Corporate Headshots
In this guide you’ll be able to choose your preferred type of headshot and find information on what to wear and how to prepare for your session.
Take a look through the portfolio and consider which styles you prefer. Are there background colors that you gravitate toward? Do you prefer formal or informal poses? Do you want a tightly cropped photo or do you prefer a full-body image?
After you select the background and pose you prefer, take a look through the style guide and FAQs, which can help ensure your look is polished and the session is smooth.
If we have not already scheduled your shoot, contact me to do so!
~Lisa Sheldon
Selecting Backgrounds
Headshot backgrounds are typically black or white, but there are a range of textures or outdoor locations to make the headshot stand out.
When selecting background preferences, consider the headshot use; LinkedIn profiles typically have white or very light gray backgrounds; corporate headshot backgrounds should complement the company website and/or printed materials; dark backgrounds are striking and often invoke a more formal tone.
For companies scheduling employee headshots, one background and pose can help maintain consistency across brand; alternate backgrounds and poses are available for additional image fees.
Individuals who schedule sessions at the Lisa Sheldon Photography studio may select among several indoor or outdoor backgrounds.
Dark Backgrounds
Dark background headshots are typically more striking and dramatic than those with a white background and can be perceived as more formal than a white background.
Light Backgrounds
A solid white or light gray background is one of the most popular options for headshots. It is the most adaptable for web or print. When choosing a light background, clients should wear a darker outfit to ensure there is contrast with the background.
Outdoor
Outdoor headshots are typically less formal than indoor or studio headshots. These images can feature activities to promote or an outdoor space to highlight.
Closely Cropped Headshot
Closely cropped headshots are typical for online profiles for business and personal use. They typically include only the face and upper shoulders.
Upper Body Headshot
Upper body headshots are often used by businesses because they provide more options for website and print usage. They can be resized for a variety of advertisements. They typically include the top of the head, outer silhouette, to the middle of the body. They can be more flattering for a diverse set of employees, as some employees prefer a less tightly cropped image of the face.
Full Body Headshot
Full body headshots are often used in more formal headshots but posing will influence the formality of these headshots. They typically include the upper body and half of the lower body or the full lower body.
Image Orientation
Consider whether you prefer a horizontal or portrait image orientation. Webpage specifications need to be considered because some sites are formatted for horizontal or portrait crops (for example, Instagram often crops the top of the image to make it fit their browser).
Horizontal Crop
Vertical Crop
Image editing
See below for an example of the differences between basic retouching and full retouching.
Full Retouching is included for all sessions held in the Lisa Sheldon Photography studio in Fairfax, VA.
Basic Retouching
Includes color correction and basic blemish removal.
Full Retouching
Includes basic retouching plus skin and hair smoothing, teeth whitening, adjustment and wrinkle reduction on clothing, and light sculpting if requested.
*Note- all of the images on this webpage have had full retouching
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Rich colors for blouses or dresses or a white button-down shirt and tie for headshots create a great professional impression.
Blouses or dresses with sleeves that hit below the elbow (unless you absolutely love to show off your arms!) photograph nicely. Be sure to wear undergarments that do not require constant adjustment or reveal shoulder straps.
Solid-color shirts and slacks and crisp button-down shirts always look sharp. If you are looking for a more formal look, consider a full suit with a pocket square. Please shave or trim your beard before the session.
All items are from Ann Taylor, J. Crew, and J. Crew Factory