What Makes a Good Headshot? (What You Need to Know)
If you’ve ever looked at someone’s headshot and thought “why does theirs look so natural, and mine doesn’t?”, you’re not alone. A great headshot isn’t just about having a decent camera or flattering light; it’s about capturing something that feels real.
If you’re an actor, a creative, or a founder shaping your personal brand, the same core principles apply, though the feeling of the photos can shift depending on who you are and what you need your image to say.
So, what actually makes a good headshot? Let’s break it down.
The Fundamentals of a Great Headshot
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for the perfect image, but there are a few essentials that separate a great headshot from an average one.
The key things to keep an eye out for are -
Lighting
Background
Facial expression
Composition (how things are arranged in the frame)
1. Lighting that flatters, but doesn’t flatten.
Good lighting brings your features to life; it doesn’t flatten or overexpose them. For most standard headshots, you want light that’s even across the face, but still leaves a touch of shadow to show of the features of your face. After all, that’s what people want to see, an honest version of you.
Avoid harsh shadows unless you want to go for a more moody or dramatic look.
2. Separation from the background
A good headshot should have clear separation between you and whatever’s behind you — whether that’s achieved through colour, tone, or depth of field. The wrong background can wash out your skin tone, or completely distract from the subject of the photo (in the case, you!).
3. Expression and connection
You can have perfect lighting and a complimentary background, but if your expression doesn’t feel authentic, the image won’t connect.
The most compelling headshots are the ones where you feel something when you look at them — a glimmer of confidence, curiosity, warmth, or whichever emotion you want to convey.
That’s why it’s so important to work with a photographer who can bring that out of you and to spend time looking through their work to see if you connect with their subjects in the way you would want people to connect with you.
4. Composition that feels balanced
The way the shots are framed should give enough room to show your shoulders and posture without feeling cramped. But also not so much room around you that you look lonely in a space (again, unless that’s something that you want to lean into).
Tiny details like the tilt of your head, the direction of your gaze, the way your clothes fall, can completely change the mood of an image.
Adapting for Different Purposes
While the fundamentals stay the same, the specifics of a great headshot depends on what you need it for.
An actor might lean toward something more vulnerable or emotive; a founder might want energy and approachability; a creative might prefer something with more context, or showing them creating.
We’ll explore each of these styles in future posts, but for now, remember: the best headshot is the one that feels true to you and serves it’s purpose - showing you off to the world.
My Perspective as a Photographer
When I’m behind the camera, my goal isn’t just to make someone look good, it’s to see the thing that make them them.
Before I even touch the camera, I spend time understanding what each person wants their image to do. Are you hoping to land a casting? Build a personal brand? Update your website? Once I know that, I can use my knowledge of how to create different feelings through focal length, perspective, lighting, colour etc to get to your goal.
The photographer understanding that there is a complex individual sitting in front of them is so important. We all have our own insecurities, vulnerabilities and things that we’d rather keep out of frame.
I truly believe these are the parts of someone that make them the most interesting and unique and are so worthwhile leaving in photos. HOWEVER, if you simply don’t like those photos, it’s not for me to push you on, but to work around and come up with an end product that you’ll truly love.
What to Look for in a Headshot Photographer
If you’re choosing a photographer, pay attention to a few key things:
Consistency: Do their photos look cohesive across different people and settings?
Connection: Do their subjects look relaxed, confident, and comfortable - or a bit frozen?
Lighting and editing: Is it clean and natural (I tend to stay away from anything overly re-touched, but this is just my preference)?
Variety: Do they show different moods and personalities, or does everyone look the same?
When you find someone whose work you consistently feel like you connect with, then you’ve found your answer.
Remember, you’re not just paying for someone to take your picture; you’re investing in how confidently you’ll show up in your next opportunity.
FAQ
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Go for simple, solid colours, anything that matches your eye colour can be a simple place to start. A bit of texture can work nicely, but avoid busy patterns or logos.
Think about how you want to be seen. Confident, approachable, creative? Let your clothes support that.
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Every 1–2 years, or sooner if your appearance changes significantly (hair, glasses, facial hair). Your headshot should reflect how you look right now and what you want to achieve with it.
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You’ll know.
It’s the one you keep coming back to and can’t stop looking at.
For some people this can almost be uncomfortable, because it’s a way that they’ve never seen themselves before.
People regularly say “I didn’t know I could look like that” when they’re captured well, so you’ll know when you know.
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Both can work beautifully.
Studios give control and a more polished finish; outdoor light can feel fresh and natural. It depends on your style and where the images will be used.
Final Thoughts
A good headshot isn’t just you looking at the camera, it says something about you.
When you find a photographer who can bring that out, it becomes more than just a photo; it becomes a reflection of confidence, presence, and honesty.
If you’re exploring new headshots, take your time, trust your gut, and choose someone whose work makes you feel something.
You can always take a look at my gallery or get in touch to chat about what might suit your look and goals.