Most headshots are framed from the chest up, so posing comes down to three things: the angle of your shoulders, the position of your chin and your expression. Get those right and the rest follows.
8 headshot poses that work
- Straight onShoulders square, chin level. Best for corporate and ID-style photos.
- Three-quarter turnTurn your shoulders about 30° away, then bring your face back to the lens.
- Chin out and downPush your chin slightly forward and down to define the jawline.
- Relaxed leanLean a little toward the camera from the hips. It reads as engaged.
- Arms loosely crossedUse a wider crop and keep your shoulders down and relaxed.
- Over the shoulderBack slightly to camera, look over your shoulder. Good for creative fields.
- Seated, leaning forwardSit on the front edge of a chair and rest your forearms on your knees.
- Hand at the collarAdjust a lapel or collar to give your hands something natural to do.
Headshot poses for women
Try the three-quarter turn with your weight on your back foot, and leave a little space between your arms and waist so your outline stays defined. A slight head tilt softens a straight-on pose without looking posed.
Headshot poses for men
Square or three-quarter shoulders read as confident. Lean slightly forward from the hips and keep your chin out; tucking it back is the fastest way to a double chin.
Corporate headshot poses
Stick to straight-on or a slight turn, and use the same crop for everyone so the team page lines up. Save crossed arms and over-the-shoulder looks for marketing pages. Team headshots can lock the pose and crop for you.
Expression matters most
A closed-mouth smile and a full smile both work. Narrow your lower eyelids slightly to look relaxed rather than wide-eyed, and breathe out just before the shot.
