What Is a Headshot: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Your headshot is the tiny photo that captures you: your brand, your personality, your something special. Think about it: you're scrolling through LinkedIn, Instagram, Tinder, or hiring candidates—what makes you stop and zero in on an individual?

It's probably not their name, years of experience, hobbies, or skills. Let's be honest—it's their headshot.

Humans are visual creatures, and that's not something to be ashamed of. It's simply how we're wired.

A compelling headshot grabs attention, creates a moment of connection, and sets the tone for every future interaction. It's often your first impression, and you get to control the narrative.

Whether you're a student, teacher, model, actor, artist, or executive, your headshot matters. It's your first (and sometimes only) chance to make a lasting impression. Make it count.

Below, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about headshots to build your brand, land the job, score the date, or simply make new connections.

What Is a Headshot?

A headshot is a professional photo of your (you guessed it) head. It's usually a close-up that captures your face from the shoulders up. You've already taken dozens of headshots over your life, though, probably not too many you're proud of:

• Drivers license
• High school yearbook
• Passport photo
• Conference badge
• Social media profile
• Company ID

These are all examples of headshots. However, there's a difference between required headshots and nice-looking, brand-building headshots.

The DMV didn't care a lick when they took your headshot, even though you likely looked like a bonafide criminal. And your passport—if you look too good, they'll probably make you retake it.

A professional headshot is different. It captures you in the best light. It might include a neutral or on-brand background, and you have the freedom to smile, grin, show teeth, pose, and do whatever makes you look, well, you.

Types of Headshots

Headshots come in all shapes and sizes. You might be able to use one across your company website, LinkedIn account, and dating profile. Others might be limited to more specific use cases, such as a school application or modeling gig.

Here are a few different types of common headshots:

• Corporate Headshots: Sleek and serious, these are all business. They scream, "I'm here to get things done," and are perfect for LinkedIn or your corporate "about us" page.
• Acting Headshots: These are your audition MVPs. They show off your range from your pensive stare to your belly-laugh smile to catch a casting director's eye.
• Modeling Headshots: Fashion-forward and a tad artsy. These headshots show off your look, whether that's for the runway, a makeup commercial, or an outdoor apparel advertisement.
• Business Casual Headshots: Consider this your LinkedIn profile pic with a more relaxed vibe. It says you're professional but still cool enough to grab coffee with—and that's what your hiring manager cares more about.
• Creative Headshots: Perfect for the artist, rocker, or startup guru— these headshots break the mold with unique angles and new vibes.
• Dating Profile Headshots: Your dating picture should prompt a swipe right on this one. These headshots are all about showing your best, most approachable self. They're inviting, charming, and aimed at making a personal connection.
• Teacher Headshots: These friendly and professional headshots are often featured on school websites or in-class materials.

Headshot vs. Portrait: What's the Difference?

What's the difference between a headshot and a portrait? Don't know the difference? Don't worry—you're not alone. While both capture your wonderful face, they have slightly different purposes.

Headshots are like business cards (and sometimes on business cards) in the digital world. It's typically a close-up of your face from the shoulders up. They're fairly simple. It's all about putting a face to a name.

Portraits tend to be more artistic and creative. They sometimes focus more on the background and your outfits and less on your face. A portrait might be a thoughtful pose by a window or a candid laugh at the park—it's all about capturing context and mood. It's more of a story, while a headshot is a snapshot.

What Makes a Good Headshot Picture?

A good headshot makes you stand out for all the right reasons. It goes beyond just taking a plain old picture of yourself—it makes browsers double-take to get a closer look.

And that doesn't happen by accident. You need a game plan. Here's what separates good headshots from meh headshots:

• Clarity: You need high-resolution, sharp-focus headshots. You want every detail, from your smile to your eye color, to pop.
• Lighting: Quality lighting illuminates your best features without harsh shadows or overly bright lights. Choose soft, natural light (when possible).
• Expression: Just because you're taking a corporate or LinkedIn headshot doesn't mean you have to be emotionless. Remember, this isn't your driver's license or passport—show some authentic personality.
• Background: Keep it simple. You might choose a plain, neutral-colored background or feature a setting that explains more about you (e.g., coffee shop, library, downtown avenue, or dense forest). Regardless, keep the background blurred and the focus on you.
• Outfit: Have fun, be you—just don't be too much. Keep it clean and professional, especially if it's a corporate headshot for your LinkedIn or company website.
• Pose: Choose a pose that feels natural and relaxed. Taking headshots might feel anything but, so experiment and get a few different shots of varying poses.
• Framing: A good headshot typically features you from the shoulders up and centers your face in the frame. This keeps the viewer's focus squarely on you.

What Size Is a Headshot?

When it comes to your headshot size, think: not too big, not too small—just right.

Your headshot should be around 400 x 400 pixels for online profiles like LinkedIn. That's small enough to load quickly but large enough to keep your face clear and recognizable on mobile devices and computers.

If you're going to print your headshot (say for business cards or resumes), the standard size is usually 8 x 10 inches. This size is preferred in the entertainment industry, particularly for actors and models, because it stands out in a pile and is easy for casting directors to handle.

You'll want to take your headshots in a portrait orientation, and the common aspect ratio is 8 x 10.

Frequently Asked Questions about Headshots

1. How often should I update my headshot?

Change is good, especially when it comes to headshots! Try to refresh your photo every one to two years or whenever you change your look significantly (new hairstyle, major beard decisions, etc.). It keeps your professional image sharp and true-to-life.

2. What should I wear for a professional headshot?

Dress to impress. Stick to classic solids that make you look good. If you're in a corporate zone, bring out the business suits. Dress for the job (or partner) you want.

3. Can I use a selfie as a professional headshot?

Sure, you can—but should you? Selfies tend to lack the polish of a professional headshot. They often miss the mark on lighting, background, and that all-important professional touch. Best to keep selfies for your social streams and not your job applications.

4. What is the best background for a headshot?

Keep it simple and professional. Neutral shades like gray, navy, or soft pastels are your best bet—they let you shine without stealing the spotlight.

5. Should I smile in my headshot?

Feel free to flash those pearly whites if it feels right. A warm, approachable smile works wonders. But remember, you don't need to beam like it's picture day in third grade. Sometimes, a subtle smirk or a confident, serious look better fits the bill.

How to Take the Best Headshot

Ready to get your professional headshot?

You could hire an expensive photographer, book a fancy studio, travel across town during rush hour, lug around a suitcase full of outfits, and spend hours smiling, pouting, and smizing until your face hurts.

Sounds exhausting, right?

Well, it doesn't have to be that way.

Aragon.ai helps you skip the hassle, hustle, and empty-wallet heartbreak. Here's how simple it is to get your headshot:

1. Upload Your Photos: Start by uploading a few of your current photos. Just dig into those selfies you've already got on your phone—no travel required.
2. Let AI Do Its Magic: Our cutting-edge AI (built by top techies from Meta and Microsoft) takes over from here. It creates your headshots, tweaks the lighting, builds the backgrounds, and even suggests the best poses.
3. Choose Your Favorites: In minutes (not hours), you've got yourself dozens of headshots to look through. Different backgrounds, poses, and styles—all tailored to look perfect for whatever you need.

Give Aragon.ai a try and see for yourself how easy it is to get high-quality, professional headshots. And here's the best part: if you try it and don't love the results, we offer a no-questions-asked, 7-day full refund guarantee. So really, what do you have to lose?