What Are Professional Headshots and Why They Matter
Let’s be honest, the word “headshot” sounds a little stiff. But a great headshot isn’t just a picture of your face. It’s your handshake before you even walk in the room — the first impression you make online, and sometimes the only one. The word headshot can also mean a lot of different things. From very traditional to super creative headshots that use color and more emotion. If you are wondering what your headshot should look like… or even where to start - check out our Headshot Archetype Quiz. It will help you identify patterns about yourself that will in turn start process of figuring out what style headshot you really want.
At Still and Wild, we tell people all the time: a professional headshot isn’t about vanity - it’s about credibility. Can I get an Amen! A picture of yourself isn’t about— Look at me!… it is about pick me, learn more about me, value me, trust me…. whether you’re applying for a job, running your own business, or just trying to look more like yourself on LinkedIn (you know, without the bad lighting and coffee mug in the background), your headshot sets the tone for how people perceive you. That is also the beauty of how we like to create headshots. We first start with our Archetype quiz results which helps us cut through so many questions about what you want and then help you create a headshot that feels authentic. After all, you are going to share the heck out of this picture if we do it right!
What Makes a Headshot “Professional”?
You might think it’s all about the camera — but nope.
A professional headshot is a mix of:
Lighting that flatters, not flattens
Guided posing so you look natural, not awkward
Expression coaching (that subtle smile that says “I’ve got this”)
Thoughtful editing that keeps you looking like you, just rested and confident
It’s the difference between “That’ll do” and “Wow, who took your photo?”
If you are applying for a job think about what the hiring manager sees or if you are business trying to earn business think about what your potential customers see… you are competing with others for that job. Even though you aren’t required to have a professional headshot- I guarantee those picking who to hire are having a knee jerk reaction - either wow…look at them they look great- or wow… what a weird picture of them. A professional headshot it going to help you stand out in a very competitive world!
Why Headshots Still Matter in 2025 and 2026
We live in a world where everyone Googles everyone or uses AI to help research XYZ topic before even making that first phone call. Before someone meets you - whether it’s a client, employer, or even a date- they’ve already seen your photo. It is crazy how much someone might know about you before they even make the decision to take the next step.
A professional headshot gives you control over that first impression. How do you want people to relate to you? When they are talking to someone else on a hiring committee or on their team do you want to them talk excitedly or confused. A mismatched headshot to the position you are applying for for example… can be confusing.
Here’s what it communicates:
You’re confident and competent.
You value professionalism.
You take your career (and yourself) seriously - but not too seriously. We want you to look relatable.
Where to Use a Headshot
You’ll use your headshot way more often than you think:
LinkedIn and resumes
Company websites and team bios
Speaking engagements and conferences
Social media profiles
Business cards and press releases
Basically, anywhere your face represents your brand — and let’s face it, that’s everywhere. Plus, you never know when you will need it. I know when my son was applying for college scholarships there were plenty of time we needed a picture of him and thank goodness I had an updated picture ready to go. Don’t find yourself scrambling and missing deadlines because you don’t have an image you feel confident with.
Bottom Line
A professional headshot doesn’t just show your face, it tells your story. And in 2025 and rolling into 2026, your story deserves more than a phone selfie and a kitchen background. We all have selfies… but they are not headshots.
