As decision-makers in marketing and production, you understand that a professional headshot or executive portrait is a critical brand asset. While lighting, composition, and high-end optics are the foundation of a great image, the subject’s wardrobe is the primary vehicle for communicating personality, authority, and industry alignment.
Choosing the right attire isn’t merely a matter of fashion; it is a strategic decision in image acquisition. At St Louis Headshots, we believe that when a subject feels confident in their presentation, it translates directly into the lens. Here is our expert guide on how to curate the perfect wardrobe for your next professional production.
1. Color Theory and Camera Optics
The camera perceives color and contrast differently than the human eye. To ensure the subject remains the focal point, we recommend:
Mid-tones and Rich Neutrals: Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, plum) and deep neutrals (charcoal, navy, chocolate) are universally flattering and provide excellent separation from most backgrounds.
The “White” Rule: Pure white can often “blow out” or lose detail under high-intensity studio lights. We suggest off-white, cream, or light blue as alternatives for a crisp, professional look.
Avoiding Distractions: High-contrast patterns, pinstripes, and “moiré” inducing textures (tiny, repetitive patterns) can create visual “noise” in digital files. Solid colors are always the safest and most timeless choice.
2. Silhouette and Fit
Professional photography is a two-dimensional medium; therefore, the fit of the clothing defines the subject’s silhouette.
Tailoring is Key: Clothing that is too loose can add perceived weight and look unkempt on camera. Conversely, overly tight garments can pull and create distracting lines.
Structured Layers: For both men and women, structured layers like blazers or sport coats add a level of authority and provide a clean line at the shoulders, which is vital for the standard headshot crop.
3. Industry-Specific Styling
Your wardrobe should reflect your corporate culture.
Conservative Corporate: Full suits, ties, and classic blouses remain the standard for law, finance, and traditional corporate leadership.
Business Creative: Blazers paired with high-quality knits or open collars allow for a more approachable, modern aesthetic while maintaining professional boundaries.
Tech and Startup: While more casual, the “elevated casual” look—think high-end polo shirts or dark denim with a tailored jacket—ensures the subject looks successful without appearing “stiff.”
Your Partner in Professional Image Acquisition
Selecting the right outfit is just the first step. To truly capture a brand’s essence, you need a production partner that understands the nuances of the commercial landscape.
St Louis Headshots is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company. Since 1982, we have partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area to deliver high-impact marketing assets. We provide the right equipment and a creative crew with the deep service experience necessary for successful image acquisition.
Our Comprehensive Capabilities Include:
Versatile Environments: We offer full-service studio and location video and photography. Our private studio features a dedicated lighting and visual setup perfect for small productions, interview scenes, and sets large enough to incorporate custom props.
Advanced Technology: We utilize the latest in Artificial Intelligence for our media services and are well-versed in all file types and software requirements.
Aerial Expertise: With licensed drone pilots, we capture stunning perspectives—and we can even fly our specialized drones indoors for unique interior tours and dynamic shots.
Post-Production Excellence: Our team handles everything from editing and post-production to repurposing your photography and video branding to help you gain more traction across diverse media platforms.
From setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound, camera operators, and specialized equipment, St Louis Headshots ensures your next production is seamless and successful. We are ready to customize your media to meet any requirement.
When most organizations think about “brand,” they picture logos, colors, and typography. But one of the most visible — and often least controlled — parts of your brand is the people who represent it. Sales teams, leadership, recruiters, client-facing staff, and even vendors are frequently introduced online through their headshots.
If those headshots look like they’ve been collected from a dozen different photographers, phones, and lighting conditions over several years, your brand looks fragmented — even if everything else is perfectly on point.
A well-thought-out headshot style guide fixes that. It turns individual portraits into a consistent visual system that reinforces who you are as a company every time someone visits your website, LinkedIn page, proposal deck, or internal directory.
Below is a practical roadmap to defining and documenting your company’s headshot style guide — built from the perspective of a crew that lives and breathes corporate photography and video every day.
Why Your Organization Needs a Headshot Style Guide
Before you invest time and budget, it’s important to articulate why this matters to leadership and stakeholders.
