Not all headshots are created equal.

You've probably seen some that make you think, "Wow, they look great." And others that make you wonder... what went wrong?

A good professional headshot is the result of several elements working together—lighting, expression, posing, variety, brand alignment and most importantly, connection. When they all come together, you get an image that actually works for you.

Lighting That Flatters

Lighting is everything.

Bad lighting does not flatter and can create: Raccoon eyes (dark shadows under the eyes), harsh shadows that accentuate what you don't want or can wash you out.
Good lighting defines and shapes your features, complements your skin tone, makes you look rested and like yourself- on your best day.
A professional photographer understands light—how to use it, shape it, and make it work for you instead of against you.

Expression & Posing

Your face and body are telling a story in every photo. A good headshot has a natural expression that is both confident yet approachable.

You can't see what you are doing though. You need a photographer who knows how to draw out genuine expression and guide you into poses that feel natural. That connection between you and the photographer is paramount. When you feel comfortable, your real self shines through.

And everyone wants to know what to do with their hands! Being guided through every detail is SO important as you don't know what you look like or what looks the best. TRUST in the photographer to get you there really makes a difference.

Variety

Variety is SO important. Showing different sides of you, both professional, personal, and doing different things, wearing different outfits with different backgrounds.

Multiple expressions: Happy and approachable of course, but also confident, serious, contemplative, listening, teaching....
Outfit variety from suits to jeans and dresses, even changing up a tie or jacket is a new look.
Variety in backgrounds and locations: studio always and on-location options if you have an office or storefront that you want to include.
Props that illustrate what you do or sell might also feature.
You need enough variety that you are set for at least a year with a variety of content to mix up social media posts and your website photos plus have the right speaker, author or headshot on hand when someone requests one.

Matches Your Brand

A good Headshot and/or branding photos are those that represents who you really are and aligns with your industry.

You want it to communicate at first glance that you are someone worth taking a second look at.

First impressions online are from photos and you want yours to grab attention.

For branding photos specifically, your images should show your personality, tell your story, and give people a sense of what it's like to work with you.

And if props are part of your business or brand—tools of your trade, products you sell, elements that define what you do—incorporating them can add dimension and help people understand your work at a glance.

Team Headshots: Consistency & Cohesion

Quality professional team headshots communicate to your clients that you care and pay attention to the details with the following:

Consistent lighting across all team members
Same backgrounds and settings so everyone looks like they all on the same team
Uniform posing approach so everyone feels equally professional and valued
Creates a polished, professional look across your website, LinkedIn, marketing materials, and anywhere else your team shows up
Sends a message: we're organized, we're professional, we take ourselves seriously

Need Team Headshots?

If your team's headshots need updating—or if some people don't have professional photos at all—let's make it happen. I bring my studio setup to your office, coordinate all the details, and photograph everyone in one efficient session.

Your team members end up with headshots they are proud to use, and you get a cohesive, professional look across all your platforms.

Team Headshot Info

I would, as always, love to take your headshots, branding photos or your whole teams' headshots.

A good professional headshot isn't an accident. It's the result of lighting expertise, genuine direction, variety in what you capture, and brand alignment.

If you're ready to get headshots that actually work for you, I'm here to help.

I'm located in Nashville, TN.

Fill out the contact me form, call or email! I would be honored to be your photographer.

Contact Me

What makes a GOOD Professional Headshot?