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At Headshots.com, we’ve helped over 3,000 companies and more than 100,000 people get studio-quality headshots without leaving their house or office, and without a photographer. We’ve seen every pose, background, attire combination, and smile you can imagine.
Your headshot is often the first impression you make online, whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company website, or even a conference speaker page. The style you choose can say as much about you as your expression or outfit.
Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorite corporate headshot examples, grouped into four main styles. Each one includes ideas for poses, attire, backgrounds, and quick tips to help you decide which works best for you.
Here’s a quick overview of these styles:
| Style | Best For | Typical Backgrounds | Clothing Tips | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate | Exec bios, LinkedIn, client decks | Plain or neutral | Suits, blazers, dress shirts | Confident & polished |
| Casual | Startups, creatives, approachable brands | Soft colors, subtle gradients | Open-collar shirts, sweaters | Friendly & relaxed |
| Playful | Consumer brands, marketing teams | Bright colors, shaped crops | Fun patterns, props | Energetic & expressive |
| Professional | Sales, consulting, leadership | Office blur, textured backgrounds | Business attire | Trustworthy & competent |
Corporate
The Corporate style headshot is polished, professional, and business-focused, making it ideal for company websites, LinkedIn profiles, and executive bios.
These images often feature subjects in formal attire (think suits, blazers, or dress shirts) against simple, distraction-free backgrounds. Lighting is balanced to highlight facial features naturally while maintaining a crisp, high-quality look.
Quick Tips for Corporate Headshots
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Stick to solid, neutral colors for a timeless look
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Minimal jewelry keeps the focus on your face
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Choose a background that won’t date quickly—light gray or white works well
This style conveys confidence, competence, and approachability, helping professionals make a strong first impression in business settings.
Casual
Casual headshots feel relaxed and friendly—think genuine smiles, light styling, and simple outfits (tees, sweaters, or open-collar shirts).
Backgrounds are clean or softly colored, sometimes with a subtle gradient, keeping the focus on the person while adding a bit of personality. Posing is natural and open (slight angles, hands visible, easy posture) to convey approachability and warmth.
Quick Tips for Casual Headshots
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Go for softer colors and comfortable but neat clothing
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Use a subtle background color that complements your outfit
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Relax your posture to avoid looking overly posed
This style fits startups, creative teams, and customer-facing roles that want professionalism without the stiff, buttoned-up vibe.
Playful
Playful headshots lean into personality—bright backgrounds, rounded or quirky shapes, and expressive poses that feel lively and fun.
Clothing and props (yes, even pets!) are welcome, adding a sense of story and approachability. Framing is looser with head-and-shoulders or three-quarter crops, big smiles, and slight movement to keep the energy up.
Quick Tips for Playful Headshots
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Don’t be afraid of bold colors and patterns
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Props can add personality, but keep them relevant
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Show movement or interaction (like a laugh or glance) for extra energy
This style is great for creative teams, consumer brands, and anyone who wants their profile to feel warm, modern, and memorable.
Professional
Professional headshots balance approachability with authority, making them a versatile choice for business and networking needs. Subjects are typically dressed in polished business attire, with clean grooming and confident but welcoming expressions.
Backgrounds range from softly blurred office settings to neutral or textured tones, adding context without distraction.
Quick Tips for Professional Headshots
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A softly blurred office background adds realism without pulling focus
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Mid-tone shirts or blouses work well with most backgrounds
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Aim for a friendly but confident smile
This style is ideal for conveying credibility, trustworthiness, and expertise in client-facing roles or leadership positions.
How to Choose Your Headshot Style
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Go Corporate if you work in industries like finance, law, or executive leadership and need a sharp, formal look.
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Choose Casual if you want to appear approachable yet still polished—perfect for startups and creative teams.
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Pick Playful if you want your personality to shine through and your brand values fun and creativity.
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Go Professional if you need a balanced look that’s both warm and authoritative—great for client-facing roles.
Once you know the style that fits you best, getting it is easy. At Headshots.com, you can create your ideal headshot from home in minutes – no photographer required.