1. Consistency across every touchpoint
Whether a client meets your team on your website, LinkedIn, a conference slide, or a pitch deck, their experience should feel unified. Consistent headshots:
Make your brand feel more professional and intentional
Reduce visual “noise” so attention goes to the person, not the photography differences
Support your brand standards as strongly as your logo and color palette
2. Faster onboarding and less friction
When new hires ask, “What photo should I use?” you shouldn’t be reinventing the wheel. A documented style guide:
Speeds up onboarding
Reduces back-and-forth with marketing, HR, and IT
Helps remote hires and satellite offices get it right without guesswork
3. Stronger employer brand and recruiting
Candidates judge you by your online presence. High-quality, consistent headshots send a subtle but powerful signal:
“We care about our people — and how they show up.”
“We’re organized and intentional.”
“You’ll be joining a team of professionals.”
4. Operational efficiency and content reuse
If your headshots are shot and delivered in a consistent way, it becomes far easier to:
Build templated layouts for proposals and pitch decks
Repurpose imagery for PR, thought leadership, speaking engagements, and social media
Integrate photos into video, microsites, internal platforms, and more
Step 1: Define the Strategic Goal of Your Headshots
Before you talk about backgrounds and lighting, you need to answer one simple question:
What do we want people to feel when they see our team?
Manufacturing / engineering / construction Skilled, practical, safety-minded, reliable, grounded.
That emotional target influences every visual choice. A crisp, high-contrast studio look sends a different signal than a softer, environmental background with shallow depth of field. Decide the emotional tone first — the technical details will follow logically.
Step 2: Choose Your Core Visual Parameters
This is where you turn strategy into specific, repeatable decisions. Your style guide should clearly address each of the following:
A. Orientation and crop
Decide on:
Orientation: Vertical is standard, but horizontal can work well for web and video integrations. The key is consistency.
Crop:
Tight: top of shoulders to just above the head
Medium: mid-chest to above the head
Wider crops are fine for leadership or environmental portraits, but your base standard should be tightly defined.
Document with visual examples so no one is guessing where to “cut off” shoulders, hair, or headroom.
B. Background style
This is one of the most visible parts of your style system. Options include:
Solid studio backdrop
Neutral gray, white, off-white, or a subtle brand color
Great for high consistency and easy retouching
Office environment (blurred)
Use your own offices, lobbies, or workspaces with shallow depth of field
Conveys “real people in a real place” while still keeping the subject prominent
Outdoor urban or natural backgrounds
Creates energy and authenticity, ideal for certain industries and brands
Whatever you choose, make it repeatable. Specify:
Color family or backdrop material
How much blur/bokeh you want in environmental shots
Whether the background should be evenly lit or subtly gradated
C. Lighting approach
Lighting is where “DIY snapshots” and “professional brand asset” diverge rapidly.
Decide on:
Overall look:
Clean and even (minimal shadow, good for corporate, medical, HR)
Primary light position (e.g., 45° off-center, slightly above eye level)
Fill or reflector usage
Whether glasses glare needs special attention (and how it will be handled)
D. Posing and expression
This is where your people’s personalities intersect with your brand message.
Define:
Body angle:
Facing camera straight-on
Turned 15–30° from camera, eyes back to lens (often more flattering and dynamic)
Expression range:
Friendly and approachable with a natural smile
For some roles, a confident, neutral expression may be appropriate
Provide example images that show “target” expressions and posture. This helps align internal expectations and makes sessions smoother for everyone.
E. Wardrobe guidelines
Your headshot style guide should include simple wardrobe rules, tailored to your organization’s culture:
Colors:
Avoid overly bright colors or loud patterns that distract from the face
Recommend solid or subtle patterns in your brand’s color family or neutral tones
Necklines and layers:
Collared shirts, blazers, or tailored tops usually photograph well
Avoid overly casual hoodies (unless that is part of your brand)
Accessories:
Keep jewelry minimal and non-distracting
Branding items (pins, lanyards) should be used intentionally
Make sure your dress code supports your diversity and inclusion values — your guide should help people look like the best version of themselves, not force everyone into the same mold.
Step 3: Define Technical and Delivery Standards
Your marketing and IT teams will thank you for this part.
