Let's be honest: your headshot is often the very first impression you make. Before a handshake, before a meeting, before that big pitch, people are Googling you. They're checking out your LinkedIn. They're scrolling through your company's "About" page. And what do they see? Your face.
I've been working in business portrait photography for years, and I can't tell you how many times I've seen talented professionals undermine their credibility with a headshot that just doesn't do them justice. The good news? Most of these mistakes are totally fixable. You don't need a complete image overhaul: just a few thoughtful adjustments can transform how you show up in the professional world.
So let's dive in! Here are seven common mistakes I see with corporate headshots and exactly how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Using an outdated photo
I get it: you loved that headshot from five years ago. Your hair was perfect, your skin was glowing, and honestly, you looked amazing. But here's the thing: if clients or colleagues meet you in person and can't recognize you, that's a problem.
An outdated photo creates a disconnect. It can make people feel like you're not being authentic, even if that's not your intention at all. If you've changed your hairstyle, grown a beard, gotten new glasses, or simply look different than you did a few years back, it's time for an update.
The Fix: Refresh your professional headshots every one to two years; sooner if you've had a significant change in appearance. Think of it as routine maintenance for your personal brand. Your headshot should look like you, the version of you that walks into meetings today.
Mistake #2: Poor lighting
Lighting can make or break a photo. I've seen so many DIY headshots taken under harsh fluorescent office lights or in direct midday sun, and the results are usually unflattering. Deep shadows under the eyes, washed-out skin, weird color casts: none of that screams "hire me" or "trust me with your business." After all, if you can't focus on the details in your own portrait, why should clients trust that you'll focus on the details when you're working with them?
The Fix: Soft, directional studio lighting is the secret sauce for executive headshots that actually flatter your face. This is one of the biggest reasons working with a professional makes such a difference. When I work with clients, I bring the studio experience directly to them, complete with professional lighting setups that minimize shadows and highlight your best features.
Mistake #3: Distracting or inconsistent backgrounds
That trendy brick wall at the coffee shop? The beautiful beach from your last vacation? They might make for great Instagram content, but they don't belong in your corporate photography.
Busy backgrounds pull attention away from the most important element of your headshot: your face. And if you're part of a team, mismatched backgrounds across your company page look disorganized and unprofessional.
The Fix: Keep it clean and simple. Neutral-colored backdrops or subtle environmental settings work best because they support your brand without competing for attention. If you're updating headshots for an entire team, consistency is key. Everyone should have a similar background style and color tone so your "Meet the Team" page looks cohesive and polished.
Mistake #4: Inappropriate or unflattering clothing
What you wear in your headshot sends a message before you ever say a word. Ill-fitting clothes, busy patterns, neon colors, or overly trendy outfits can all undermine your professional appearance. That busy plaid shirt? It might photograph as a dizzying optical illusion. That oversized blazer? It could make you look like you're swimming in fabric.
The Fix: Stick with solid, flattering colors that contrast nicely with your background. Classic choices like a navy suit, a crisp dress shirt, or a well-fitted blazer almost always photograph beautifully. Avoid large patterns, logos, and distracting jewelry. The goal is for people to focus on you: your eyes, your expression, your confidence: not your clothing or accessories.
I always recommend my clients bring a couple of outfit options to their session. That way, we can see what photographs best and make sure you walk away with images you absolutely love.
Mistake #5: Low resolution files and poor cropping
Here's a mistake I see all the time: someone pulls their headshot from a social media profile or crops themselves out of a group photo, and then they wonder why it looks blurry and pixelated on their website. Modern screens are high-resolution, which means low-quality images stick out like a sore thumb.
The Fix: Invest in properly sized, high-quality files from the start. Your headshot needs to look sharp across multiple platforms: your website, LinkedIn, email signatures, and more. A professional photographer will provide you with files optimized for different uses, so you never have to worry about a grainy, unprofessional images.
Mistake #6: Overly stiff or unnatural posing
Traditionally, headshots with arms crossed tightly, shoulders squared, smile plastered on, have been the norm. But in today's world, authentic imagery matters more than ever.
People want to connect with real humans, not cardboard cutouts. A stiff, unnatural pose makes you look unapproachable, which is the exact opposite of what you want.
The Fix: Work with a photographer who knows how to guide you into natural, relaxed poses. Small adjustments make a huge difference: a slight turn of the shoulders, a gentle lean forward, relaxing your hands. When I photograph clients, I'm constantly coaching them through micro-movements and conversation to capture genuine expressions. The goal is to get you looking like your best, most authentic self.
This is honestly one of the things I love most about my job. There's nothing better than seeing someone transform from nervous and stiff to confident and relaxed right in front of my camera.
Mistake #7: Over-retouching
I know it's tempting to smooth out every line and erase every imperfection, but excessive retouching creates a fake, artificial appearance that doesn't match how you actually look in person. When someone meets you after seeing a heavily edited photo, it can feel jarring: and not in a good way.
The Fix: Subtle retouching is the sweet spot. Cleaning up flyaway hairs, brightening the eyes, reducing temporary blemishes or shine: these are all fair game. But you want to preserve your natural features. The goal is to look like you on your best day, not an airbrushed version that doesn't exist in real life.
I always aim for that "you, but elevated" look with my clients. Real. Polished. Authentic.
Why working with a professional photographer makes all the difference
Here's the truth: most of these mistakes happen because people try to cut corners. They use an old photo, snap something on their phone, or rely on whoever in the office has a "nice camera." And I totally understand the impulse - headshots might not feel like a priority when you've got a million other things on your plate.
But your professional headshot is an investment in how the world sees you. It's the visual handshake that introduces you before you ever walk into a room.
When you work with a professional mobile photography studio like Red Angle Photography, you get expert lighting, guidance on wardrobe and posing, high-quality files, and an experience that's actually enjoyable. Plus, I come to you, whether that's your office, a conference, or wherever works best, so you don't have to worry about logistics.
Ready to ditch the headshot mistakes and show up as your most confident, authentic self? Let's chat. I'd love to help you create executive headshots you're truly proud of.