Should you smile in a professional headshot?

Expression is so important in your headshot, and knowing exactly how your expression should look can be tough.

But that’s where your photographer comes in! A professional headshot photographer will help coach you with expression throughout your photoshoot.

That still doesn’t help with the question – so let me expand below.

Your expression should represent you:

Ultimately, your headshot shows who you are as a person.

It makes a first impression.

It gives other people an idea of what it is like to work with you, either as a client, colleague or employer.

The first thing to ask yourself is:

“Am I a smiley person?”

The answer to this question can help you make a quick decision. All of the people in these photographs have the same profession. I asked all of them what sort of expression they thought would be best for them. Some insisted they smiled, others insisted they didn’t.

There are a few more things to consider beyond this question, so lets look at those below.

All of these people are barristers, and were all asked if they wanted to smile, be serious, or a bit in between.

Pros and cons for smiling in your headshot:

Pros:

You look friendly.
People can connect with you.
You seem likeable and trustworthy.
Your headshot can spark joy.
Others can see themselves comfortable in your presence.

Cons:

Not everyone likes the way they smile.
Smiling can distort other features (commonly, people squint when they smile, which isn’t always a bad thing).
Some professions are quite serious – too much of a smile can take away from the serious nature of your work.

When you might not want to smile in your headshot.

If you work in a serious profession, you might need to consider what is most common and respected within your industry.

Think about your key clientelle, and who they want to be hiring. Do they want someone smiling, or someone a bit more serious?

Some clients have noted that their work is quite sombre, and smiling wouldn’t be right. I’ve had lawyers whose clients are dealing with horrific things – and they’ve said that smiling isn’t right for them.

On another note, I’ve had younger people who want to be a little more serious in their headshots so that they look more experienced, and not too ‘young’.

Lastly, some employers have specific styles in mind, and might specify if they need a serious shot.

Not every smile has to be BIG.

There are lots of variations you can put into your smile. Smiling doesn’t have to be BIG or nothing.

Sometimes you may want to smile, but without a big, teethy grin.
Other times, you may want to be laughing.

Finding a middle ground is important, as long as you’re happy and it reflects your personality and profession.

Remember, your headshot is about YOU.

The expression you choose for your final headshot should feel ‘right’. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should look.

Photographers can help and coach you, and that is a huge benefit to hiring a professional. Don’t let anyone tell you that your natural smile is ‘too big’ or not right.

The amount of clients I’ve photographed who have been told in the past to stop smiling by a photographer is staggering.

If you want to smile, go for it!

Julia Nance 04/03/2023

Headshot Advice

Should you smile in a professional headshot?