Specify the following in your style guide:
File formats
Master files: High-resolution JPG or TIFF, sRGB or Adobe RGB as needed
Web-optimized files: JPG or PNG, compressed for your content management system
Transparent-background versions (optional): PNG files with a clean clipping path for slide decks and design use
Resolution and dimensions
Print master: e.g., 300 dpi, shortest side at least 2400–3000 pixels
Web/LinkedIn: e.g., 1200 x 1200 px or 1080 x 1350 px depending on platform strategy
Naming convention
A clear naming structure is critical for search and reuse. For example:
Lastname_Firstname_Department_Location_YYYYMM.jpg
Standardize this so every headshot delivered over the years stays searchable and organized.
Retouching guidelines
Define what is and is not acceptable:
Standard retouching might include:
Temporary blemish removal
Light skin smoothing
Color and exposure correction
Stray hair clean-up
Avoid:
Over-smoothing or unrealistic “plastic” skin
Changing facial structure or features
Altering someone’s appearance in a way that misrepresents them
Clear retouching standards reduce awkward conversations and protect trust with your employees.
Step 4: Build a Repeatable Process for New and Existing Staff
A style guide is only effective if it’s easy to execute.
For in-office staff
Schedule recurring “headshot days” once or twice a year.
Book a dedicated space that matches your guide (studio or designated area in your office).
Create a simple booking link or internal sign-up process.
Share prep instructions with each person ahead of time.
For remote or hybrid staff
You have a few options:
Regional shoot days with a trusted local photographer who follows your guide
Central studio days aligned with quarterly or annual in-person meetings
Professional remote headshot sessions with guided lighting and posing, plus AI-assisted background matching (when appropriate and disclosed)
In all cases, your style guide should include exact instructions for any external photographers or partners to follow.
Step 5: Document the Guide and Make It Accessible
A headshot style guide is only as useful as its availability.
Create a simple, practical document that includes:
The why (business rationale and intended emotional tone)
Visual examples of approved headshots
Clear do’s and don’ts
Technical specs and file delivery expectations
Contact info for your internal marketing team and your preferred production partner
Host it where stakeholders naturally go:
Brand or marketing portal
HR onboarding resources
Internal wiki or intranet
Shared drive or DAM system
Whenever someone requests or updates a headshot, the style guide should be the first attachment.
Step 6: Integrate Headshots into Your Broader Content Strategy
Once your headshots are consistent, they become powerful assets across all your media.
Consider:
Adding animated or video headshots for key leaders — short, well-lit clips that integrate seamlessly into your video marketing (interviews, testimonials, recruiting, training).
Repurposing stills into speaker one-sheets, PR kits, and LinkedIn carousels.
Creating team “meet the people” videos that open with consistent headshots and move into short on-camera introductions.
Here’s where partnering with a production team that handles both photography and video becomes valuable — your headshot style can extend naturally into on-camera interviews, B-roll, and brand stories.
Step 7: Plan for Maintenance and Evolution
Your headshot style guide should be:
Stable enough to provide consistency over several years
Flexible enough to evolve with your brand
Best practices:
Review your guide every 18–24 months, especially after a rebrand or major shift in company culture.
Audit your website and internal platforms yearly:
Are all headshots up to standard?
Are old, inconsistent images still live?
Ensure your production partner keeps detailed records so new sessions match the established look.
How St Louis Headshots Can Help You Define and Execute Your Style Guide
Building a corporate headshot style guide is part creative direction, part technical specification, and part logistics. It’s not just about taking a “nice picture”; it’s about creating a repeatable visual system that supports your marketing, HR, and leadership teams for years.
That’s where we come in.
As experienced photographers, videographers, and producers, St Louis Headshots works with companies, marketing departments, and agencies to:
Audit your current imagery and identify gaps
Help define the emotional and visual direction for your headshot system
Design lighting, backgrounds, and posing that align with your brand
Document everything in a clear, usable style guide
Execute efficient, low-disruption photo days for large and small teams
Extend your headshot look into video interviews, testimonial content, and other marketing assets
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: make your people look like the best, most authentic version of themselves — in a way that also serves your brand.
