You only get one chance to make a first impression—and that often starts with your headshot.
Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your website, or a business card, a good headshot tells people who you are before you even say a word.
But too often, a headshot says the wrong thing.
Maybe it’s too stiff. Maybe it’s too casual. Maybe it just doesn’t look like you anymore.
If you’ve ever looked at your headshot and thought, “That doesn’t feel right”, you’re not alone.
Here are some of the most common headshot mistakes—and how to fix them, so your next photo truly reflects the real you.
Mistake 1: Looking Too Posed or Stiff
You’ve seen this one. Shoulders back, forced smile, eyes wide—and a facial expression that screams “I don’t know what to do with my face.”
A stiff headshot often happens when you’re overthinking it or trying too hard to “look professional.”
The fix? Relax.
A good photographer won’t just stick you in front of a camera and start snapping. They’ll talk to you, make you feel at ease, and guide you through natural movements and expressions.
The best headshots are taken in between poses—when you’re laughing, chatting or simply breathing.
Mistake 2: Wearing the Wrong Outfit
Your headshot should represent how you’d like to be seen by your audience, whether that’s professional, approachable, creative or all three.
Wearing something too formal, too trendy, or that just doesn’t feel like you can make you look uncomfortable—and that shows up in the final image.
Here’s how to fix it: choose clothing that feels like your best self.
Stick to simple, well-fitting pieces in solid colours or subtle patterns. Avoid anything too distracting or overly branded. And wear something you’d actually wear to meet a client or attend a business event.
Mistake 3: Using an Outdated Photo
If your headshot was taken ten years ago (or even five), it might no longer reflect how you look—or how you work.
People want to connect with the real you, not a version of you from a past chapter.
Fixing this is simple: update your headshot every couple of years, or whenever your look or role changes significantly.
If you’ve grown a beard, changed your hair, or moved into a new industry, your headshot should reflect that. A fresh photo shows that you’re current, confident and invested in your personal brand.
Mistake 4: Choosing the Wrong Setting
A busy background, harsh lighting, or an awkward location can easily distract from the main subject—you. And if the setting doesn’t match the tone of your work, the whole image can feel off.
To fix this, think about the environment.
A plain background works well for formal, clean headshots. Outdoor or lifestyle settings can add warmth and personality for creatives, coaches or small business owners.
The key is to make sure you are the focus, and that the setting supports your message—not competes with it.
Mistake 5: Using a Cropped Group Photo (Yes, Really)
It might be tempting to crop yourself out of a nice photo from a wedding or event, but it rarely works well. The lighting is wrong, the image quality is poor, and the whole thing feels second-hand.
If you want to look polished and professional, a DIY shortcut won’t do.
Book a proper headshot session instead. It doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating.
A good photographer will work with you to create a photo that feels natural, confident, and uniquely you—no awkward cropping required.
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A strong headshot is more than just a photo—it’s your first introduction. It should feel natural, reflect your personality, and give people a sense of who you are.
If you’re ready to leave the awkward poses and outdated selfies behind, I’d love to help.
I’m based in Cranleigh and work with individuals and small businesses across the Surrey Hills to create relaxed, professional headshots that feel like you. Get in touch today to book your session.
