Which Headshot Archetype Are You?

You took the Archetype quiz — now it’s time to find out your Headshot Archetype and what it means for your photos. Your archetype is a personality framework that guides how you show up in front of the camera, helping your headshot reflect who you truly are.

Understanding your archetype will help you:

  • Choose poses and expressions that feel natural

  • Select clothing and colors that align with your vibe

  • Show up confidently and authentically for your session

How to Identify Your Archetype

Even after taking the quiz, here’s how to confirm your archetype:

  1. Tally Your Answers – Most selected letter:

    • A → The Leader

    • B → The Creator

    • C → The Connector

    • D → The Grounded

    • E → The Visionary

  2. Notice Your Patterns – If tied, think about which answers felt most natural or “true” to you.

  3. Check Your Energy – Ask yourself:

    • Do I naturally take charge and make decisions confidently? → Leader

    • Do I thrive on originality and creativity? → Creator

    • Am I warm and approachable? → Connector

    • Am I calm, steady, and reliable? → Grounded

    • Do I think boldly and innovate? → Visionary

  4. Trust Your Instincts – Your archetype should feel authentic, highlighting the traits that naturally shine in front of the camera.

Your Archetype Results

The Leader

Strong, polished, and professional. Your headshots should convey authority while still feeling approachable.

The Creator

Artistic, authentic, and full of personality. Your headshots should highlight your originality and express your unique style.

The Connector

Warm, approachable, and friendly. Your headshots should show your openness and relatability.

The Grounded

Calm, steady, and reliable. Your headshots should highlight your natural authenticity and trustworthiness.

The Visionary

Bold, forward-thinking, and innovative. Your headshots should stand out with a modern, striking look that matches your big-picture energy.How to Practice and Prepare for your Headshot.

Now that you know your archetype, you can start preparing for your session so you feel confident and relaxed. Most people aren’t professional models or entertainers…they aren’t used to being in front of the camera (especially not alone!). You may feel silly, but a little practice and a wardrobe dress rehearsal can make a big difference.

  1. Experiment With Expressions – Practice different smiles, gazes, and poses in front of a mirror or with your phone. Notice what feels most natural.

  2. Practice Your Posture – Stand tall, roll shoulders back, and engage your core. Good posture helps communicate confidence. Stand at simple 45 degrees angle and just move your hips and hands to see what looks and feels most natural.

  3. Try Self-Portraits – Take simple photos in natural light to explore angles and lighting. This helps reduce first-time camera nerves. Even just using a self timer on your phone and taking some portraits can be super helpful. I have taken TONS of self portraits. I wasn’t really concerned with perfection… just practice.

  4. Think About Wardrobe – Choose clothing that aligns with your archetype and personal brand. Consider colors, textures, and styles that make you feel like you. Please try it on before you come in! Put it all on the full meal deal.. the shoes, the underwear/bra, the suit jacket…. you will save yourself a lot of problems by knowing you are prepare with clothes that fit well and you have all of the undergarments and accessories to make it look great!

  5. Set Your Intentions – Remind yourself why you’re taking this headshot. Whether it’s LinkedIn, your website, or social media, staying focused helps you show up authentically. You are taking this headshot for a reason…. let’s knock it out of the park.

Below are my self portraits. I actually take them all the time to test lighting. but I was practicing a few things in each shot. One- hand placement. In some I am doing arms crossed but you notice I have also rotated by body. I am also working on how to “touch hands” without looking too posed. In this case I just told myself to touch two fingers together or touch with just two fingers. Lastly I also rotated by body from straight on to a little bit more to almost a full side ways stance. You notice though I kept my shoulders at an angle to the camera…even when I was almost straight on or two the side!

Step Into Your Confidence… and feel like the real you!

Knowing your archetype is just the start. The real magic happens when you step in front of the camera and see yourself reflected back — confident, authentic, and ready to shine. It is easy to look at a someone else headshot and compare and contrast yourself. Please don’t. Show up ready to be you. Your job isn’t to be amazing at headshots. I don’t you take them all the time so not feeling confident is pretty normal. But you are you all the time… and you are what you are trying to sell… so bring the best version of YOU!

I guide every client through the process so you can relax, feel empowered, and leave with headshots that truly reflect your personality and energy.

Ready to take the next step? Download the full Headshot Archetype Guide to prepare for your session and step in front of the camera with confidence.


Book your headshot and grab the guide here

P.S. Not ready to book yet? That’s okay. Start with the guide, get clear on your archetype, and use it as your foundation for confident, authentic headshots.


Kim Bear

STILL AND WILD TOPEKA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

https://www.stillandwild.com
Next
Next

Find Your Headshot Archetype: Which One Are You?