Why Teams Across St. Louis Trust St Louis Headshots
Experienced St Louis Headshots is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production and licensed drone pilots. St Louis Headshots can customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements. Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another specialty. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, and we use the latest in Artificial Intelligence for all our media services to streamline workflows, deliver consistent results, and extend the life of your content.
Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and our studio is large enough to incorporate props to round out your set when needed. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. We can even fly our specialized drones indoors when your project calls for dynamic, controlled aerial perspectives.
As a full-service video and photography production corporation, since 1982 St Louis Headshots has worked with many businesses, marketing firms and creative agencies in the St. Louis area for their marketing photography and video. If you’re ready to define and document your company’s headshot style guide — and turn portraits into a strategic brand asset — we’re ready to help you plan, shoot, and deliver it right.
In today’s visually-driven business landscape, your professional headshot is more than just a picture – it’s a critical component of your personal brand. For busy professionals and the organizations they represent, a high-quality studio headshot is an indispensable asset that communicates professionalism, credibility, and approachability. As experienced videographers, photographers, and producers, we understand the nuances that transform a mere photograph into a powerful marketing tool.
The common misconception is that any photo will do. However, decision-makers in marketing and video production understand that a poorly executed headshot can actively detract from your brand. It can convey a lack of attention to detail, a casual approach to professional representation, or worse, an outdated image that doesn’t align with your current professional standing. This is why a strategic approach to studio headshots is paramount.
Here are key considerations for busy professionals seeking to maximize the impact of their studio headshots:
1. The Power of Professional Lighting:
Perhaps the most significant differentiator between a casual snapshot and a professional headshot is lighting. A skilled studio photographer meticulously controls light to sculpt the face, highlight features, and minimize imperfections. This isn’t about altering reality, but about presenting the best version of yourself. Proper lighting can convey warmth, authority, or innovation, depending on the desired brand message. We utilize a range of lighting techniques, from soft, diffused illumination for a welcoming feel to more dramatic setups for a powerful corporate presence.
2. The Importance of Expression and Body Language:
Your expression in a headshot speaks volumes. A forced smile or an uncomfortable pose can undermine your message. An experienced photographer acts as a director, guiding you through subtle adjustments in expression, tilt of the head, and shoulder positioning to capture your authentic personality and professionalism. We aim for an approachable yet confident look that resonates with your target audience. This is where the artistry of photography truly shines – in capturing that fleeting moment of genuine engagement.
3. Strategic Wardrobe and Styling:
Your attire in a headshot should align with your industry and professional role. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about looking appropriate. For a studio headshot, solid colors often work best, avoiding busy patterns that can distract from your face. Necklines and accessories should complement, not overpower. Discussing wardrobe choices with your photographer beforehand is crucial to ensure your clothing enhances your professional image and aligns with your company’s branding guidelines.
4. Background and Context:
While the focus is on you, the background of your headshot plays a supporting role. A clean, uncluttered studio background ensures that you remain the undisputed focal point. However, backgrounds can also be strategically chosen to add context or convey a specific brand message. Whether it’s a classic professional gray, a vibrant brand color, or a subtle environmental element, the background should always enhance your image, not distract from it.
5. The Subtlety of Retouching:
Professional retouching is about refinement, not recreation. It involves subtle enhancements – evening out skin tones, softening shadows, or removing temporary blemishes – that elevate the image without making you look artificial or unrecognizable. The goal is to present a polished, confident you, not an airbrushed ideal. Over-retouching can be just as detrimental as no retouching, undermining authenticity.
6. Longevity and Versatility:
A well-produced studio headshot should have longevity, remaining relevant for several years. It should also be versatile enough to be used across various platforms – your company website, LinkedIn profile, press releases, business cards, and internal communications. This means considering both portrait and landscape orientations, as well as different crop options, during the shooting and post-production phases.
Why St Louis Headshots is Your Partner for Successful Image Acquisition
At St Louis Headshots, we understand that successful image acquisition goes beyond simply taking a picture. Since 1982, we have been a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, equipped with the right tools and a creative crew boasting decades of service experience. We partner with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area, delivering exceptional marketing photography and video solutions.
We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as comprehensive editing, post-production, and the expertise of licensed drone pilots – even for intricate indoor flights. Our ability to customize productions for diverse media requirements ensures that your visuals are always on point. Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another one of our specialties, leveraging our deep understanding of all file types, media styles, and accompanying software. We even integrate the latest Artificial Intelligence into our media services to enhance efficiency and quality.
