🧍‍♂️ Tips for Posing for Headshots: Look Natural & Confident

Learn how to pose for your headshot session so you look relaxed, confident, and authentic — whether it’s for LinkedIn, your portfolio, or personal brand.

📸 Posing Makes the Difference

Knowing how to pose — and being guided through it — can completely change the outcome of your session. These tips will help you show up with confidence and ease in front of the camera.

We’ll work together to get natural, professional images — whether you’re building a brand, auditioning for roles, or updating your online presence.

💡 Lighting & Camera Setup

Before we talk about posing, let’s touch on lighting. I use a blend of natural light and studio modifiers to create flattering shadows, even skin tones, and a sense of dimension — no harsh flash or unflattering angles.

A clean background and pro gear set the stage, but the real magic happens in how we light you and help you feel comfortable.

📐 Simple Posing Tips That Work

Posing doesn’t have to feel stiff or staged. These small adjustments make a big difference:

• ↩️ Turn your shoulders slightly instead of facing the camera straight on
• 📏 Lower your chin just a bit — it defines the jawline and lengthens the neck
• 👐 Keep your hands relaxed by your side or loosely crossed for wider crops
• 👀 “Smize” — smile gently with your eyes for warmth and authenticity
• 🎭 Mix up expressions — soft smiles, serious looks, or natural laughs

We’ll go through different poses during the session, so you have a variety to choose from.

🎯 Tailoring Poses to Your Industry

Different professions have different needs. Here’s how we approach it:

• 🎬 Actors: Relaxed posture and dynamic expressions (serious to friendly)
• 👔 Business Professionals: Clean angles, confident body language, direct eye contact
• 🎨 Creatives: Playful, natural poses with personality and flexible settings

We’ll shoot multiple options so you can match your final image to your platform, role, or audience.

🚫 What to Avoid When Posing

Here are a few things that can make headshots feel off — and what to do instead:

• 🙆‍♂️ Don’t tense your shoulders — it shows in the jaw and neck
• 😬 Don’t fake a big smile — a small, real one is always better
• 🦴 Don’t lock your elbows — soft, slightly bent arms look more natural

No need to memorize these — I’ll coach you through every pose and adjust as we go.

🖼 How to Pick the Best Final Shot

After the session, you’ll receive a private proof gallery. When selecting your favorite:

• 💬 Choose expressions that feel like the real you
• 🧍 Look for confident posture and relaxed hands
• 🎯 Pick the image that fits your brand and intended use

Each final image includes light retouching — enough to polish, but never overdone.

📅 When to Update Your Headshot

If your appearance has changed — new hairstyle, glasses, or just time — it’s worth refreshing your headshot. You want it to reflect who you are today.

An updated session also lets you refine your brand and explore new styling, expressions, or settings.

💬 Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a model to look great in headshots. With thoughtful posing, great lighting, and gentle coaching, you’ll come away with images that feel like you — just elevated.

Use these posing tips to prep before your shoot — then let me take it from there.

📸 Ready to Book a Headshot Session?

Whether you’re a creative, professional, or performer — I’ll guide you through every pose.

Book your headshot session with Chris Conner Photography →

Need help getting ready? Read our full guide to what to wear and how to prepare for your headshot →