The Dos and Don’ts of Getting a Professional Headshot: A Guide for Small Business Owners

Let’s be real: Your LinkedIn profile still has a cropped photo from your cousin’s wedding five years ago, doesn’t it? Or worse—no photo at all, just your initials floating in a sad, gray circle of anonymity.

That’s not the energy we’re going for. If you're running a small business and you want people to take you seriously (and also not confuse you with a spam bot), it's time to get a real headshot.

But don’t worry—I’m not here to shame you. I’m here to help. I’ve taken hundreds of professional headshots, and I’ve seen it all. This post is your go-to guide for what to do—and what not to do—when it's finally time to put your best face forward.

✅ DO: Know Why You’re Getting One

You’re not just getting a headshot because you should. You’re getting one because you’re the face of your business. People need to trust you before they hire you. And trust starts with showing up—literally.

Whether it’s your website, your social media, or the About page your mom keeps bragging about, your headshot is often your first impression. Make it count.

❌ DON’T: Wing It

This isn’t like snapping a selfie and throwing on a filter. A professional headshot requires a little prep. Don’t show up tired, disheveled, or unsure of what the photos are for. (And yes, I’ve had people show up with zero idea of where these images were going.)

Think about your brand. Are you aiming for confident and polished? Casual and approachable? A little quirky but trustworthy? Knowing what you want helps your photographer (hi, that’s me) create the right look for you.

✅ DO: Dress Like You Own the Place (Because You Do)

Your outfit matters. No, it doesn’t need to be a power suit—unless your vibe is full-on boss energy, in which case, strut it. What you wear should reflect your brand, your role, and how you want people to feel when they see your face.

Rule of thumb? Solid colors > busy patterns. Clean and well-fitted > trendy and confusing. And for the love of all things professional, iron your shirt.

Bonus tip: Bring options. I’ll help you choose if you’re unsure. I’ve seen enough necklines, collars, and blazers to know what works and what makes people look like they're being swallowed whole by their clothes.

❌ DON’T: Go Overboard on Hair and Makeup

You want to look like yourself on your best day—not like someone your friends wouldn’t recognize. That means skip the heavy contouring and go easy on the hairspray. Yes, even if your favorite YouTuber says otherwise.

A light touch enhances. A heavy hand distracts. We’re aiming for “Wow, they look great,” not “Whoa, who is that?”

✅ DO: Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Here’s a little secret: Almost nobody loves having their photo taken. Unless you moonlight as a model, odds are you’ll feel at least a little awkward at first. That’s normal. That’s human.

My job as a photographer is to coach you through that. I’ll tell you what to do with your hands (spoiler: not shove them in your pockets like you’re hiding snacks), where to look, and how to relax that one eyebrow that always does its own thing.

All you have to do is show up and trust the process.

❌ DON’T: Sit on the Files for a Year

Please don’t get gorgeous, well-lit, personality-filled headshots and then let them collect digital dust. That’s like buying a Corvette and never taking it out of the garage.

Update your profiles. Post the photos. Show your face to the world. You didn’t do all this prep just to leave those images hanging out in Dropbox with names like “Final_Headshot_3_REALLYfinal.jpg.”

Final Thoughts

A professional headshot isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a business asset. A trust-builder. A first impression that works for you 24/7.

So dress sharp. Show up. Trust your photographer. And when in doubt, remember: You are your brand. Make sure your face says what your business stands for—confidently, professionally, and yes, maybe even with a little smile.

Need new headshots? Or finally ready to replace that 2017 wedding guest crop job you’ve been clinging to? I’ve got you. Let's make you look good.

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View Open Aperture Photography’s headshot portfolio here.