Our private studio lighting and visual setup is meticulously designed for small productions and interview scenes, providing the perfect controlled environment. The studio is also spacious enough to incorporate props, allowing us to fully round out your set and achieve your desired aesthetic. From setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, and providing the precise equipment needed, we support every aspect of your production. This ensures your next video production is seamless, successful, and yields the powerful imagery your brand deserves.
When you’re ready to transcend the ordinary and invest in professional imagery that truly represents your brand, trust the expertise of St Louis Headshots. Let us help you put your best face forward.
If your team dreads “picture day,” you don’t have a photography problem—you have a process problem. As producers, we’ve learned that a smooth headshot day is 80% planning and 20% pixels. Here’s a practical, field-tested playbook you can hand to HR, Marketing, or Office Ops to make on-site headshots fast, friendly, and disruption-free.
1) Define Success in One Paragraph (and share it)
Alignment beats aesthetics. Send a one-paragraph brief that answers:
QR roster system and printed signage (arrow wayfinding + schedule)
Final Thoughts
A frictionless headshot day is a gift to your team and a brand investment that pays dividends across every channel. With tight scheduling, a friendly flow, and a consistent visual standard, you’ll get authentic portraits—without hijacking everyone’s calendar.
About St Louis Headshots
Since 1982, St Louis Headshots has supported businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis region with full-service commercial photography and video production. We bring the right equipment and a seasoned creative crew for successful, efficient image acquisition—on location or in our private studio. We offer studio and location video and photography, editing and post-production, and licensed drone pilots (including specialized indoor flight for safe, dynamic office B-roll). We can customize productions for diverse media requirements and repurpose your photography and video branding to gain more traction across web, social, and sales enablement. We’re well-versed in all file types, styles, and professional software, and we leverage the latest AI tools for consistent backgrounds, natural retouching, and fast delivery—while preserving authenticity. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, with ample space to incorporate props and set dressing. From setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators—and providing the right equipment end-to-end—we support every aspect of your production to ensure your next headshot or video project is seamless and successful.
Whether you’re a CEO, a job candidate, a consultant, or a spokesperson for your company, a low-quality or outdated headshot can quietly damage your credibility, reduce engagement, and even cost you opportunities.
Why Headshots Still Matter—Especially in the Corporate World
Your headshot represents you when you’re not in the room. On LinkedIn, corporate websites, pitch decks, press releases, Zoom meetings, and speaker bios—your image is speaking before you do. A well-crafted headshot communicates more than appearance; it conveys confidence, professionalism, approachability, and polish.
Marketing and communications professionals understand the power of visuals. But even savvy decision-makers sometimes underestimate how a poor-quality headshot—blurry, badly lit, taken in the wrong setting, or years out of date—can subtly erode brand consistency, both personal and corporate.
Common Headshot Mistakes That Can Undermine Your Brand
Outdated Headshots If your headshot is more than 3–5 years old or no longer resembles you, it’s time for an update. Authenticity is a cornerstone of professional relationships—don’t undermine it with a misleading photo.
Inconsistent Team Images Disparate lighting, mismatched backdrops, and varying styles across a team page make your company look fragmented. Consistency in corporate headshots reinforces unity, trust, and professionalism.
DIY or Smartphone Images While phone cameras have come a long way, a true professional-grade headshot demands more than megapixels—it requires proper lighting, lenses, composition, and direction. Corporate imagery should never look like a selfie.
Lack of Expression or Engagement Your expression should match your role. A warm, confident smile with good posture and a relaxed demeanor sends the right message. An unapproachable or awkward image can unintentionally discourage engagement.
Generic Stock-Like Feel Your headshot should be uniquely you, not an off-the-shelf image. A creative photographer brings out personality, subtle brand cues (such as wardrobe, setting, or color grading), and context.
Your Headshot Is Part of Your Marketing Strategy
For businesses, updated, unified headshots strengthen your brand’s credibility and culture—showing the people behind the product or service. Whether it’s for leadership profiles, employee directories, or public relations campaigns, great headshots help humanize your company.
