Headshots are a surefire way to make a lasting first impression, whether they are professional shots for a new job, profile photos for LinkedIn or Slack, or fun shots on social media sites like Instagram or Discord.
First impressions are everything, and people are far more likely to connect with someone who has a great headshot backing them up. It’s the best way to get noticed and contacted.
If you’re uncertain about what type of headshot fits your needs, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best styles, complete with examples. These shots are primarily targeted at men, though women will probably find these examples helpful, too.
Once you’ve perused this list and identified the kind of headshot that suits your objectives, you have a few options. You can hire a professional photographer to ensure top-quality images, or you can create your own headshots with the help of an AI headshot generator.
There’s a third option: If you have a good camera at home (many modern smartphones do the job), you can take your own headshots there.
With any luck, by the end of this article, you’ll not only have an idea about the kind of photograph that will suit you best; you’ll also know how to go about getting it done.
1. The Dramatic, Dark Background Shot
We’re starting off strong with the dark, dramatic headshot, which gives you a look of mystery and authority. This mystique in this shot is enhanced by the intense expression—although you can have some fun with these headshots, too. Feel free to give a slight smile or experiment with different expressions to see what best complements the dramatic tone.
Direct light will illuminate you against the dark background, putting the focus on your facial features and drawing attention to aspects like your jawline and cheekbones. In these shots, wear dark clothing to match the tone. It’s also not uncommon for these types of headshots to be retouched after the fact to be black and white, which adds to the dramatic mystique.
This type of headshot excels in its use of contrast to highlight your face, and the darker background only provides more emphasis. If you’re reluctant to use black or deep shades for the backdrop, keep in mind that black conveys a timeless elegance and is always a popular choice. A dark, dramatic headshot will stand the test of time and work across various professions or personal branding styles, adding a touch of intensity and authority to your portrait.
Ultimately, the dramatic, dark background headshot can add intensity and authority to your portrait. It’s recommended for men in positions of power or for those trying to create that vibe.
2. The Laid-Back Business Shot
Our next headshot offers a more relaxed yet professional look. The laid-back business shot is ideal if you want to present yourself as competent yet approachable, with a more easygoing vibe.
The background for this type of shot can vary, but laid-back business shots typically portray you in an environment that feels natural—such as an office building, at your desk, or even in a coffee shop.
It’s also a great idea to have the background match your career; for example, if you’re a writer, you might feel most at home with bookshelves behind you. But if you’re a chef, you may want to pose in the kitchen. Incorporating a background that suits your profession will give the viewer a subtle hint about your expertise—which will be more apparent if you’re wearing a profession-appropriate uniform.
What sets these shots apart from more traditional headshots is their sense of authenticity. Rather than a formal, face-forward pose, these shots might capture you at an angle, with relaxed body language and a candid expression. You may be looking away from the camera, which adds to the laid-back feel, assuring viewers of your approachability and competence.
The sense of warmth conveyed in these headshots makes you seem more relatable and friendly. With the right staging, a relaxed business shot can project a welcoming, professional image without making you seem stiff or overly formal. It is useful if you want to balance professionalism with approachability and make your audience feel at ease.
3. The Personality Shot
The personality shot is one of the most versatile headshot styles, designed to highlight your individuality. The focus is on bringing out your distinct character, especially if you enjoy showing off your fun or dynamic side.
These shots depart from the typical formal business headshot to embrace a more expressive and creative attitude. Whether it’s through being a little goofy or making a funny face, the goal is to let your personality take center stage. Vibrant colors, striking outfits, and a bit of flair in styling can also help convey individuality in the final photograph. The key is to bring your personal style and energy to the shoot, especially if you’re naturally outgoing or have a bold presence.
Adding unique accessories like hats, scarves, or even something that shows off your favorite hobby (like the camera lens in the example) can further showcase who you are. This can be especially effective if you have a creative or entrepreneurial spirit. You can also play around with the setting, using anything from vibrant urban environments to eclectic indoor spaces to amplify the photo’s impact.
The personality shot works exceptionally well if you closely align your personal identity with your profession. If your work or business is an extension of who you are, this type of headshot provides the perfect opportunity to leave a lasting impression that reflects your personality in a genuine way.
4. The Casual Shot
Similar to the laid-back business shot, the casual shot shows you in a more welcoming light. It allows you to dress in anything from business casual to informal attire. Whether it’s a well-fitted T-shirt, a sweater, or even a favorite hoodie, the goal is to reflect style and comfort.
Although you may balk at the thought of wearing such casual clothes in a professional setting, there are plenty of situations where you may want to project a sense of approachability and ease, particularly in fields where authenticity is critical. And remember, a skilled photographer can ensure you appear confident and polished, no matter how casual the outfit may be.
For these shots, almost any setting can work, from an office to an outdoor space to a home office—whatever feels most comfortable and natural for you. Unique settings, like a workshop or a man cave, can bring in personal elements that add depth to the shot.
A great casual shot will connect well with audiences and provide a tangible, authentic vibe while maintaining some semblance of professionalism.
5. The Character Shot
While the personality shot captures the essence of your individuality, the character shot goes a step further by highlighting your professional role and the image you want to project within your field. It’s not just about who you are—it’s about conveying what you do and how you fit into your work environment.
In the headshot above, it’s evident that this man is a musician, given the presence of the trumpet. Personality shots are suitable for many professions, from doctors and architects to chefs and designers. With a good personality shot, you can immediately display your interests, skills, and professional identity.
However, the character shot may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re an executive-level professional or in an industry like finance or law, where a more polished, formal appearance is paramount, you might find that the laid-back or classic business shots better align with your field’s expectations. Alternatively, your character shot may excel when subtle elements help create a narrative, painting a clearer picture of your career or expertise.
