That's a question that some photographers are now asking. When you see traditional corporate headshots, you know, the ones with rigid poses and forced smiles, what's your first thought? Is it "I'd love to work with this person", or do you just move on, not really feeling any sense of connection or interest in reaching out to that person?
As a photographer, I provide both traditional headshots and headshots that are a little more creative, and "authentic" - based on whatever my clients want or need. But, I can tell you that a change is coming. More and more people are moving away from the traditional formula: stand straight, smile on command, and try to look friendly. Now, they want something completely different - authentic images that truly show who they are, in their environment. Those types of images have typically been considered "branding" images because they include more than just the head and shoulders, with the specific goal of showing your personality. Now, getting away from the standard head and shoulders images, and moving more towards branding style images, is quickly becoming the norm.
Why traditional headshots may no longer work
The problem with traditional executive headshots isn't just that the subjects often look uncomfortable, and the smiles look forced. The real issue is that they can create a barrier between the viewer and the subject. In a world where authenticity drives trust, those formal, distant portraits can work against the very people they are supposed to help.
Think about it: when someone visits your LinkedIn profile or company website, they're not just looking at your qualifications. They're trying to get a sense of who you are as a person. Will you be easy to work with? Can they trust you? Do you seem approachable? Do you look like an expert in your field? For some people, a stiff, overly formal headshot could answer all those questions with a "maybe not" or a resounding "No."
Many people are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to create their headshot and branding images for them, rather than hiring professional photographers. With the increased use of AI, even in photography, today's consumers are having an increasingly harder time differentiating what's real vs what's AI-generated in what they see. Sure, AI can generate images of your "likeness," but I personally don't think it can create images of YOU - your essence, your personality, and your true, genuine self. Based on many of the AI-generated images I've seen, they all look the same - sure there's a person who looks like you with a nice smile, but something's always off - the background looks too perfect, the eyes and expressions don't have that spark that I see in the photos I create for my clients, and overall, the person just doesn't look real.
What authentic business portraits actually look like
So what does authenticity look like in practice? It's not about being casual for the sake of being casual. It's about capturing the real you in a professional context.
The psychology behind authentic portraits
There's real science behind why authentic headshots work better. Studies in social psychology show that people make judgments about trustworthiness, competence, and likability within milliseconds of seeing a face. When your headshot feels genuine, viewers unconsciously feel more connected to you.
This is especially important for professionals who rely on personal relationships, such as bankers, consultants, real estate agents, doctors, therapists, and coaches. Your headshot often serves as the first introduction potential clients have to you, so make it count. Even in more traditional corporate environments, authentic portraits are becoming popular. Companies want their leadership teams to appear approachable and human, not like intimidating authority figures who are more interested in the bottom line, than customer service.
The mobile studio advantage
Here's where mobile photography really shines in creating authentic portraits. When I bring the studio to my clients' offices or homes, something magical happens - they truly relax. They're in their own environment, surrounded by familiar elements.
I've photographed clients in their actual offices, and I've captured entrepreneurs in their workshops, surrounded by the products they've created. These environmental elements don't dominate the frame, but they add subtle context that makes the portrait feel more complete and authentic.
The mobile approach also allows for variety within a single session. We might start with traditional headshots against a clean background, then move to environmental portraits that show more context. This gives you options for different uses: social media, website, speaking engagements, or publications.
Brand storytelling through photography
Modern business photography isn't just about looking professional, it's about visual storytelling. Your headshot should align with your personal brand and the story you're trying to tell about yourself or your company.
For a tech entrepreneur, that might mean incorporating clean, modern elements and confident expressions that convey innovation and forward-thinking. For a wellness coach, we might focus on warmth, approachability, and natural light that reflects their holistic approach.
The key is understanding what message you want to send and then crafting images that support that narrative. This is where the cookie-cutter approach of traditional headshots completely fails - one size definitely doesn't fit all.
Making the transition
If you're still using headshots from five years ago, or even three years ago, it's time for an update. But the transition doesn't have to be jarring. You don't need to go from ultra-formal to completely casual overnight. The goal is finding the right balance for your industry and personal brand.
Start by thinking about the relationships you want to build and the impression you want to make. Then work with a photographer who understands how to capture authenticity while maintaining professionalism.
All photos by Red Angle Photography