For individuals, especially those in leadership, sales, legal, or client-facing roles, your headshot is your personal brand. It should align with your industry while setting you apart visually. It’s one of the most cost-effective investments you can make in your professional image.
Why Choose St Louis Headshots
At St Louis Headshots, we understand the art and psychology of visual first impressions. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we’ve been helping individuals and businesses across St. Louis project their best image since 1982. Our team includes experienced photographers, producers, and stylists who guide each client through a relaxed, effective session—whether in our private, fully equipped studio or on location at your office.
We go beyond headshots. We can repurpose your images for multi-channel marketing, incorporate branded elements into your shoot, and even provide custom interview studios and licensed drone pilots for more complex productions.
Our studio lighting and visual setup is ideal for both small and large productions. It accommodates customized backdrops, branding props, and the nuanced lighting techniques that elevate simple portraits into compelling visuals. Our crew provides expert-level editing and post-production using the latest in Artificial Intelligence software, ensuring consistent, natural enhancements that never feel artificial.
If your business needs to elevate its brand with consistent, on-brand photography—or if your own professional presence deserves a confident upgrade—don’t let a bad headshot hold you back.
Work With the Experts St Louis Headshots offers studio and location photography and video, editing and post-production, custom interview scenes, and indoor-capable drone work, all under one roof. Our decades of experience, creative expertise, and media fluency make us the trusted partner for businesses, marketing agencies, and professionals throughout the region.
Let us help you project authority, authenticity, and professionalism—one image at a time.
In today’s digital-driven world, a professional headshot is more than just a nice-to-have — it’s a critical component of your brand identity. Whether you’re updating your executive team’s profiles, refreshing marketing collateral, or preparing for a major campaign, your headshot session is an important investment. At St Louis Headshots, we know that preparation, the right environment, and expert guidance make all the difference.
Here’s how businesses and organizations can maximize the value of their headshot sessions — and why working with experienced professionals ensures lasting impact.
1. Clarify Your Branding Goals
Before your headshot session begins, it’s important to align your team on the overall branding direction. Are you aiming for a formal, corporate look? A relaxed, approachable style? Or perhaps a vibrant, creative tone? Consistency is key for branding — and conveying the right visual message helps establish trust and professionalism with your clients, stakeholders, and future hires.
Pro Tip: Share your website, LinkedIn profiles, or marketing materials with your photography team ahead of time. At St Louis Headshots, we use this information to tailor lighting, backgrounds, posing, and styling recommendations to match your brand seamlessly.
2. Choose the Right Wardrobe
Wardrobe choices play a major role in the effectiveness of a headshot. Solid colors work best, avoiding busy patterns that can distract. Darker tones often convey authority and confidence, while lighter shades can feel welcoming and open. It’s wise to avoid flashy jewelry or accessories that might pull focus away from the face.
Pro Tip: Bring a few options. At St Louis Headshots, we encourage clients to bring two or three wardrobe choices so we can adjust based on lighting, backdrop, and the tone you’re aiming for.
3. Prepare Your Team
If you are coordinating a group session for your company, communication is critical. Send out guidelines in advance regarding attire, grooming, and arrival times. If possible, schedule short touch-up opportunities for hair and makeup to ensure everyone looks and feels their best.
Pro Tip: At St Louis Headshots, we can help organize your session flow so it’s efficient, stress-free, and professional, even for large teams.
4. Trust Professional Direction
A seasoned headshot photographer understands how to coach poses, manage angles, and capture authentic expressions. It’s our job to make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident in front of the camera — and it shows in the final images. Good headshots don’t just happen; they are built through experience, careful lighting, and attentive direction.
Pro Tip: Our sessions are interactive. We guide clients through positioning, make subtle adjustments, and review shots together to ensure satisfaction before wrapping up.
5. Think About How You’ll Use the Images
High-quality headshots aren’t just for LinkedIn anymore. Today, professional portraits are used across a range of platforms: company websites, marketing brochures, press releases, speaking engagements, and internal communications. Think about all the places your images will appear, and communicate those needs up front.
Pro Tip: St Louis Headshots provides retouched, high-resolution images optimized for print and digital use, and we can assist with resizing, cropping, and formatting to meet any specific media requirements.