6. The Classic Business Shot
The classic business shot is likely one of the first styles that comes to mind when you picture a “professional headshot.” While there’s room for variation, these shots typically feature the subject looking directly into the camera with either a stern face or a slight, confident smile.
Typically, eye contact for these headshots is a given, but there’s a bit more wiggle room for how the body is positioned—either at an angle or squared to the camera; both are valid options. The classic business shot aims to make you look like you’re in your professional element, so it’s important to wear what you’d typically wear on the job. A well-tailored blazer or a classy shirt would be ideal, depending on your industry. Grooming should be sharp and on point, aligning with how you’d present yourself in a formal business setting.
These headshots are usually taken in office environments or urban backdrops, like the one in the example. Boardrooms, offices, and cityscapes make excellent locations, reinforcing the professional tone.
The classic business headshot is a time-tested choice if you’re aiming for a reliable, go-to option for networking purposes or exploring new career opportunities. It provides a professional image that fits nearly every field and never goes out of style, making it the perfect option when you want to look your best and leave a solid first impression.
7. The Artistic Shot
The artistic shot is a great option if you’re not trying to create the typical “business headshot” as it allows for far more creativity and self-expression so you can uniquely express your personality or artistic chops.
You can experiment with a multitude of elements, such as dramatic shadows, makeup, innovative lighting, or hiding certain aspects of your face. Just be sure that your headshot is still identifiable as you. You should keep your face mostly visible—but you can play around with some light obfuscation.
There’s plenty of room to get inventive, especially if you’re a designer, artist, or in the performing arts. Artistic headshots offer a great platform to showcase your work or creative side. Whether it’s taking the headshot while in a ball pit or something that reflects your craft, this type of shot can effectively serve as both a personal and professional representation.
The beauty of artistic headshots lies in their versatility. These photos are ideal if you want to emphasize your unique traits. If you’re a creative, they offer the perfect opportunity to display your skills, as with the makeup in our example above. An artistic shot combines personal expression with a professional image, leaving a strong, memorable impression on anyone who sees it.
8. The Action Shot
Action shots may be preferable for specific professions, especially if you’re an athlete, personal trainer, or in a career that involves movement or outdoor work. But an action shot can also be an excellent choice if you pursue physically demanding hobbies, such as rock climbing, cycling, or martial arts.
As the name implies, the action shot captures you in motion or engaging in an activity related to your profession or passion. Whether it’s swimming in a pool, playing a sport, climbing a mountain, or even handling animals, these images show you in “the thick of it.” It’s an ideal shot if you’re looking to convey energy, strength, or passion for your craft.
Typically, you’re dressed in attire that aligns with your field—sports gear, uniforms, or even casual outdoor clothing. The environment plays a crucial role, with locations like the gym, a sports field, or a scenic outdoor backdrop enhancing the action-packed feel you want to convey.
Though this style may not fit everyone—those in desk-bound jobs might find it less relevant—it’s a fantastic choice for showcasing an active lifestyle. These headshots are perfect not only for your professional portfolio but also for social media, helping to highlight your adventurous side and ensuring you stand out from those who opt for the more traditional, static headshot.
9. The Outdoor Shot
While many of the headshot styles on this list could technically be taken outside, truly embracing the outdoor shot means making the natural environment an integral part of the photo. It’s not just about a change in scenery—it’s about harmonizing with your surroundings in a way that feels organic and intentional.
This style will be suitable if you’re looking to present yourself as more in tune with nature or if your career takes you outside regularly. If you’re a biologist, landscaper, or farmer, an outdoor backdrop adds authenticity, grounding you in the setting where you feel most at home. The clear air and natural light create a relaxed, approachable vibe, while adding depth and texture to the image.
Naturally, many of these professions come with their own uniforms, and these often blend seamlessly with the outdoor surroundings. However, even if you’re wearing business attire, the natural tones of trees, grass, and sky can complement a wide range of outfit colors, especially earthy tones, blues, and grays.
Though this style can work for nearly anyone, it’s particularly apt if you already spend a lot of time outdoors and want to visually communicate that connection. Whether it’s a park, forest, or even a backyard garden, the outdoor shot offers endless possibilities to showcase your natural and grounded side.
10. The Close-Up
Rounding out our list is the close-up shot, a style that zooms in on your face, placing all emphasis on your facial features. In these headshots, everything else—background, clothing, accessories—fades into the background, letting your face take center stage. It’s an intimate and highly focused approach, perfect for capturing every detail of your expression and personality.
This style works exceptionally well if you work in an industry where your appearance plays a key role, such as acting, modeling, or even politics. The close-up shot is ideal for showcasing a sharp jawline, piercing eyes, or any other distinct features that define your look. Because of the intense focus on your face, it’s also an opportunity to highlight subtle emotions or expressions that might get lost in wider shots.
Of course, it’s important to note that this type of headshot sacrifices the professionalism that comes with visible surroundings or attire. You’re relying solely on your face to communicate who you are, so it’s essential to feel confident about your appearance. If your career revolves around your image, such as the fitness or television industry, the close-up shot offers a direct, no-frills representation of your identity.
Create Your Headshots With AI
If you want a fresh new headshot, Portrait Pal can provide stunning results in next to no time. Sure, professional photographers are still arguably better, but those sorts of shoots can be surprisingly expensive, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars, not to mention the time involved in preparing, going to the studio, posing for the shoot, and waiting for the results.
Although AI still lags slightly behind traditional photography, it’s advancing rapidly. It won’t be long before AI-generated images, which are already straddling the line between what’s real and what’s fake, become completely indistinguishable from the real thing. They’re also much more affordable than the real thing (which can be extremely expensive), and the turnaround time is hours rather than days or weeks.
If that’s piqued your interest, sign up for Portrait Pal and get started today.