Your headshot is often the first impression in business. Browse 16+ ideas across industries — with specific tips on what works for lawyers, doctors, executives, and more.
16 photos
6 tips
5 FAQs
A professional headshot isn't just a photo — it's your personal brand's first impression. LinkedIn data shows profiles with professional headshots get 14x more views than those without. But 'professional' looks different depending on your industry. A lawyer's headshot shouldn't look like a tech startup founder's, and a creative director's should look different from an accountant's. Here are curated examples across industries with specific guidance on nailing your look.
Professional headshot of a male lawyer in his 40s
Corporatemale
Professional headshot of a female attorney in her 30s
Corporatemale
Professional headshot of an African American male lawyer in his 50s
Executivemale
Professional headshot of an Asian female attorney in her 40s
Corporatemale
Professional headshot of a Hispanic male lawyer in his 30s
Modern Officemale
Professional headshot of a Caucasian female attorney in her 50s
Executivemale
Professional headshot of an Indian male lawyer in his 40s
Corporatemale
Professional headshot of a young female attorney in her late 20s
Modernmale
Professional headshot of a male doctor in his 50s
Medicalmale
Professional headshot of a female physician in her 40s
Clinicalmale
Professional headshot of an African American male doctor in his 40s
Medicalmale
Professional headshot of an Asian female doctor in her 30s
Modern Medicalmale
Professional headshot of a Hispanic male physician in his 50s
Executive Medicalmale
Professional headshot of a Caucasian female doctor in her 40s
Corporatemale
Professional headshot of an Indian male doctor in his 40s
Medicalmale
Professional headshot of a young female doctor in her 30s
Modern Medicalmale
Tips for Professional Headshot Ideas
Dress one level above your daily attire
If you wear business casual to work, shoot in a blazer. If you wear scrubs, shoot in a white coat. The goal is polished but authentic to your industry.
Choose the right background for your field
Corporate roles: solid gray or navy backgrounds. Creative fields: textured or lifestyle backgrounds. Medical: clean clinical settings. Tech: modern office or minimal backgrounds.
Soft, directional lighting is key
Professional headshots use soft lighting from a 45-degree angle. This creates gentle shadows that add dimension without harsh contrasts. Window light works beautifully for DIY headshots.
Frame from mid-chest up
The standard professional headshot is framed from mid-chest to just above the head. This gives context (your outfit) while keeping the focus on your face and expression.
Genuine expression beats perfect pose
The most effective headshots show a real, warm expression — not a forced smile. Think about something that makes you slightly happy. A slight head tilt adds approachability.
Solid colors photograph best
Avoid busy patterns, logos, and thin stripes (they cause moiré). Solid blues, grays, blacks, and whites are universally flattering and don't distract from your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional photographer headshots range from $150-$500+ per session. AI-generated headshots from PixelPanda cost a fraction — starting at just $5 for 200 credits. You get multiple styles, backgrounds, and outfits to choose from.
Solid gray is the most versatile and widely used. Navy and dark charcoal work well for corporate. White is clean but can wash out lighter skin tones. For creative fields, subtle textured or blurred office backgrounds add personality.
Yes — a genuine, warm smile makes you look more approachable and trustworthy. Full teeth-showing smiles work for client-facing roles (sales, real estate, consulting). A closed-mouth confident smile works for executive and legal.
Every 2-3 years, or whenever your appearance changes significantly (new glasses, different hair, weight change). Your headshot should look like you do today — not how you looked 5 years ago.
Yes. Modern AI tools like PixelPanda create photorealistic headshots with proper lighting, professional backgrounds, and industry-appropriate attire. Many professionals now use AI headshots for LinkedIn, company websites, and business cards.
