25 Headshot Mistakes to Avoid (Don't Do These!)

If you're looking to make a killer first impression online, your headshot is your secret weapon.

In fact, a recent LinkedIn study found that profiles with professional headshots get 14 times more views than those without.

But here's the thing:

Not all headshots are created equal. And a bad headshot can actually do more harm than good.

That's why I've put together this comprehensive guide on headshot mistakes to avoid. By the end of this post, you'll know exactly how to nail your next headshot and stand out from the crowd.

Let's dive in.

25 Headshot Mistakes to Avoid

1. The Selfie Shortcut: Relying on Smartphone Photography

Look, I get it. Your iPhone 15 Pro Max takes some sweet shots. But when it comes to professional headshots, it's like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

Here's why:

• Limited control over lighting and depth of field
• Lower image quality, especially in challenging light conditions
• Lack of professional editing capabilities

In fact, a survey by The Ladders found that 76% of executives believe a professional headshot is crucial for career advancement.

Pro Tip: Invest in a professional photographer. It might cost more upfront, but the ROI in terms of career opportunities is worth it.

2. The Time Warp: Using an Outdated Headshot

Using an outdated headshot is like showing up to a job interview in your high school prom outfit. It just doesn't fit anymore.

Here's a quick checklist to determine if your headshot needs an update:

If you checked any of these boxes, it's time for a new headshot.

3. The Casual Catastrophe: Dressing Too Informally

Even if you work in a laid-back industry, your headshot isn't the place to showcase your favorite band tee.

Here's a quick guide to dressing for your headshot:

Remember: Dress for the job you want, not just the job you have.

4. The Photoshop Faux Pas: Over-Retouching Your Image

I once saw a headshot where the person looked more like a wax figure than a human being. Don't be that person.

Subtle retouching? Great. Erasing every pore and wrinkle? Not so much.

Here's what you should aim for:

• Remove temporary blemishes or stray hairs
• Slightly soften skin texture (but don't eliminate it completely)
• Enhance eye brightness subtly
• Adjust overall contrast and color balance

Anything beyond this risks entering the uncanny valley.

5. The Personality Void: Failing to Express Individuality

Your headshot should be professional, but that doesn't mean it should be boring.

Here are some ways to inject personality without going overboard:

1. Use a genuine smile (practice in the mirror!)
2. Choose a background that reflects your industry (e.g., a bookshelf for writers)
3. Incorporate a subtle pop of color in your outfit
4. Use props sparingly (e.g., a architect might hold blueprints)

Remember: Your headshot should look like you on your best day, not someone else entirely.

6. The Shadow Snafu: Poor Lighting Techniques

Bad lighting can turn even the most photogenic person into a shadowy mess.

Here's a quick guide to headshot lighting:

• Use soft, diffused light (think overcast day, not harsh sunlight)
• Position the main light at a 45-degree angle to your face
• Use a fill light or reflector to soften shadows
• Avoid overhead lighting (unless you're going for the "haunted house" look)

Pro Tip: If you're shooting outdoors, early morning or late afternoon provide the best natural light.

7. The Squint Syndrome: Battling Bright Light and Reflections

Nothing says "unprofessional" like a headshot where you're squinting like you've just looked directly at the sun.

To avoid the squint:

1. Use a diffuser to soften bright light
2. Position yourself in open shade if shooting outdoors
3. Have your photographer use a catchlight to brighten your eyes without causing squinting
4. Practice relaxing your eyes before the shoot

Remember: You want to look alert and engaged, not like you're struggling to see.

8. The Flat Fallacy: Lacking Depth in Lighting

Flat lighting is like the elevator music of photography – it gets the job done, but it's not going to impress anyone.

To add depth to your headshot:

1. Use a three-point lighting setup (key light, fill light, and backlight)
2. Experiment with the ratio between your key and fill light
3. Add a subtle hair light to separate you from the background
4. Use shadows strategically to contour your face

The goal is to create a three-dimensional look that pops off the screen.

