Anne B Say 2/24/26 Anne B Say 2/24/26

Business Headshots by Industry: How to Choose the Right Style for Your Profession

If you've ever wondered what to wear for your professional headshot or what style is "right" for your industry, you're not alone. One of the most common questions I hear as a photographer serving Atlanta and North Georgia is: "What should my headshot look like?"

And here's my answer: It depends on your industry.

Because the truth is, not all headshots are created equal. The most effective headshots align with industry expectations while still feeling authentic and current. Your headshot should reflect how you work, not just how you look.

In this post, I'm breaking down how different industries approach business photography-and how to choose the right style for your profession.

Why Industry Matters in Business Photography

Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients, employers, or collaborators have of you. It's a strategic tool that communicates professionalism, trustworthiness, and brand identity.

Different industries have different visual expectations. A headshot that works beautifully for a creative entrepreneur might feel too casual for a corporate attorney. A headshot that projects authority for a financial advisor might feel too stiff for a therapist.

According to Luminous Space Photography, understanding the visual language of your industry is key to creating a headshot that resonates with your target audience and supports your professional goals.

Business Headshots by Industry: A Strategic Guide

Here's a breakdown of how different industries approach professional photography-and what works best for each:

Corporate Industries (Law, Finance, Consulting)
Visual Style: Clean, neutral backgrounds; professional attire (suits, structured blazers); balanced lighting and confident posing.
Goal: Trust, authority, reliability.
What to Wear: Classic business attire in neutral or dark colors. Avoid distracting patterns or overly trendy pieces.
Lighting & Posing: Even, flattering lighting that feels polished but not overly dramatic. Confident, direct posing that conveys competence and approachability.
Why It Works: Clients in these industries are looking for someone they can trust with their most important decisions. Your headshot should communicate stability, professionalism, and expertise.

2. Real Estate Agents
Visual Style: A balance of corporate and approachable; warm lighting and friendly expressions; trustworthy energy.
Goal: Trustworthiness and connection.
What to Wear: Professional but approachable attire-blazers, button-downs, or polished casual wear. Avoid overly formal suits that feel intimidating.
Lighting & Posing: Warm, natural lighting that feels inviting. Friendly, open posing with genuine smiles.
Why It Works: Real estate is a relationship business. Your headshot should make potential clients feel like they can trust you with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

3. Therapists, Coaches, and Wellness Professionals
Visual Style: Soft, approachable lighting; warm, welcoming expressions; professional but not intimidating.
Goal: Trust, compassion, expertise.
What to Wear: Soft, comfortable clothing in warm tones. Avoid overly formal attire that creates distance.
Lighting & Posing: Gentle, flattering lighting that feels calm and safe. Relaxed, open posing with warm, genuine expressions.
Why It Works: Clients seeking therapy or coaching need to feel safe and understood. Your headshot should communicate warmth, empathy, and professionalism without feeling clinical or distant.

4. Tech Professionals and Entrepreneurs
Visual Style: Modern, innovative headshots with personality; creative backdrops; editorial lighting; authentic expression.
Goal: Innovation, authenticity, brand identity.
What to Wear: Contemporary, on-brand attire that reflects your personal style. This is an industry where you can take creative risks.
Lighting & Posing: Dynamic, editorial lighting that adds visual interest. Relaxed, confident posing that feels authentic and approachable.
Why It Works: The tech and startup world values innovation, authenticity, and personality. Your headshot should reflect your unique brand and show that you're forward-thinking and approachable.

5. Doctors and Healthcare Leaders
Visual Style: Polished, professional headshots that feel reassuring and contemporary; trust without being overly clinical.
Goal: Expertise, trust, approachability.
What to Wear: Professional medical attire (white coats, scrubs) or business professional clothing, depending on your specialty and audience.
Lighting & Posing: Clean, balanced lighting that feels modern and professional. Confident, approachable posing with warm expressions.
Why It Works: Patients want to feel confident in their healthcare providers. Your headshot should communicate expertise and professionalism while still feeling human and approachable.

6. Creatives (Designers, Artists, Writers, Photographers)
Visual Style: Expressive, artistic headshots that reflect individuality; personality leads, professionalism follows.
Goal: Personality, originality, brand identity.
What to Wear: Whatever makes you feel like YOU. This is your chance to showcase your personal style and creative identity.
Lighting & Posing: Dramatic, editorial lighting or natural, candid lighting-whatever reflects your brand. Authentic, expressive posing that shows your personality.
Why It Works: Creative professionals are hired for their unique perspective and style. Your headshot should reflect your artistic identity and show potential clients what it's like to work with you.

How to Choose the Right Headshot Style for Your Industry

Now that you understand how different industries approach business photography, here's how to choose the right style for you:

1. Understand Your Audience

Who are you trying to reach? What are their expectations? A headshot that resonates with corporate executives will look different from one that appeals to creative entrepreneurs.

2. Research Your Industry

Look at the headshots of successful professionals in your field. What do you notice? Are they formal or casual? Corporate or creative? Use this as a guide, but don't be afraid to add your own personality.

3. Align with Your Brand

Your headshot should reflect your personal brand and professional identity. If you're a lawyer who specializes in working with startups, you might lean slightly more creative than a traditional corporate attorney.

4. Ask Yourself Key Questions

What do I want to communicate? Do you want to project confidence, warmth, expertise, or personality? Your headshot should reflect your professional identity and goals.

Where will this image be used? LinkedIn, company website, press features, personal branding? Different platforms may require different styles or crops.Long-term impact

At Anne Say Photography, we customize every session to fit your industry, your brand, and your goals. We'll work with you to create headshots that are strategic, authentic, and effective-because your headshot should work for you, not against you.

Not looking for a business headshot? If you're seeking something more personal, consider an Empowered Portrait Session. While business headshots tell the story of your professional identity, Empowered Portraits celebrate your personal journey and help you see yourself with new eyes. Learn more here.

Ready to create a headshot that reflects your profession and your personality?