At Headshots.com, we’ve helped 100,000+ people get studio-quality headshots without leaving their home, 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 email signature, 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 professional headshot examples. Each one includes ideas for poses, attire, backgrounds, and quick tips to help you get the perfect headshot.

Classic Suit & Tie on Studio Gray

Pick this if you want a timeless, promotion-ready look that signals reliability and polish. It’s a safe bet for executives, consultants, and anyone pitching enterprise clients.

A tailored navy or charcoal suit with a crisp shirt and medium-width tie knot frames your face cleanly and photographs beautifully on gray. Subtle textures (not shiny) add depth without distraction. Use collar stays, smooth the tie dimple, and do a quick lint check. Subtle pocket squares or simple tie textures add depth without stealing attention.

Quick Tips for Classic Gray Suit & Tie

Solid navy/charcoal suit; mid-tone tie pattern
Opaque, well-pressed shirt; collar stays
Medium knot (Four-in-Hand or Half Windsor)
Pocket square optional, keep subtle

Pastel Pop Studio Portrait

Go this route if you want a bright, upbeat image that highlights warmth and optimism. A single pastel (mint or blush) behind you makes your eyes and smile pop, especially with a matte, solid-color top.

Keep jewelry minimal so the color story stays clean. Soft waves or a smooth blowout add dimension without stealing attention. Ask for catchlights to keep the eyes lively, and hold a relaxed, genuine smile rather than a wide grin for a refined feel.

Quick Tips for Pastel Pop

Choose one dominant pastel + neutral
Matte fabrics; avoid shiny satins
Small hoops or studs only
Request strong catchlights, soft shadows

Dramatic Black-Tie Elegance

Pick this when you want a cinematic, refined portrait that communicates gravitas. A black dress or tux with one standout detail (lace sleeve, satin lapel) lets the lighting sculpt your features.

Keep jewelry minimal, smooth flyaways, and opt for a matte or softly satin skin finish to prevent hotspots. A subtle rim light behind you creates separation and a flattering outline without breaking the mood. Hold a composed expression with a slight smile for sophistication.

Quick Tips for Black-Tie Elegance

All-black or deep jewel tones
One refined accent; minimal sparkle
Matte/controlled shine on skin
Request dramatic key + soft rim light

Teal-Circle Casual Professional

Choose this when you want to look approachable, modern, and confident without feeling overly formal. The bold teal background brings energy and helps your profile stand out in crowded feeds, while a denim jacket over a dark tee keeps things relaxed but intentional.

If you wear glasses, clear or thin-frames read smart and friendly. Ask your photographer for soft, even light so the backdrop doesn’t tint your skin. Keep hair neat but natural, and skip busy logos so your expression (warm, direct eye contact, subtle smile) remains the focus.

Quick Tips for Teal-Circle Casual

Dark tee + denim/knit; no logos
Light grooming; natural finish
Request even light to avoid color spill

Modern Gray Gradient Business-Casual

Choose this if you want “leader, but relaxed.” A textured knit layered over a pressed collar gives structure while feeling approachable.

Mid-tone knits (charcoal, heather, navy) sit beautifully on a gray gradient and won’t moiré. Press the collar so it lays flat, tame flyaways, and consider light anti-shine for a smooth finish. Aim for steady, confident eye contact and a soft smile to balance authority with warmth.

Quick Tips for Gray Gradient Business-Casual

Mid-tone knit over crisp collar
Minimal patterns; clean neckline

Warm Brand-Color Circle with Black Turtleneck

Choose this if you want a bold, design-forward portrait that looks sleek in any crop. A fitted black turtleneck creates graphic contrast and elongates the neck, while a warm circle background adds glow to your skin. Skip necklaces so the neckline stays clean; small studs or hoops are perfect. Lint-check knits, lightly powder shine, and keep hairlines tidy for that crisp, editorial finish.

Quick Tips for Warm Circle + Turtleneck

Fitted black turtleneck; no necklace
Small earrings; tidy hairline
Bring a lint roller for knits
Ask for consistent, centered framing

Lavender Studio

Pick this when you want soft, flattering color that feels fresh and friendly. Lavender complements many skin tones and pairs beautifully with ivory or oatmeal tops.