9. The Cluttered Canvas: Busy or Distracting Backgrounds

Your background should complement you, not compete with you for attention.

Here's a quick background checklist:

When in doubt, a simple, neutral background is always a safe bet.

10. The Camouflage Conundrum: Blending into Your Background

You want to stand out in your industry, not blend into the wallpaper.

To avoid the camouflage effect:

1. Choose clothing that contrasts with your background
2. Use depth of field to blur the background slightly
3. Position yourself slightly away from the background to create separation
4. Use lighting to create a subtle halo effect around you

Remember: You're the star of this show, not your background.

11. The Rigid Pose: Appearing Stiff or Unnatural

A stiff pose can make you look uncomfortable, and that discomfort will translate to your audience.

Try these tips for a more natural pose:

1. Slightly angle your body (don't face the camera straight-on)
2. Lean forward slightly to appear engaged
3. Keep your shoulders relaxed
4. Practice power poses before the shoot to boost confidence

Pro Tip: Take a few test shots and adjust your pose based on what looks most natural.

12. The Awkward Angle: Unflattering Camera Positions

Camera angles can make or break your headshot. Choose wisely.

Here's a quick guide:

• Straight-on: Good for most face shapes, projects confidence
• Slightly above eye level: Can be slimming, good for round faces
• Slightly below eye level: Can be authoritative, but use with caution

Avoid extreme angles – you're not auditioning for a avant-garde film.

13. The Hand Havoc: Misplacing or Overemphasizing Hands

Hands in a headshot can be tricky. They can add personality or become a major distraction.

If you choose to include hands:

1. Keep gestures natural and subtle
2. Avoid "floating hands" that aren't anchored to anything
3. Use hands to frame your face, not hide it
4. Make sure your hands are well-groomed

When in doubt, keep your hands out of the frame entirely.

14. The Forced Smile Fiasco: Inauthentic Expressions

A fake smile is like non-alcoholic beer – it might look right at first glance, but something's definitely off.

To achieve a genuine smile:

1. Think of something that genuinely makes you happy
2. Practice your smile in the mirror
3. Take breaks during the shoot to reset your expression
4. Ask your photographer to tell a joke (even if it's terrible)

Remember: Your eyes should smile too, not just your mouth.

15. The Dead-Eye Dilemma: Lack of Eye Engagement

Eyes are the windows to the soul – and in a headshot, they're the key to connection.

To nail eye engagement:

1. Look slightly above the camera lens for a more natural gaze
2. Keep your eyes wide but not strained
3. Use a catchlight to add sparkle to your eyes
4. Practice "smizing" (smiling with your eyes)

Pro Tip: If you wear glasses, make sure there's no glare obscuring your eyes.

16. The Focus Fail: Soft or Misplaced Sharpness

A blurry headshot is like a limp handshake – it doesn't inspire confidence.

Ensure your headshot is tack-sharp:

1. Use a tripod to eliminate camera shake
2. Focus on the eyes (use single-point autofocus if possible)
3. Use a narrower aperture (f/5.6 - f/8) for increased depth of field
4. Review shots for sharpness during the session

Remember: Soft focus might work for glamour shots, but not for professional headshots.

17. The Composition Catastrophe: Poor Framing and Cropping

Good composition turns a basic headshot into a work of art.

Follow these composition guidelines:

1. Use the rule of thirds (place your eyes on the upper third line)
2. Leave some negative space, but not too much
3. Crop just below the shoulders for a traditional headshot
4. Ensure there's no awkward cropping of hands or arms

Pro Tip: Try both horizontal and vertical compositions to see which works best for your intended use.

18. The Color Calamity: Unnatural Skin Tones

Nobody wants to look like an Oompa Loompa in their professional headshot.

To maintain natural skin tones:

1. Use proper white balance during the shoot
2. Shoot in RAW format for more flexibility in post-processing
3. Use a color checker card for accurate color reference
4. Be cautious with saturation adjustments in editing

Remember: The goal is to look like your best self, not a different species.

