4+1 Tips on Poses for Corporate Headshots

Which pose brings out your best “you”? That is one of the most common questions our clients ask us, along with what clothes to wear to your photoshoot.

The way you present yourself to the camera is how people see you. What they want to see is a confident person, brimming with skills and determination.

Your pose determines how you present yourself to the camera and your audience. If you take a self-assured, yet comfortable pose, you will engage with your audience while displaying your brand and yourself in the most favorable light.

1. Look at the Camera and Smile
Our eyes speak for ourselves. So, whatever pose you choose, look at the camera and smile. As you engage with the camera, people will get a glimpse of your competence and skills. Looking at the camera and smiling is going to show your most friendly impression.

Look Straight at the Camera
You want your eyes to look at the camera. When you look directly at the camera, you appear friendly and approachable, which is the vibe you want to give in a corporate headshot.
In Western culture, we like it when people look straight at the camera. We perceive this person as someone who is open and trustworthy. Sideways glances feel dishonest to us, so if you look sideways, your audience could think you are trying to hide something or that there is something evasive about you.

Smile, Genuinely
A warm, gentle, and welcoming smile is the best way for people to relate to you. A friendly smile is all you need to engage with your audience and show your most approachable self. We suggest thinking about someone or something that makes you happy.

2. Watch Your Chin
How you position your chin can have a big impact on your headshot.
Not Too High, Not Too Low
If you put your chin too low, you could end up with a double chin—which is never flattering—no matter how thin you are.
If you look too high up, the photo will show you with your nose in the air—literally. It may show your nostrils rather than your face and you could be giving out a feeling of arrogance. Also, if you put your chin too high, your neck will look unnaturally tall, making your face appear small in comparison.
If the thought of striking the right pose concerns you, don’t worry: as we view your headshot through our lens, we will guide you into positioning your chin. Through experience, we have discovered that a slight head tilt positions the chin perfectly with regard to your neck and face.
Our best advice is to trust your photographer and listen to their advice.

3. Work Your Angle
You don’t need your whole body to be facing the camera. If anything, standing straight at the camera can create an awkward feeling since many people associate this with mug shots—completely different from corporate headshots!
The ideal pose positions your body at an angle to the camera with your eyes looking directly at the lens. You don’t want to be standing at a complete angle, as it will be uncomfortable having to turn your head 45 degrees to face the camera. A 10-to-30-degree angle is usually very flattering and makes you look open and friendly. We direct everyeone from multiple angles at Denver Headshot Co, and then bring you back to look at the images to talk about which side looks most flattering.

Lean Your Body
Leaning slightly towards the camera can help you to look engaged and interested. Just don’t lean too much because you may start looking hunched or cheesy. Leanging away from the camara can give the oppisit feeling, of being disengaged.

Besides relaxing you, leaning will help you position your arms so they are not dangling along your body. If you gently lean against something, your body—and the headshot—will display action rather than being static.
As a bonus, leaning forward makes you look attentive, like you are really listening to the person in front of you. It is an indirect way of telling your audience you are tuned in to their needs.

Sit on Something
If a leaning pose is not your thing, you can always sit on a chair or bench if photo shooting outdoors. There are many options to choose from: chairs, armchairs, desk chairs, and stools are some interesting choices.
Again, we suggest you don’t face the camera straight but sit at a slight angle. Your face should look at the camera to engage with your clients.


4. Relax Your Arms and Hands
Many clients find it difficult to manage their hands. Headshots are usually taken from the torso and up, so your arms and hands will probably not show. Even though you may think they are invisible, they will still have an impact. We often will have you place them in your pockets to help you to stay relaxed.
Don’t Clutch Your Hands
If you clutch your hands out of stress during the photo shoot, this tension will show up in your face and body posture. Your hand muscles extend to your upper arms and shoulders and the tightness will crop up in your face.
Even if your arms and hands are not showing, relax them along your body.
If You Cross Your Arms
Some clients like to cross their arms. It gives their arms a purpose and makes them look more determined and active. It also makes the headshot look more dynamic.
Even so, we would advise against crossing your arms too tightly: you will look like you are either hiding something or as if you are angry at someone. It also makes you look closed off and unapproachable.

If you choose to cross your arms, do it in a relaxed and engaging way.
Hands on Hips
An alternative to crossing your arms is to try placing your hands on your hips. Again, you shouldn’t make it look forced. Simply placing your hands on your hips makes you look determined, ready for action, and self-assured.

As before, don’t push them too hard or you will look threatening. We suggest a gentle smile to enhance the confidence of your pose while undermining the potentially intimidating side.

Hold a Prop
You can hold something in your hands to keep them occupied. A cup of coffee, a pen, or your glasses are common props to get your hands busy without looking busy.
Ideally, you will want to match the prop to your brand. For example, holding a cup of coffee gives a welcoming and relaxing vibe. If your brand is more authoritative, perhaps your glasses are more appropriate.

Another possibility is something symbolic of your profession. Whether we are taking your headshot outdoors or in our studio, we can use a prop that is an iconic part of your job. A doctor, for example, may wish to be photographed while holding a stethoscope. Such a prop will serve as a quick reminder of what you do and let your professional identity gently meld with your personal one.

Final Tip: Walk toward the Camera
To make your headshot as natural as possible, we often ask our clients to slowly walk toward the camera. Walking takes your mind off standing in front of the camera. It instantly relaxes the face while the actual walking makes you look both active and dynamic. This can give a casual and more modern look to the images.

Take a Great Headshot
In today’s competitive job market, employers look at candidates through their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and other social media. Likewise, clients like to check out online the people working for them. Hence, an impressive online presence is crucial nowadays.
It is no wonder, then, that corporate headshot photography has become common practice for professionals, as a good corporate headshot can improve your brand.
All you need now is to book your photoshoot with Denver Headshot Co by calling us at 720-712-4829 or contacting us online, follow the tips above, and you’ll be ready for an outstanding corporate headshot and online presence!