What Is a Headshot?

What Are Headshots?

A headshot is a professional headshot photo that’s all about you, usually framed

from the shoulders up. It shows what you really look like, on your best day:

confident, approachable, and professional. A good head shot communicates

professionalism and credibility quickly, helping people recognise you, trust you, and feel

comfortable engaging with you before meeting in person.

Unlike a quick selfie, a great business headshot or corporate headshot uses

technical lighting, a clean background and angles that flatter to create a polished and 

high-quality image that still feels natural.

You’ll see professional headshots on LinkedIn profiles, company websites, actor

casting submissions and personal branding platforms, basically anywhere first

impressions matter.

Think of it as your digital handshake a strong, modern profile picture that builds trust

before you even say hello.

What Makes a Photo a Headshot?

A photo becomes a headshot when the focus is clearly on the subject’s face rather than

their surroundings. The framing is usually tight, showing the head and shoulders, with

the eyes clearly visible and in focus.

Good headshots use clean backgrounds, balanced lighting, and natural expressions.

There is very little visual noise. Clothing, posture, and expression are all chosen to

support the purpose of the image rather than distract from it.

Can a Headshot Be a Selfie?

A selfie feels casual. A headshot feels credible.

A selfie says, 'I took this in 12 seconds.'

A professional headshot says, 'I invested in how I show up.' That can

be the line between 'scroll past' and tell me more.

Our lead photographer Sarah says : “What most people don’t realise is that selfies shot

on a camera phone distort how you look. The camera phone lens is super wide angle,

and if shot at arms length that distortion is accentuated. On top of that, most people use

random lighting, and then add filters, or cheap apps to alter chins, eyes and facial shape.  This creates a dishonest representation. 

A professional headshot is still you, just shot with professional lighting to suit you, shot

on a lens without distortion, at the correct angle, by a photographer who is an expert at getting the best out of you. Confident and elevated beyond selfie status.

In addition, professional make up is there for a reason - it elevates your natural features

and helps the studio lighting work with your skin, not wash it out completely.

Should You Smile in a Headshot?

Smiling is generally recommended, especially for business and professional headshots,

as it helps you appear approachable and confident. However, the smile should feel

natural rather than forced.

Not all headshots require a broad smile. A relaxed, neutral expression can also work well

depending on your industry and how you want to be perceived. The key is authenticity

your expression should feel like you, not a performance.

What’s the Difference Between a Portrait and a Headshot?

The main difference between a portrait and a headshot is purpose. A headshot is

practical and professional, designed for recognition and representation. A portrait is often

more creative and expressive, focusing on mood, personality, or storytelling.

Portraits may include more of the body, the environment, or dramatic lighting. A tailored

portrait is more than a picture, as it aims to showcase your personality, tell your story,

and help your audience connect with you. Headshots keep things simple and consistent,

placing the emphasis firmly on face and expression.

Here at Modern Headshots we provide bespoke portrait services for those clients who need

a bit more visual storytelling to present their professional persona and brand essence.

What Is Considered a Good Headshot?

A good headshot is like a friendly first impression. It’s clear, current, and shows you at

your best without pretending to be someone else. Think of a well-lit, good quality image,

so people can actually see you not shadows, blur, or a version from five years ago.

The strongest headshots feel easy and authentic. You look confident, relaxed, and like

someone people would genuinely want to work with or talk to. Your style should fit what

you do and reflect your personal brand, while still feeling natural and approachable.

At the end of the day, a good headshot does one simple thing really well: it makes

people feel comfortable reaching out, starting a conversation, or meeting you in person.

Do and Don’ts for Headshots

Dress like the brilliant professional you are but make sure you can still breathe and

move like a human. Think clean, classic, and effortlessly stylish (future-you will thank you

when the photo still looks great in five years).

Take a deep breath, loosen those shoulders, and let the photographer work their magic

they’ve got well honed sense for angles, posture, and catching your best side. Oh, and

don’t forget: your headshot should actually look like you now, not a nostalgic tribute to

your past self.

As for what not to do... skip the wild patterns and shouty logos they steal the spotlight,

and this is your moment. And when your polished, professional image lands in your

inbox, resist the urge to slap on a bargain-bin filter. The photographer has already

carefully balanced the light, colour, and retouching—no extra “enhancements” required.

Why Choose Your Best Shot?

Aside from our 20 years worth of experience and credentials, we really care about

delivering you 'your best shot'.

modernheadshotsoxford.co.uk was founded by Sarah Cresswell, a photographer celebrated for

her vibrant, characterful portraiture. Her work has been commissioned by leading

publications including The Observer and The Times, and she has photographed

notable figures such as Paloma Faith, Sir David Suchet, Rupert Everett, and Mel C. In

the corporate world Sarah’s clients have included the NHS, Elaine Bedell South Bank Centre CEO

and B corps like Dash Water and Method.

Born in London, Sarah has spent her 20-year career working as a freelance

photographer, shooting both in London and across the world and now brings her

experience to create modern professional photography for individuals, teams, and

businesses.

She understands the incredible value a good headshot or portrait has in today's

competitive landscape, and knows how you and your business stand out is more

important than ever. With all her years working with multiple brands, magazines and

editors Sarah has a holistic understanding of marketing, visual communication and

clients needs.

A good portrait or headshot is just the start, and that is why Modern Headshots provides three

types of service, individual headshots, multiple team headshots and bespoke portrait

sessions or branding shoots.

One of our unique selling points at modernheadshotsoxford.co.uk is its remote services, a studio

background and lighting that comes to your office. You and your business team can all

be photographed in one day with minimal disruption to the working week.

Our Services :

Individual headshots are shot against a clean, neutral background, making them ideal for

LinkedIn, websites, CVs, and professional profiles.

For businesses and organisations, team and multiple headshots can be photographed

efficiently in one session, typically on-site at your office, creating a consistent and

professional look across your team.

For those who need more than a standard headshot, branding shoots and bespoke

portraits are tailored around you and your business. These sessions are ideal for

websites, social media, and marketing materials, with options for one-off shoots or

ongoing content packages.

Founder of modernheadshotsoxford.co.uk Sarah specialises in professional imagery that feels natural, polished, and genuinely

representative of you or your brand. 

Recently, we have been collaborating with Executive Coach ashruddy.com on all her website images and with the writer and coach

lilysilverton.com

Get in touch to book your session with Modern Headshots!