19. The Detail Disaster: Over-Sharpening or Over-Smoothing

Finding the right balance in post-processing is like walking a tightrope. Lean too far either way, and you're in trouble.

Guidelines for tasteful editing:

1. Use high-pass sharpening for a natural look
2. Apply skin smoothing selectively and subtly
3. Maintain skin texture – pores are natural!
4. Enhance eyes slightly, but avoid the "alien" look

When in doubt, err on the side of less editing.

20. The One-Size-Fits-All Fallacy: Ignoring Context

Different platforms have different vibes. Your LinkedIn headshot might not work for your creative portfolio.

Consider creating a headshot portfolio:

1. Professional/Corporate: Formal attire, neutral background
2. Creative/Casual: More relaxed style, interesting background
3. Industry-Specific: Incorporate relevant elements (e.g., a stethoscope for doctors)
4. Speaking/Author: More charismatic expression, perhaps gesturing

Tailor your headshot to where it's being used.

21. The Industry Ignorance: Misaligning with Field Expectations

Every industry has its unwritten rules. Breaking them can make you look out of touch.

Quick industry guide:

• Finance/Law: Conservative, formal attire
• Tech: Smart casual, perhaps with a tech-inspired background
• Creative: More flexibility in style, but still polished
• Healthcare: Professional with a approachable, trustworthy vibe

Do your research on industry norms before your shoot.

22. The Brand Blindness: Inconsistency with Personal Branding

Your headshot should be the visual handshake of your personal brand.

Align your headshot with your brand:

1. Use colors that match your personal brand palette
2. Incorporate your brand's style (e.g., minimalist, bold, vintage)
3. Ensure the mood matches your brand personality
4. Use consistent headshots across all platforms

Remember: Your headshot is often the first touchpoint people have with your brand. Make it count.

23. The Resolution Blunder: Using Low-Quality Images

In the age of retina displays, a pixelated headshot is a cardinal sin.

Resolution guidelines:

• Minimum 1000px on the long edge for web use
• 300 DPI for print materials
• Save in high-quality formats (JPEG at 90%+ quality or lossless TIFF)
• Keep a high-res master file for future use

Pro Tip: Always ask your photographer for the highest resolution files available.

24. The Emotional Mismatch: Projecting the Wrong Mood

Your expression should match your professional persona. A funeral director with a goofy grin probably isn't inspiring much confidence.

Mood matching guide:

• Confident and approachable: Slight smile, direct eye contact
• Thoughtful expert: Serious expression, slight head tilt
• Creative and energetic: Wider smile, more dynamic pose
• Trustworthy and empathetic: Soft smile, open body language

Practice different expressions and choose the one that best represents your professional self.

25. The Prop Predicament: Incorporating Distracting Elements

Props can add context to your headshot, but they can also steal the show.

Rules for using props:

1. Keep them relevant to your profession
2. Use them subtly – they should support, not dominate
3. Ensure they don't cover your face or distract from eye contact
4. Avoid clichéd props (e.g., writers with quill pens)

When in doubt, skip the props and let your face do the talking.

Conclusion: From Mistakes to Masterpiece

Whew! We've covered a lot of ground here. But here's the thing:

Avoiding these 25 mistakes will put you miles ahead of the competition.

Remember, your headshot is often the first impression you make in the digital world. It's worth taking the time to get it right.

Here's your action plan:

1. Review your current headshot against this list
2. Schedule a session with a professional photographer
3. Prepare thoroughly (outfits, grooming, expressions)
4. During the shoot, refer back to these tips
5. Choose your final image carefully, considering its intended use

And most importantly, don't stress too much. A great headshot should look effortless, even if a lot of work goes into it behind the scenes.

Now it's your turn. Take these tips, go forth, and create a headshot that opens doors and makes opportunities happen.

Your future self will thank you.