Why Your Headshot Should Match Your Personality
Your headshot is often the first impression people get—whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company’s website, or even your email signature. But a great headshot is more than just a photo where you look professional—it should also reflect who you are.
Here’s why your headshot should match your personality—and how it can work harder for you.
1. Authenticity Builds Trust
People connect with people—not just polished images. When your headshot feels like you, it gives potential clients, colleagues, or employers a sense of what it’s like to work with you. Whether you’re warm and approachable, bold and creative, or calm and thoughtful, that energy should come through in your photo.
2. It Sets the Tone for Your Brand
Your headshot is part of your personal brand. If you’re a therapist who helps clients feel safe and supported, a stiff, overly formal photo might send the wrong message. If you’re a tech founder who thrives on innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, your headshot can reflect that with a more modern or relaxed vibe.
3. It Helps You Stand Out
A headshot that captures your personality makes you memorable. Instead of blending into a sea of generic corporate photos, you come across as a real person with something unique to offer. Even subtle differences—like a genuine laugh, a relaxed posture, or creative use of color—can make a big impact.
4. You’ll Feel More Comfortable in Your Own Skin
When your headshot feels aligned with who you are, you’ll feel more confident using it. That confidence radiates out and affects how others perceive you—online and in person.
5. Different Roles Call for Different Moods
Your personality might shift depending on your role. You can have more than one headshot to reflect that. A warm, friendly photo for your client-facing work, and a more polished, direct one for board meetings or investor pitches. It’s not about being fake—it’s about showing the different facets of who you are.
Real-Life Examples:
A writer chose a photo where she’s laughing mid-conversation—it captured her sense of humor and down-to-earth style, perfect for connecting with readers.
A therapist opted for a headshot on a cozy chair with natural light and soft colors, giving clients a preview of her calming presence.
A startup founder went with a casual, confident look in a creative co-working space—approachable, but still professional.
Ready to Show the Real You?
When I photograph headshots, my goal isn’t just to make you look good—it’s to make you feel seen. We’ll talk through your brand, your personality, and the message you want to send so we can create a photo that truly feels like you.
Want to book a session or chat about what kind of headshot would suit you best? Reach out here or check out some recent examples in my portfolio.
Let’s make your first impression authentically you.
Yours,
Shayna