7 Common Headshot Mistakes
We’ve all seen a bad headshot. Maybe it’s a blurry cell phone snap cropped from a wedding photo. Maybe the lighting makes the person look like they’re auditioning for a horror movie. Or maybe it’s ten years old and looks nothing like the person today. The truth is: your headshot is often the first impression someone has of you—on LinkedIn, your company website, or even a conference speaker lineup. So why not make it a good one?
Here are some of the most common headshot mistakes I see (and how you can avoid them).
1. Using an Outdated Photo
If your headshot is old enough to have its own driver’s license, it’s time for an update. People want to recognize you as you are now—not from a decade ago. Showing up looking completely different than your headshot can feel jarring (and a little misleading).
Quick fix: Refresh your headshot every 2–3 years, or anytime you’ve had a major change in your look (new hairstyle, beard/no beard, glasses, etc.).
2. The Distracting Background
That cool brick wall behind your apartment? The palm trees from your last vacation? Probably not the best choice. Busy or distracting backgrounds can pull attention away from the one thing that matters: you.
Quick fix: Stick with clean, neutral backgrounds or subtle environmental settings that support your personal brand.
3. Overly “Stiff” Posing
You don’t need to look like a mannequin. Crossed arms, plastered-on smile, shoulders squared to the camera—it can feel unnatural, and it often looks that way too.
Quick fix: Work with a photographer who will guide you into natural poses. Small shifts—like turning slightly, leaning in, or relaxing your shoulders—make a big difference.
4. Distracting Clothing Choices
Big patterns, neon colors, or shirts that don’t fit right can steal the spotlight. Same goes for jewelry that jingles or competes with your face.
Quick fix: Choose solid, flattering colors that contrast with the background. Simple, well-fitting clothing always wins.
5. Harsh Lighting
Nothing kills a headshot faster than lighting that creates deep shadows under your eyes or washes you out completely. Bad lighting = bad headshot, no matter how much you love your outfit.
Quick fix: Professional photographers know how to use lighting to flatter your features. If you’re DIY-ing it, soft, even light is your best friend (think: natural window light, not your ceiling fixture).
6. Over-Retouching
Yes, everyone wants to look polished. No, you do not want to look like a wax figure. Over-retouching can strip away the realness of your face and make the photo feel fake.
Quick fix: Go for subtle retouching—clean up flyaway hairs, brighten eyes, reduce shine—but keep your natural features intact. You want to look like your best self, not someone else.
7. The “Crop Job” Headshot
We all know someone who just cropped themselves out of a group photo and called it a day. Problem is, the lighting, background, and overall vibe usually scream “not professional.”
Quick fix: Invest in an actual headshot session. It doesn’t have to break the bank, but it does show you take yourself seriously.
Final Thoughts
Your headshot is your digital handshake. It doesn’t need to be glamorous, but it should feel professional, approachable, and—most importantly—like you. Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll have a headshot you’re proud to put out into the world.