What are you really selling with your headshot?
Your headshot should do more than just sit on your LinkedIn profile. It should tell your story, feel like you, and give people a reason to stop scrolling. In this post, I’m breaking down what actually makes a great headshot — from flattering lighting to real expressionand how to choose the right look for your brand. If you’re searching for a headshot photographer in Topeka KS who gets what you’re really going for, you’re in the right place.
Let’s be real. Your headshot isn’t just a picture.
It’s your first impression. Your “this is me” moment.
Whether it’s for your business, your website, or LinkedIn, your headshot is doing a lot of talking before you ever say a word. So what actually makes a great one?
Clean and Simple
Don’t ever underestimate a great solid white image. Perfect for websites and branding.
A Headshot Should Say Something
The best headshots don’t just look nice. They say something. They tell people who you are and how you show up.
Are you approachable and easy to talk to? Bold and confident? Creative and a little mysterious?
Your expression and energy should match the story you want to tell.
If your headshot doesn’t reflect who you really are and how you move through your work, it’s just another photo. And you deserve better than that. You are aren’t quite sure what you want your headshot to say… take a second to take our Headshot Archetype quiz.
What You’re Actually Selling With Your Headshot
You’re not just selling your face. You’re selling what it feels like to work with you.
You’re selling the experience.
People decide fast. They want to know what kind of energy you bring into a room. Does your photo say, “I’m easy to work with”? Does it say, “I take my craft seriously”? The right headshot captures that feeling before you ever say a word.
You’re selling your expertise.
Your headshot should instantly communicate that you know what you’re doing. Lighting, expression, posture... it all matters. You can look friendly and capable. Or bold and decisive. Or creative and approachable. It’s not about posing perfectly. It’s about showing that you’re someone who knows their stuff.
You’re selling results.
At the end of the day, your image tells people what kind of results they can expect from working with you. Confident? Organized? Creative? Reliable? People connect with the person they believe can help them win, and your photo can say that without a single word.
Your headshot isn’t just a photo. It’s a tool that shows the world who you are, what you stand for, and why people should trust you. If you’re ready for an image that actually works for you—one that communicates confidence, expertise, and results—let’s make it happen. Book your session with Still and Wild today and walk away with a headshot that does the work before you even say a word.
Let’s Talk About Lighting (The Kind That Makes You Look Good)
You don’t care about the lighting setup, but you care about how you look. And of course you want to look great.
That’s what lighting actually does. It makes or breaks how you feel about your photo.
Flattering lighting smooths, brightens, and makes you look awake even if you’ve had three cups of coffee and five hours of sleep. It’s the kind that brings out your eyes and gives your skin a healthy, natural glow.
Then there’s moody lighting. More shadow. More drama. More power. Perfect if you want a bold or creative look that feels intentional and strong.
Lighting isn’t about tech talk. It’s about creating a feeling that fits you. Bright and approachable? We can do that. Dark and dramatic? That too. Your photo should show up the same way you do.
Dark and moody
A dark background is beautiful. I actually like a mix of dark and light images to mix up your website and branding.
Color, Background, and Everything in Between
People always ask about backgrounds. Should you go white, black, color, lifestyle?
Here’s the simple truth. It depends on how you plan to use your image.
White or light backgrounds feel clean, classic, and professional. Perfect for LinkedIn or company websites.
Black or darker backgrounds add depth and confidence. They feel powerful and strong.
Color or lifestyle backgrounds bring in personality. They’re great for creatives, small business owners, or anyone building a brand that’s more personal.
Traditional headshots usually feel more portrait-like and formal. Branding sessions, on the other hand, lean lifestyle and story-driven. Both have a place. The key is knowing where your photo will live and what you want it to say.
Expression Is Everything
People don’t connect with perfection. They connect with expression.
Your eyes, your smile (or no smile), your posture , it all tells your story before you ever open your mouth. Truth be told, people are very attracted to a smile. While I am more of a non-smile person… I always tell people to smile (a least a little one.)
The best headshots don’t force you into something that doesn’t feel natural. They capture that small, genuine moment that feels like you. That’s what makes someone stop scrolling and actually look at your photo.
You don’t want to feel awkward in front of a camera. You want someone who makes it easy to just be yourself. My sessions are designed for real people, not models. You’ll get direction that feels natural, a space that feels comfortable, and a photographer who’s paying attention to the little things that make you look like you, just your most confident version.
My clients don’t just walk away with nice photos. They walk away with confidence. They update their profiles, pitch themselves with ease, and finally feel like their image matches the work they’ve worked so hard for. That’s what a good headshot does, it works for you.
Headshot sessions start at $150.
Ready to stop hiding behind outdated photos and show up with confidence?
Book your headshot with Still and Wild today.
