A LinkedIn headshot is often the first point of contact before a conversation ever happens. For entrepreneurs, executives, and leadership teams, that image quietly communicates credibility, approachability, and confidence.

Because of that, many people put more pressure on the process than necessary. They worry about clothing, grooming, how formal they should look, and whether the photo will still feel like them.

Preparing well doesn’t mean overthinking it. A few intentional decisions beforehand can make the entire experience smoother — and the final image stronger.

The Balance a LinkedIn Headshot Should Strike

The most effective LinkedIn headshots sit in a space between corporate, relaxed, and modern.

They feel professional without being stiff, confident without being overproduced. The goal isn’t to look trendy or overly styled, but to present yourself clearly and authentically in a way that aligns with your role.

When this balance is right, the image feels current without dating quickly.

What to Wear for a Professional Headshot

Clothing should support you, not compete with you.

Solid colours photograph best in most professional settings. They keep attention on your face and translate cleanly across screens. Neutral tones, muted colours, and deeper shades tend to feel timeless and work well for both individual and team headshots.

Fit matters more than formality. A well-fitted jacket, shirt, or top that feels comfortable will always photograph better than something that looks impressive but restricts movement. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, it usually shows.

One simple but important detail that’s often overlooked: iron your clothes. Creases and folds are far more noticeable on camera than people expect, especially under professional lighting.

What to Avoid Wearing

Certain choices consistently distract in headshots.

Checkered shirts, tight stripes, and busy patterns don’t translate well on camera and can create visual distortion. Large logos or text tend to date quickly and draw attention away from your face.

Very bright whites or deep blacks can also be challenging to balance with lighting, particularly for team sessions where consistency matters. Shiny fabrics and heavy textures reflect light unpredictably and can become a distraction.

Keeping clothing simple allows the headshot to remain useful for years, not just months.

Grooming: Timing Matters

Grooming should feel familiar, not experimental.

Haircuts are a common mistake when done too close to the shoot. For men especially, cutting your hair on the day often results in a look that feels too sharp or unfamiliar. Allowing two days before the shoot gives the haircut time to settle and feel more natural.

Makeup, if worn, should enhance rather than transform. The goal is to look like yourself on a good day — not a version that feels unfamiliar when you see the final image.

Accessories should be minimal and intentional. Anything that doesn’t align with how you normally present yourself professionally can quietly pull attention away from the portrait.

Studio or On Location: Both Work When Planned Well

LinkedIn headshots can work equally well in studio or on location. What matters is consistency and clarity.

Studio sessions offer control and simplicity, while on-location portraits can feel more relaxed and contextual, especially for entrepreneurs or teams wanting a modern look. In both cases, preparation helps ensure the focus stays on expression rather than problem-solving on the day.

The Experience Matters More Than Most People Expect

Many professionals assume the quality of a headshot comes down to the camera or the edit. In reality, how the session feels plays a significant role in the final result.

You don’t need to know how to pose or how to “look professional” on command. Clear guidance, calm pacing, and simple direction allow people to relax quickly. When someone feels at ease, posture improves, expressions soften, and the image feels natural rather than staged.

That’s when a headshot starts to reflect confidence without forcing it.

A Final Thought

Preparing for your LinkedIn headshot isn’t about perfection. It’s about removing unnecessary friction.

When clothing is simple, grooming is timed well, and expectations are clear, the process becomes easier — and the image becomes stronger.

A good headshot doesn’t try to say everything.
It simply presents you clearly, confidently, and professionally.

A Simple Guide

What to Wear

Choose solid colours (no patterns or logos)
Neutral, muted, or deeper tones work best
Well-fitted clothing photographs better than overly formal clothing
Iron your clothes — creases show more than expected

What to Avoid

Checkered shirts or tight stripes
Busy patterns or large logos
Very bright whites or deep blacks
Shiny or heavily textured fabrics

Grooming Tips

Haircuts: ideally 2 days before the shoot (especially for men)
Keep hair familiar — avoid trying something new
Makeup (if worn): natural and understated
Accessories: minimal and intentional

On the Day

Arrive relaxed — you don’t need to know how to pose
Direction will be guided throughout the session
The goal is a professional, approachable, natural result

Remember
A good headshot isn’t about performance.
It’s about feeling comfortable and present.

Preparing for Your LinkedIn Headshots