Defined brows, subtle glow on the cheekbones, and a natural lip color keep attention on your eyes and smile. Ask for the key light slightly off-axis for gentle shaping and a refined look. Keep posture tall with relaxed shoulders to avoid stiffness.

Quick Tips for Lavender Studio

Ivory/sand tops; avoid stark white
Soft waves or smooth blowout
Dewy-but-controlled skin finish

Light-Blue Studio with Glasses

Choose this if you wear glasses and want a clean, trustworthy feel. Pale blue behind a sage or cream top keeps things calm and professional while thin frames show off your eyes. Bring a microfiber cloth and ask for slight angle adjustments to reduce lens glare. A modest V- or crew-neck prevents collar shadows. Keep jewelry simple and aim for a gentle smile with relaxed jaw to avoid tension.

Quick Tips for Light-Blue + Glasses

Thin, anti-reflective frames if you have them
Solid sage/cream/blue top

Golden Circle Minimalist

Choose this if you want a clean, modern portrait that spotlights your smile and eyes. The warm, golden backdrop adds a subtle glow while a black turtleneck creates sleek lines and flattering contrast.

Keep jewelry refined (medium hoops or small studs work well) and skip necklaces so the neckline stays crisp. Smooth hair around the collar, and do a quick lint check on the knit. A matte or softly satin skin finish keeps shine controlled, and a relaxed shoulder angle with gentle eye contact delivers confidence without feeling posed.

Quick Tips for Golden Circle Minimalist

Fitted black turtleneck; no necklace
Medium hoops or small studs

Blush Minimalist

Choose this when you want a sleek, modern portrait with maximum focus on your expression. A black turtleneck against blush background creates flattering contrast and clean lines. Tuck or smooth hair around the collar to keep the silhouette neat. Opt for matte skin with a soft lip sheen so shine stays controlled against the pastel. Keep your smile subtle and your gaze steady for a composed, contemporary feel.

Quick Tips for Blush Minimalist

Black turtleneck; no necklaces
Hair tucked/smoothed at collar

Soft-Gray Executive Blazer

Choose this when you want a polished, trustworthy portrait that still feels relaxed. A soft gray gradient flatters most skin tones and keeps the attention on your eyes and smile, while a tailored navy or charcoal blazer over an open-collar white blouse creates clean lines without the formality of a tie.

Steam the blouse so the placket sits flat and choose opaque fabric to avoid show-through under lights. Light waves or a smooth blowout add movement; tuck one side slightly behind the ear to open the face. Ask for an off-axis key and gentle hair light to sculpt the jawline and separate you from the background.

Quick Tips for Soft-Gray Executive

Tailored blazer + opaque white blouse
Steam/press collars; minimal jewelry
Request off-axis key + subtle hair/separation light

Open-Collar Executive

Choose this when you want classic polish without the formality of a tie. A navy jacket and crisp white shirt photograph cleanly on a light-gray background, keeping attention on your face and smile.

Leave one button open for an easy, confident vibe and use collar stays so the points sit sharp. Trim facial hair, tame flyaways, and add a touch of mattifying powder on the T-zone to keep shine down. A quick lint roll on the jacket and a slight shoulder angle toward the camera finish the look with relaxed authority.

Quick Tips for Open-Collar Executive

Navy jacket + opaque white shirt
One button open; collar stays in
Trim beard for men
Lint roller; ask for soft gray background and a slight shoulder angle

Cozy Casual

Choose this when you want a relaxed, friendly portrait that still looks intentional. The mint circle backdrop adds fresh energy and flatters most complexions, while a textured oatmeal sweater softens lines and keeps the focus on your eyes and smile.

Light stubble reads natural (just shape the edges) and give your hair a quick tousle with a matte product so it holds without shine. Ask for soft, even lighting and a little space around the shoulders so the knit texture doesn’t dominate. Keep posture tall, shoulders relaxed, and think “genuine grin,” not full laugh, for an easy, approachable finish.

