Top 9 Professional Headshot for Men & Women

When it comes to making a strong first impression in the professional world, a well-crafted corporate portrait is indispensable. Whether you're an executive, an entrepreneur, or a creative professional, the right headshot can communicate your brand, your personality, and your professionalism in a single image. In this post, we’ll explore 17 outstanding examples of professional headshots for both men and women that can inspire your next corporate portrait.

1. Classic Solid Color Backgrounds

A solid color background, such as a crisp white, soft gray, or deep navy, provides a clean and timeless look. This style draws all attention to the subject, making it ideal for a corporate portrait. The simplicity of the background enhances the subject’s features and attire, ensuring that the focus remains on their face and expression.

A woman with long, wavy brown hair is smiling warmly while wearing a dark green blouse. Her friendly expression is complemented by a simple necklace, and she is set against a light gray background, suggesting a professional headshot.
A man with short brown hair and a beard is smiling while wearing a gray blazer over a white shirt. The light gray background highlights his friendly demeanor, making this a polished and professional portrait.
A woman with short, light brown hair is smiling brightly while wearing a patterned button-up shirt. The light gray background adds a clean, professional look to this approachable headshot.

2. Environmental Portraits

An environmental portrait places the subject in a relevant setting—such as an office, a studio, or a worksite. This type of headshot adds context to your professional role, helping to tell a story about who you are and what you do. For example, a lawyer might be photographed in a sophisticated office setting, while an artist could be captured in a creative studio environment.

A man with short brown hair is wearing a navy blazer over a white shirt. He is looking confidently into the camera, set against an urban outdoor backdrop with buildings, giving a professional and sophisticated appearance.
A woman with long, dark hair is smiling gently while wearing a navy blazer over a white top. She is posed outdoors with soft lighting and a blurred background of autumn foliage, creating a warm and professional portrait.
A woman with long wavy hair is smiling brightly while wearing a dark blazer over a red blouse. She is standing outdoors with golden autumn leaves in the background, conveying a friendly and approachable demeanor.

3. Natural Light Headshots

Natural light headshots are popular for their soft, flattering lighting that can bring out the best in a subject's complexion. Often taken outdoors or near large windows, these portraits convey warmth and approachability, making them ideal for professionals in fields that emphasize personal connections, such as counseling, coaching, or education.

A woman with long, light brown hair is smiling brightly while wearing a white blouse and dark blazer. She is set against a softly blurred indoor background, conveying a friendly and professional look.
A woman with shoulder-length dark hair is smiling gently while seated indoors. She is wearing a light, flowing top and layered necklaces, with a relaxed and warm setting in the background, giving a comfortable and approachable feel.
A young woman with long blonde hair is smiling warmly while wearing a white blouse. She is posed against a wood-paneled background, creating a natural and casual, yet professional atmosphere.

4. Casual and Approachable Headshots

For industries where approachability is key, a casual yet professional headshot can be highly effective. This might involve more relaxed attire, a genuine smile, and a comfortable pose. These portraits are perfect for professionals in fields like healthcare, education, or customer service, where warmth and friendliness are valued.

A woman with long wavy hair and bangs
A woman with short, light red hair is smiling gently while wearing a green top. Her relaxed and friendly demeanor is highlighted by the light gray background, providing a natural and professional portrait.
A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair is smiling brightly while wearing a patterned top. The light gray background enhances her approachable expression, making this a polished and professional headshot.

5. LinkedIn Ready Headshots

Your LinkedIn profile is one of the first places potential employers, clients, and partners will see your corporate portrait. A LinkedIn-ready headshot should be polished, professional, and reflective of your career goals. Depending on your industry, this might mean wearing formal business attire or something more contemporary yet professional.

A man with light brown hair is smiling warmly while wearing a black suit and a stethoscope around his neck. He is set against a dark background, suggesting a professional headshot of a medical professional.
A man with medium-length dark hair is smiling brightly while wearing a checkered shirt. He is set against a light gray background, conveying an approachable and professional demeanor.
A woman with dark hair is smiling warmly while wearing a white lab coat over a maroon scrub top. She is set against a light background, indicating a professional portrait of a healthcare provider.

6. Group Headshots

For teams or departments, a group headshot can convey unity and collaboration. These portraits can be taken in a variety of settings, from formal office environments to more relaxed, creative spaces. Group headshots are particularly effective for companies that want to highlight their teamwork and organizational culture.

A group of five professionals are standing together against a dark background, dressed in formal suits and blazers. They are smiling confidently, with a mix of relaxed and upright postures, suggesting a cohesive and professional team dynamic.

7. Headshots with Dramatic Lighting

Dramatic lighting can add a touch of sophistication and intrigue to a corporate portrait. By playing with shadows and highlights, a photographer can create a striking image that stands out from more traditional headshots. This style is particularly suited for professionals in creative or artistic fields, where a bit of drama is often appreciated.

A man with head tattoos and a serious expression is wearing a dark suit over a light shirt. He is posed against a dark background, holding a hat in his hand, which adds a touch of elegance and individuality to his formal appearance.
A woman with long wavy hair is illuminated by vibrant pink and blue lighting, creating a dramatic and artistic effect. She is looking directly into the camera, with a neutral expression, which conveys a bold and creative atmosphere.
A woman with long, partially teal-colored hair is wearing a black dress and an elaborate necklace. She is posed against a dark background with soft lighting, creating a sophisticated and slightly mysterious portrait.

8. Candid Headshots

Candid headshots capture the subject in a natural, unposed moment. These portraits can be more engaging and authentic, showing the subject in action—whether that’s talking, laughing, or working. Candid shots are perfect for professionals who want to convey a sense of ease and authenticity in their corporate portrait.

A woman with curly hair is smiling warmly while wearing a mustard yellow top under a black blazer. She is set against a dark green backdrop, giving her portrait a relaxed yet professional appearance.
A man with short brown hair and glasses is smiling broadly while wearing a white button-down shirt and jeans. He is seated against a neutral background, conveying an approachable and casual yet professional look.
A woman with blonde hair is smiling warmly while wearing a black dress with a decorative neckline. She is sitting on a patterned couch in a well-lit, comfortable indoor setting, creating a friendly and welcoming portrait.

9. Formal Attire Headshots

For those in more traditional or formal industries—such as law, finance, or corporate management—headshots in formal attire are a must. A well-tailored suit, a crisp dress shirt, and a confident expression convey professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail.

A woman with gray hair and red glasses is looking confidently into the camera while wearing a black blazer over a white shirt. She is set against a dark background, giving her portrait a professional and authoritative appearance.
A man with curly hair is wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and a striped tie. He is also set against a dark background, and his expression is serious, creating a formal and polished look.
A man with short hair and glasses is smiling while wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie. He is set against a light gray background, conveying an approachable and professional demeanor.

Diversity and inclusion are increasingly important in today’s corporate world. A headshot that celebrates diversity—whether through ethnicity, gender, age, or style—can make a powerful statement about your values and your brand. These portraits help reflect the inclusive, modern workplace and resonate with a broad audience.

Choose the Right Corporate Portrait Style for You!

Your corporate portrait is more than just a photograph—it’s a representation of your professional brand. Whether you opt for a classic solid background or a dynamic environmental shot, it’s essential that your headshot reflects who you are and the image you want to project in your career. By considering these 9 examples, you can choose a style that aligns with your profession, personality, and professional goals!

Ready to update your corporate portrait? Contact us today to book a session and create a professional headshot that truly represents your brand. Let us help you make a lasting impression with a headshot that captures your unique personality and professional identity!

Connor HibbsComment