Why Work with St Louis Headshots?
At St Louis Headshots, we are more than just photographers — we are your creative partners. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we bring the right equipment, the creative crew, and the expertise to ensure successful image acquisition every time.
We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our capabilities include customized productions for diverse media needs, repurposing photography and video branding for greater marketing traction, and mastering all file types and styles with ease.
Using the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence alongside traditional craft, we ensure your media services stay cutting-edge. Our private studio lighting and visual setups are ideal for small productions and interview scenes, while our spacious studio can incorporate props and custom set designs to elevate your imagery.
From creating private custom interview studio setups to providing experienced sound and camera operators and specialized equipment — including the ability to fly drones indoors — we are prepared to handle every element of your production.
Since 1982, St Louis Headshots has proudly partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area to produce standout marketing photography and video. We look forward to helping you create your next powerful first impression.
In the era of smartphones and social media, it’s tempting to think a selfie might suffice as a professional headshot—after all, the camera on your phone is probably better than the DSLR you used a decade ago. But for professionals and businesses serious about how they present themselves, the answer is clear: a selfie is not a headshot.
Whether you need a clean corporate backdrop or a more styled environment with props and branded color, our studio is designed for flexibility.
This distinction becomes critically important for decision-makers responsible for brand image, team visibility, and client engagement across digital and print platforms. Let’s break down why a professional headshot remains an essential marketing asset, and how investing in the right team—like ours at St Louis Headshots—can elevate your company’s visual identity.
The Psychology of a First Impression
Whether it’s LinkedIn, a company “About Us” page, or a speaker bio on an event program, your headshot introduces you before you even say a word. A professional image conveys confidence, approachability, and competence—while a selfie, no matter how filtered or staged, often suggests the opposite: casual, amateur, and unpolished.
Clients, investors, and colleagues make subconscious judgments within seconds. What do you want those first few seconds to say about you or your team?
Why a Selfie Just Doesn’t Cut It
Here are a few key reasons selfies fall short for professional branding:
Lighting is inconsistent: Natural light isn’t always flattering. Professional studio lighting sculpts features and eliminates distracting shadows.
Angles distort: Selfies often use a wide-angle lens too close to the face, exaggerating features and reducing the natural proportions of your look.
Backgrounds are distracting: Your car, kitchen, or office clutter should never be part of your brand narrative.
Resolution and cropping limitations: Social platforms and print materials require high-resolution images with thoughtful composition—not cropped images from a front-facing camera.
The Value of a Professional Headshot Session
Professional headshot photography is about more than standing in front of a camera. It’s a carefully crafted experience that considers the subject, the brand, and the intended use of the image. At St Louis Headshots, our approach is tailored to ensure your image is not only high-quality but also in alignment with your company’s identity and values.
We provide:
On-brand image styling: We help align the look and feel of the photo with your corporate aesthetic—clean, approachable, bold, creative—whatever your message, we capture it visually.
Private studio with customizable lighting and backgrounds: Whether you need a clean corporate backdrop or a more styled environment with props and branded color, our studio is designed for flexibility.
Location options: Need headshots on-site at your company or in an outdoor setting? No problem. We bring our setup to you.
Coaching during your shoot: Not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera. Our experienced photographers coach you through natural poses and expressions that work for your face and purpose.
Beyond the Headshot: Creating Content That Works for You
A professional headshot is just the beginning. Our clients often repurpose their shoot sessions for additional branded content—video intros, social media clips, testimonial reels, or even drone-captured visuals of their office or workspace.
Our team specializes in repurposing content across media formats and marketing channels, giving you more value from each production session.
Why Work With St Louis Headshots?
At St Louis Headshots, we’re not just photographers—we’re your visual branding partners. We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, offering:
Full-service studio and location photo and video
Post-production editing and file delivery in all formats
Licensed drone pilots, including indoor drone operation
Private studio lighting, visual setup, and prop integration
Custom interview studio setups with sound and camera operators
Repurposing content for maximum marketing traction
We’ve been helping businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area since 1982—and we’ve seen every trend come and go. What never changes? The power of a strong first impression through an expertly produced image.
Ready to Ditch the Selfie and Upgrade Your Brand?
