2. Business Casual Headshot Example

The sweet spot between professional and approachable.
Why it works: Natural expression, minimal retouching.
👉 Neutral colors like navy or beige work better than bold prints.

3. Startup Founder Headshot Example

Modern and grounded — perfect for press kits or pitch decks.
Why it works: Slightly informal posture with confident body language.
👉 Include subtle context like laptops or minimal decor — adds story.

4. Creative Professional Headshot Example

Personality-forward, energetic, and distinctly “you.”
Why it works: A pop of color reflects creativity and individuality.

👉 Don’t be afraid of color. A bold wall, pattern, or prop can express your creative identity instantly.

5. LinkedIn Headshot Example

Alt: LinkedIn headshot example on a bright neutral background
Caption: Clean, balanced, and scroll-stopping.
Why it works: Crisp lighting and a genuine smile attract attention instantly.

👉 Shoot everyone at the same eye level — uneven heights can subconsciously affect perceived hierarchy.

6. Real Estate Agent Headshot Example

A friendly, trustworthy vibe — perfect for client-first roles.
Why it works: Outdoor soft light enhances approachability.

👉 Shooting near clean architectural lines (doors, glass panels) gives subtle cues of professionalism in property settings.

7. Lawyer Headshot Example

Composed, authoritative, and reliable.
Why it works: Even lighting and a calm posture build credibility.

👉 Aim for balanced lighting from both sides; uneven shadows can make expressions look harsher than intended.

8. Doctor or Healthcare Professional Headshot Example

Compassion meets confidence.
Why it works: Warm lighting and relaxed body language foster trust.

👉 Keep jewelry and accessories minimal — trust cues come from eye contact and posture, not embellishment.

9. Therapist Headshot Example

Calm, empathetic, and safe — exactly the tone you want.
Why it works: Soft colors reduce visual tension and feel soothing.

👉 Gentle eye contact and a slight smile help establish empathy; clients often judge warmth subconsciously.

10. Fitness Coach Headshot Example

Strong posture, genuine energy.
Why it works: Movement adds life — posture matters more than flexing.

👉 Capture movement — even subtle posture shifts make the photo feel alive and energetic.

11. Creative Director Headshot Example

Artistic yet confident — a blend of authority and vision.
Why it works: Side lighting adds depth and character.

👉 Use lighting direction (side or top light) to emphasize creative edge and authority in one frame.

12. Actor Headshot Example

Subtle expression that captures emotional range.
Why it works: A Simple setup lets personality shine.

👉 Focus on eyes and contrast; monochrome images rely heavily on emotion and shape.

13. Model Portfolio Headshot Example

Editorial yet natural — focus on symmetry and gaze.
Why it works: Texture, tone, and lighting harmony create a professional finish.

👉 Natural light from a window can highlight skin texture beautifully; it’s better than harsh flash for models.

14. Author or Speaker Headshot Example

Alt: author headshot with bookshelf background
Caption: Intelligent and personal, ideal for book jackets or talks.
Why it works: Soft blur behind adds intimacy and context.

👉 Shooting with a shallow depth of field adds intimacy — perfect for back-cover photos or press bios.

15. Musician or Artist Headshot Example

Expressive, moody, and full of personality.
Why it works: Props can be storytelling devices when used minimally.

16. Engineer / Tech Professional Headshot Example

Alt: tech headshot with minimal background and casual hoodie
Caption: Focused and down-to-earth — modern professionalism.
Why it works: Simplicity conveys clarity and honesty.

👉 Clean minimal backgrounds (like muted grays or wood panels) convey focus and clarity — ideal for tech roles.

17. Entrepreneur Headshot Example

Alt: entrepreneur headshot with modern office background
Caption: Visionary energy meets real-world execution.
Why it works: Slight body angle projects leadership naturally.

👉 Including elements from your workspace (like a laptop or brick wall) subtly conveys what you do without text.

18. Outdoor Headshot Example

Natural and warm, perfect for freelancers or creatives.
Why it works: Golden-hour light adds instant glow.

👉 Use a wide aperture (like f/2.8) for that blurred, cinematic background — it separates you from the scenery.

19. Remote Worker / Digital Nomad Headshot Example

Professional yet comfortable.
Why it works: Soft indoor light feels natural for online-first careers.

👉 Natural indoor light from a window, plus a blurred background, gives a “Zoom-ready” yet polished look.

20. Student / Graduate Headshot Example

Youthful confidence with an authentic smile.
Why it works: Avoid filters — authenticity trumps perfection.

👉 Avoid filters. Authenticity matters more than “perfection” when applying for internships or entry-level roles.

21. Corporate Team Headshot Example

Uniform lighting and crop consistency create brand harmony.
Why it works: Cohesion builds trust across company profiles.

👉 Consistency in lighting and crop across all team photos makes a brand look unified and premium.

22. Influencer or Content Creator Headshot Example

Bright, modern, and visually engaging.
Why it works: Eye contact and environment tell a story at once.

23. Teacher or Educator Headshot Example

Alt: teacher headshot in classroom or library
Caption: Friendly and reliable — warm tones communicate empathy.
Why it works: Subtle background context adds credibility.

24. Corporate Diversity Headshot Example

Authentic representation matters more than polish.
Why it works: Inclusive imagery reflects modern company culture.

25. AI-Generated Headshot Example

Proof that technology can now match studio quality.
Why it works: Controlled lighting and proportioned depth look real, not robotic.

Fun Headshot Trivia

• The first professional headshot dates back to 1854, by French photographer André Disdéri.
• People decide if a face is trustworthy in 0.1 seconds, according to Scientific American.
• LinkedIn users typically update their headshot every 2.5 years — usually after a career shift.

Quick Checklist Before You Take (or Generate) Yours

✅ Find flattering light (natural or softbox).
✅ Keep the camera at eye level.
✅ Relax your shoulders.
✅ Think of something that makes you laugh — it softens expression.
✅ Take multiple shots — your best photo usually isn’t the first.

Final Thoughts

A great headshot doesn’t just capture your face — it captures your energy.
It’s your chance to say “Here’s who I am” before you even speak.

So whether you’re a lawyer, coach, artist, or student, take a cue from these 25 examples.
Be confident, natural, and unapologetically you, because confidence photographs better than perfection.