Avoid These Headshot Faux Pas
Ever look at a professional headshot and think, “Something just isn't right”? You're not alone! Many seemingly small details can sabotage an otherwise great photo. At Excalibur Portraits, we've seen it all, and we're here to help you identify and avoid these common "headshot faux pas" that many photographers and clients overlook. By paying attention to these details, we create professional headshot photography that truly shines.
The "Tongue Jam" Faux Pas
This is a subtle but common mistake. When a person smiles, they often press their tongue against the back of their teeth or the roof of their mouth, creating tension in the lower jaw. This can make the smile look forced and unnatural, and in some cases, it can cause the chin and neck to appear less defined. It’s an easy habit to fall into, but it can make a big difference in how approachable and relaxed you appear.
The Fix: This is a simple fix! As professional photographers, we coach our clients on how to create a genuinely relaxed smile. We'll simply remind you to let your tongue rest naturally on the bottom of your mouth. This minor adjustment releases tension in the jaw and neck, resulting in a more authentic, open, and confident expression.
The "NEFA" (Non-Existent Facial Expression) Faux Pas
This faux pas is characterized by a completely blank or neutral expression. While some people believe a stoic face looks serious or professional, it often comes across as unapproachable, bored, or even a little sad. A headshot is meant to be a warm introduction, and a lack of expression can be a missed opportunity to connect with your audience.
The Fix: We believe your headshot should have a "spark." We work with you to find a genuine, subtle expression that conveys confidence and warmth. We want to help you find that slight smile, coach you into eyes that connect, and help you show an expression of genuine interest. Through conversation and a relaxed atmosphere, we help you break free from the "NEFA" and capture an expression that truly reflects your professional personality.
The "Tilty Head" Faux Pas
A tilt of the head can be a charming pose for a casual photo and it will get extra likes on Instagram, but in a professional headshot, it can sometimes come across as insecure or even a little juvenile. An overly tilted head can also throw off the symmetry of the photo and make you look less direct. While a subtle angle is often a great tool, an exaggerated tilt can distract from your professional presence.
The Fix: We will help you keep your head on straight while focusing on a strong, confident posture and balanced composition. This creates a powerful, direct, and poised look. We use subtle angles and turns of the body to add dimension and interest without resorting to an excessive head tilt. Our goal is to make you look like the composed and capable professional you are.
The "Crooked Tie" Faux Pas
This might seem like a small detail, but a crooked tie can seriously undermine a professional headshot. It suggests a lack of attention to detail and can make an otherwise polished look seem sloppy. Similarly, an ill-fitting collar or a jacket that is bunching up can draw the eye away from your face and create an unprofessional impression.
The Fix: We’re sticklers for detail! Before we even snap a photo, we will meticulously check your clothing, from your collar and tie to your jacket lapels. We’ll make sure everything is perfectly aligned and tailored to make you look sharp and put-together. These small adjustments are part of our commitment to delivering a flawless, high-quality headshot.
The "Distracting Jewelry" Faux Pas
While jewelry can be a wonderful part of your personal style, it can also be a major distraction in a headshot. Large, dangling earrings, chunky necklaces, or overly shiny pieces can pull focus from your face. The purpose of a professional headshot is to showcase you, not your accessories.
The Fix: We advise our clients to leave the accessories at home, but if there must be jewelry, think stud earrings, a delicate necklace, or a simple watch. We’ll work with you to ensure your accessories enhance your look rather than detract from it, keeping the focus squarely on your professional presence.
The "Put-On Smile" Faux Pas
This is arguably the most common and damaging headshot mistakes A forced, unnatural smile—where the eyes are not smiling along with the mouth—can make you look insincere or uncomfortable, and we can spot them and alert you to them. A fake smile doesn't build trust or rapport, which is the exact opposite of what a great headshot should do.
The Fix: We never ask for a "fake smile." Instead, we work to elicit a genuine one. We'll chat, share a joke, and create a relaxed atmosphere that makes a real smile happen without effort. We focus on capturing the warmth and light in your eyes, as that is the key to a truly authentic and professional smile. We believe that a great headshot is one that captures the real you, looking confident, approachable, and ready for anything.
Visit our gallery to see what headshots without these faux pas looks like. Don't let these subtle photography errors hold your professional image back. Your headshot should be an asset, not a liability. Ready to get a professional headshot that captures your authentic, polished, and confident self?
Discuss your headshot needs with Excalibur Portraits today by choosing the “schedule a call” option!
By Dan Mutterer, Principal Photographer at Excalibur Portraits - Dan believes a great photograph is more than a picture—it's an authentic reflection of your professional story. He's passionate about capturing the unique essence of individuals and companies through intentional and authentic photography.