Whether you’re updating your leadership team’s headshots, launching a new campaign, or producing video interviews, St Louis Headshots is equipped with the right tools, creative crew, and decades of experience to make your next production flawless.
Let’s create visuals that do the talking for you—the right way.
Contact us today to book your headshot session or to start planning your next media production.
Your business card is often the first impression a potential client or partner has of you. A professional headshot on your card can elevate your brand, reinforce your credibility, and make you more memorable. However, many professionals make critical mistakes when choosing or designing their business card headshots. Here’s what to avoid to ensure your headshot reflects the professionalism and expertise you want to convey.
An outdated headshot can create a disconnect between your in-person appearance and your professional materials, reducing trust and credibility.
1. Using an Outdated Headshot
Your headshot should be a current and accurate representation of you. If your photo is more than three to five years old, it’s time for an update. An outdated headshot can create a disconnect between your in-person appearance and your professional materials, reducing trust and credibility.
2. Choosing a Poorly Lit or Low-Quality Image
Lighting is one of the most crucial factors in a great headshot. Poor lighting can create unflattering shadows, make your skin look dull, or fail to highlight your best features. Additionally, using a low-resolution or pixelated image on your business card will make you appear unprofessional. Investing in professional photography ensures a high-quality image that maintains clarity and impact.
3. Using an Inappropriate Background
A cluttered or distracting background takes attention away from your face and can make the headshot appear unprofessional. Stick with neutral, solid backgrounds or simple office settings that enhance, rather than compete with, your image. A professional studio setup with controlled lighting will always yield the best results.
4. Wearing the Wrong Attire
Your clothing should align with your industry and brand. Business professionals should opt for classic, well-fitting attire in solid colors. Avoid busy patterns, overly casual outfits, or anything that doesn’t align with your professional persona. Think of your headshot as an extension of your brand identity.
5. Poor Cropping and Composition
A business card headshot should be well-composed, with your face clearly visible and positioned correctly within the frame. Overly tight cropping that cuts off parts of your head or too much empty space around you can create an unbalanced look. Professional photographers understand how to frame and crop your image for maximum impact.
6. Overuse of Filters and Editing
While some retouching is acceptable to remove blemishes or adjust lighting, excessive editing can make your photo look unnatural. Over-whitened teeth, heavily smoothed skin, or artificial enhancements can make you appear less trustworthy. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not an altered version.
7. Ignoring Brand Consistency
Your headshot should match the branding of your company and other marketing materials. If your business has a sleek, modern aesthetic, your headshot should reflect that. If you’re part of a corporate team, maintaining a consistent headshot style among all team members helps create a cohesive brand image.
8. DIY vs. Professional Photography
While it might be tempting to use a smartphone or have a friend take your headshot, DIY photos rarely meet the same professional standard as those taken by an experienced photographer. Professional lighting, posing, and high-quality equipment make a significant difference in the final image quality.
9. Failing to Engage with the Camera
Your expression in a headshot matters. A stiff, forced smile or disengaged gaze can make you seem unapproachable. A professional photographer will guide you to achieve a natural and engaging expression that conveys confidence and warmth.
10. Forgetting to Update Your Headshot Across Platforms
Once you have a great business card headshot, ensure you update it across all professional platforms, including LinkedIn, company websites, email signatures, and other branding materials. A consistent image strengthens your personal brand and makes you more recognizable.
Work with St Louis Headshots for the Best Business Card Headshots
At St Louis Headshots, we understand the nuances of capturing the perfect professional image. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the right equipment and creative crew to ensure your headshot stands out.
We offer:
Full-service studio and location video and photography
Expert editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots
Custom production services tailored to diverse media requirements
Repurposing your photography and video branding for greater marketing impact
Private studio lighting and setups ideal for business headshots and interview scenes
A spacious studio environment that allows for customized sets and props
Complete production support, from private interview studio setups to providing sound and camera operators
The ability to fly specialized drones indoors for unique branding perspectives
Since 1982, St Louis Headshots has collaborated with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area, delivering high-quality headshots that enhance professional branding. Let us help you create the perfect business card headshot to make a lasting impression. Contact us today to schedule your session!
St Louis Headshots 