Quick Tips for Cozy Casual

Oatmeal/neutral knit; avoid bold patterns
Matte hair product; tidy facial hair edges
No necklaces – let the texture be the detail

Cobalt Pop on Soft Gray

Choose this when you want a bright, confident portrait that keeps the focus on your eyes and smile. A cobalt top reads energetic on a soft gray background and frames the face without feeling busy.

If you wear glasses, clean the lenses, angle your chin slightly, and ask for a small lighting tweak to cut glare while keeping clear catchlights. Soft, natural makeup with defined brows photographs beautifully behind frames. Keep earrings delicate so they don’t compete with the neckline. Hold relaxed shoulders, a gentle head tilt, and an easy smile for a composed, welcoming finish.

Quick Tips for Cobalt Pop on Gray

Solid cobalt/royal top; no patterns
Anti-reflective or thin frames; clean lenses
Delicate earrings; avoid chunky necklaces

Coral-Circle Creative

Choose this when you want a bold, modern portrait with strong personality. The coral circle adds energy and contrast, while a sage/washed sweatshirt keeps things relaxed and contemporary.

If you rock a full beard, line the cheeks and neckline, brush through, and add a touch of balm or conditioner for shape and softness. Angle one shoulder toward camera, keep the chin level (not lifted), and aim for a calm, confident expression.

Quick Tips for Coral-Circle Creative

Washed/solid sweatshirt; avoid busy prints
Beard: line, brush, tiny bit of balm

Subtle But Warm Smile

Before the shutter, drop your shoulders, breathe out, and let the corners of your mouth rise slowly. Aim for a “micro-smile” that reaches the eyes. Light lip balm (not glossy) keeps texture smooth. Ask your photographer for a short burst sequence so you can ease into a genuine grin without freezing up.

Quick Tips for Subtle But Warm Smile Portraits

Think “micro-smile,” then build naturally
Relax jaw/tongue to avoid tension
Light lip balm; avoid super-gloss

Casual and Big Smile

Choose this when you want a bright, easygoing portrait that shows genuine warmth. The soft lavender backdrop feels friendly without shouting, while a simple black crewneck keeps lines clean so your grin and eyes stay center stage.

Angle one shoulder toward the camera, breathe out, and think of something funny right before the shutter – your smile will lift naturally and reach the eyes. Keep beard edges shaped so the skin looks fresh.

Quick Tips for Lavender Big-Smile Shots

Black/neutral crewneck; no logos
Shape beard edges; brush mustache

Breezy Casual

Choose this when you want a fresh, approachable portrait with lots of personality. The mint backdrop adds lift and looks great with a simple, sleeveless top, especially one with a small, repeating pattern that won’t steal focus.

Angle one shoulder toward the camera and drop the far shoulder slightly to keep arms and neckline relaxed. Define natural waves with a light cream or spray for soft texture, and keep makeup clean with a natural lip so your smile leads. Ask for soft, even light and a little space around the shoulders so the pattern reads crisp without overpowering your face.

Quick Tips for Breezy Casual

Small, subtle patterns; avoid bold stripes
Sleeveless or cap sleeve for clean lines
Light curl/texture cream; tame flyaways
Request even lighting and a relaxed shoulder angle

The Easiest Way to Get Studio-Quality Headshots from Anywhere (Without Leaving Your House)

Did you like the headshots above? They were all delivered by Headshots.com.

Picking a headshot style and background shouldn’t be stressful, or require hunting down a studio.

With Headshots.com, you can choose any background you like (or send a reference you already love), and our editors will match it so your image looks natural – no guesswork, no “is this the right color?” anxiety.

Everything is done virtually with your phone, guided by a simple step-by-step tutorial, and every photo is hand-retouched by real editors (not AI) so your eyes, skin, and lighting look studio-quality.

You get personalized support, the option to request a free edit, and a 100% Happiness Guarantee.

Learn more about Headshots.com here.

18 Examples of Picture-Perfect Professional Headshots