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November 6, 2025 Commentary

Picture perfect: Why professional headshots matter

By Ann Leamon and Nancy Marshall

The pandemic left us in a permanent state of dress-down, even in our return-to-office misery. 

Nancy Marshall
Photo / Tim Greenway
Nancy Marshall

Glamour magazine’s guide to 11 major fashion fall trends, published in September, includes everything from town-and-country chic to preppy academia to "elevated athleisure."

Regardless of what you wear, or whether you need a full-office outfit or just a nice top for a Zoom call, one element of your business appearance is non-negotiable — an up-to-date, professionally done headshot. 

A headshot is essential for presenting oneself in a professional manner, whether on LinkedIn or as collateral for the media or an event organizer. Both Ann and Nancy have to provide them to accompany publications or presentations.

Invest in your brand 

A high-quality, professionally taken and edited headshot is an investment in your personal brand. It shows you at your best, the way you want prospective clients, employers, professional peers and even the public to see you. 

Many of us are not naturally photogenic. A headshot by a friend does no one any favors. A professional photographer specializing in headshots knows how to position you, select the best backdrop and use lighting to capture the best possible shot. A good photographer can also get you to smile appropriately or display the personality that you want to convey to the public in a professional way.

A pro can also advise you on the best type of clothing and colors to wear.

Business attire 

Nancy’s advice is to dress as you would in your work environment. If you are a business executive, wear a suit. If you are a fishing guide, wear what you would if on the water. If you have flexibility with your “work uniform,” choose colors that flatter your skin tone and hair color. In general, solid colors are better than patterns. 

For men, a brightly colored (but not too bold) tie paired with a classic button-down shirt and dark suit is a nice choice.

Ann Leamon
Photo / provided
Ann Leamon

For women, choose an outfit that highlights your face and smile, and steer clear of busy prints and bold designs. And don’t (as Ann has seen on LinkedIn) opt for slinky formal attire or, at the other end, beach fashion, unless you’re in those industries. 

Now that social media has assumed such an essential role in promoting our professional abilities, a professional headshot is more important than ever. Since every social media platform requires a profile image, your headshot will have a far-reaching web presence in addition to its more traditional role. Every professional should have a LinkedIn profile with a professional headshot. 

Six reasons to go pro

If you’re still wondering whether you need to invest in a professionally taken headshot, here are six reasons.

Convey your own professionalism. If you look professional, potential clients, investors, collaborators and others who don’t know you personally are more likely to agree to a first meeting.

Provide an idea of your personality before they meet you. A smile portrays approachability. A serious look portrays determination. Make your expression match your personality. 

Remind business contacts who you are if they met you in passing at a conference or business function. This little cue makes it more likely they will accept your “friend” or “follow” request.

Give people an idea of what you look like now. At a recent CEO breakfast, two of the presenters’ headshots dated from years before, creating an immediate disconnect. It’s not good to surprise people in this way. It sends a message of inauthenticity. If your hair has turned silver since your last headshot or you’ve gained 30 pounds, people will wonder why you look so different, instead of listening to your presentation. When they meet you, they may even wonder if they’re speaking with the right person.

Support and enhance the skills and experience on your LinkedIn profile, making you stand out from the rest. One hint specific to LinkedIn is to look to the left so you are literally looking at your profile.

Boost your own confidence. Looking good makes you feel good. Having a quality image of yourself to share with your peers boosts your self-confidence ,and it can even inspire you to share more of yourself, take a few risks and overcome work-related challenges.

Opening doors 

Professional headshots aren’t just for top executives anymore. Everybody needs one. If you don’t have one already, we encourage you to seek out a skilled headshot photographer and check it off your “to do” list.

With a great headshot, your professionalism and unique personality will shine through, opening the doors to new opportunity and new business.

About the authors

Nancy Marshall, a regular Mainebiz columnist, is CEO of Marshall Communications. Ann Leamon is a freelance writer and co-founder of Bella Private Markets. 

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