A great headshot can make a powerful first impression, whether it’s for your website, LinkedIn profile, or company marketing. Over my 15 years as a professional photographer, I’ve photographed many male headshots and know that most men arrive at their shoot wondering the same things: What should I wear? How should I pose? Should I keep my beard? In this blog post, I’ll share practical advice to help you get the most out of your session — from what to wear for professional male headshots to grooming tips and what to expect during the shoot. With a little preparation, your professional headshots for men can feel relaxed, natural and authentically you.
What to wear for Professional Male Headshots
As a professional photographer, I often find men seeking guidance on what to wear for their male headshot sessions. My advice begins with the importance of well-fitted clothing; shirts or jackets must fit properly, particularly around the collar and shoulders. I suggest sitting down in your chosen outfit and examining yourself in the mirror to ensure your shirt doesn’t bunch up or crease, indicating it may be too large. Long sleeves tend to look more professional than short sleeves. In the post-pandemic era, many businessmen opt not to wear ties, though the decision remains entirely yours; if unsure, feel free to bring one along and we can do shots with/without ties. Additionally, bringing a change of shirt is welcomed. Please ensure that your shirts are well-ironed and be aware that extra editing to remove wrinkles and creases may result in additional costs. By adhering to these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to convey professionalism and personal style through your headshot.
Glasses, grooming and facial hair
Beard or no beard? The decision is entirely yours! In all my years as a professional photographer, I’ve only had one client who shaved his beard off half-way through his session (!) – not something I’d advise! If you normally wear glasses please keep them on for your shoot. If you could avoid reactive lenses thought that would be great.
How to pose for male headshots
Please don’t worry about how to pose – it’s my job as a professional photographer to guide you through the process. Most people feel a little unsure in front of the camera at first, and that’s completely normal. During your session I’ll give you simple, clear direction on posture, angles, and where to place your hands so you look natural and confident rather than stiff or posed.
Small adjustments can make a big difference in male headshots, from the angle of your shoulders to the direction of your gaze. I’ll also encourage a few subtle variations in expression so we capture images that feel relaxed, approachable, and professional. The goal with professional headshots for men is always to create photographs that look like the best version of you – confident, authentic, and comfortable.
How do headshot sessions differ from Men’s Personal Branding?
In a typical headshot session, we primarily focus on capturing professional portraits from the shoulders (and sometimes the waist!) up. These shots are mostly used for website profiles, identity cards and LinkedIn profiles. Please note that if you are coming to my house in Ardingly for ‘Studio’ headshots then space is limited and I can only take headshots.
Personal Branding sessions tend to be longer and more in-depth, creating more of a visual narrative of an individual’s personal brand, interests and values. Additionally, in personal branding sessions, I often incorporate lifestyle pictures that showcase various aspects of the individual’s life, such as working on a laptop or enjoying a cup of coffee.
Preparing for male headshots doesn’t need to be complicated. With well-fitted clothing, simple grooming, and a relaxed approach, I can help you create professional headshots for men that feel natural, confident, and approachable. Whether you need updated mens headshots for LinkedIn, your company website, or marketing materials, a good headshot should represent the best version of you and your professional brand. If you’re thinking about updating your professional headshots, or have any questions about preparing for your session, please get in touch – I’d love to help you create images that genuinely reflect who you are.
