Top 6 Poses You Need to Do at Your Next Headshot Session
Elevate your headshots from standard to standout.
Whether you’re refreshing your professional profile, building your brand online, or updating your marketing materials, the right poses make all the difference. These five classic—and versatile—headshot poses ensure you have a strong, confident, and dynamic gallery after your session.
Traditional Head and Shoulders Headshot
This is the quintessential headshot: tight crop, eyes at the camera, shoulders relaxed, chin slightly forward. It’s perfect for LinkedIn, email signatures, pitch decks, and any place you want to instantly communicate professionalism and confidence. A simple expression and good posture go a long way here—your audience should feel your presence even before they meet you
Pro Tip: Soft shoulders and a natural, genuine smile read as credibility and approachability on camera.
The Perfect Close Up
This shows a little more of “you” in the frame and brings the focus to youor face and expression, adding personality while maintaining professionalism. Perfect for about pages, digital presentations, and to use for a social media post. This is also an alternative to the person who doesn’t want the standard “head and shoulders headshot.”
Pro Tip: A subtle lean forward with eyes toward the camera creates deeper visual connection.
3/4 Standing Portrait
This pose adds dimension and energy. With your body angled slightly toward the camera and your weight distributed more naturally, you’ll achieve a flattering, relaxed stance that still feels authoritative.
This style is especially powerful for entrepreneurs and creatives—it says “I’m confident, comfortable, and ready to connect.”
Pro Tip: Pose your subject but then see how their body relaxes naturally
The Modern Headshot (or at least that’s what I call it)
This is less “corporate profile photo” and more current, confident, and brand-forward. It usually includes a little more breathing room than a traditional head-and-shoulders crop (often mid-chest to waist-up), with a relaxed posture and a natural expression that feels like you on your best day.
Pro tip: A slight lean forward + chin gently down helps create a strong jawline and bright eyes without looking forced.
A Seated Portrait
Seated poses add variety and versatility to your gallery. They work beautifully whether you’re perched on a stool or seated casually in a chair. The seated look communicates a mix of approachability and strength, perfect for thought leadership features, press images, or website hero photos.
Pro Tip: It naturally slows down posing, makes clients feel grounded, and often brings out more authentic expressions. Stools and simple chairs that blend into the background are perfect for this shot.
The Wall Lean
This pose is one of my favorites, especially for clients who are a little nervous in front of the camera. Leaning your back or shoulder against a wall instantly puts you at ease and creates flattering lines. It also gives the photographer more creative angles to play with—turning a simple pose into something elevated and editorial.
Bonus: We can play with corners, ledges, and textured walls to create visual interest.
These six poses aren’t just about looking good—they’re about communicating who you are and what you stand for. Great headshots build trust, elevate your personal brand, and make your dream clients feel confident connecting with you.
Thinking about your next headshot session…. at Stephanie Blum Photography we are the experts in creating headshots that feel and look like you, attract your ideal clients, and get you noticed. We know these images are meant to make you money. We take every person who tells us “I’m not photogenic” and show them they 100% are.
Professional headshots near me, serving Morris County