Not All Headshots Are Created Equal

(And no, your attorney does not need to look like they’re auditioning for a dating app.)

A headshot is not just a picture of your face. It’s a strategic branding tool. It tells people whether you are approachable, authoritative, warm, polished, trustworthy—or all of the above.

The biggest mistake? Treating every profession the same.

Let’s break down what a photographer should do for different industries—and why it matters.

The Professional Headshot (The Classic)

This is the versatile, all-purpose headshot. It should work on LinkedIn, a company bio, speaking engagements, and press features.

It should communicate:

• Competence

• Confidence

• Approachability

• Professionalism

Lighting: Soft and flattering, natural-looking.
Expression: Relaxed and confident. Slight smile works well.
Background: Neutral tones—gray, soft blue, beige—clean and distraction-free.

This is the safe, strategic choice for most professionals.

The Realtor Headshot

(Confidence + warmth = closed deal.)

Realtors are in the relationship business. Clients want someone they trust and feel comfortable with.

It should communicate:

• Energy

• Friendliness

• Success

• Reliability

Lighting: Bright and clean.
Expression: Genuine smile.
Wardrobe: Polished but modern.
Background: Light neutral, architectural blur, or something that hints at lifestyle without overpowering the subject.

Too serious? You look intimidating.
Too casual? You look inexperienced.

Balance is everything.

The Attorney Headshot

(Cheesecake belongs in the bakery, not the courtroom.)

Attorneys are hired when life gets serious. Their headshot must reflect stability and authority.

It should communicate:

• Authority

• Control

• Intelligence

• Confidence

Lighting: Controlled, slightly more structured.
Expression: Confident, often more serious or with a very slight smile.
Background: Charcoal, navy, deep gray, or muted neutral tones.

A lawyer’s headshot should never feel flirty, trendy, or overly glam. This isn’t social media—it’s credibility.

If your attorney headshot looks like a dating profile, we have a branding issue.

The Social Media Headshot

(You—but intentional.)

For coaches, creatives, consultants, and personal brands, personality matters.

It should communicate:

• Authenticity

• Relatability

• Energy

• Brand personality

Lighting: Bright and modern.
Expression: Natural and confident.
Background: This is where color can be used strategically.

Color choices can signal:

• Teal or bold tones → creativity

• Soft pink → lifestyle brand

• Warm neutral → coach or consultant

• Dark dramatic → luxury positioning

The key is intention. It should look styled—not accidental.

The Corporate or Team Headshot

(Consistency builds credibility.)

When photographing a company or team, cohesion matters more than individuality.

If one person is outdoors, another is on white, and the CEO is in dramatic moody lighting, the brand looks disorganized.

For corporate branding:

• Same background

• Same lighting style

• Same crop and composition

• Coordinated wardrobe guidance

This creates:

• Visual unity

• Professional authority

• Brand consistency

When a company website has cohesive headshots, it instantly feels established and trustworthy.

Using Background Colors Strategically

Backgrounds are not random. They send a message.

• Gray: Balanced, safe, professional

• Navy: Authority and trust

• White: Clean and modern

• Beige/Warm neutral: Approachable

• Charcoal: Executive presence

For companies especially, using the same background across the team strengthens branding and recognition.

Your headshot should support your marketing materials—not fight them.

Headshot Preparation Checklist

(Please read before showing up.)

Wardrobe

☐ Solid colors only
☐ No busy patterns
☐ No tiny stripes
☐ Bring two outfit options
☐ Make sure everything is pressed

Grooming

☐ Hair trimmed and styled
☐ Makeup natural and matte
☐ Facial hair shaped
☐ Lip balm (yes, even you)

Before the Shoot

☐ Get good sleep
☐ Hydrate
☐ Don’t schedule it right after a stressful meeting
☐ Practice a relaxed smile (not the “driver’s license panic” smile)

For Companies

☐ Send wardrobe guidelines in advance
☐ Choose one background for everyone
☐ Schedule consistently
☐ Update team photos every 2–3 years

Final Thoughts

A headshot is not about vanity—it’s about strategy.

Realtors sell trust.
Attorneys sell authority.
Corporate teams sell stability.
Social brands sell personality.

Your image should align with what you are asking people to believe about you.

If it doesn’t, it’s not just a photo problem—it’s a branding problem.

Dos Kiwis Studio Professional Headshots – $125

At Dos Kiwis Studio, we don’t just take a picture—we create a strategic image aligned with your profession and your brand.

✔ Guided posing
✔ Professional lighting
✔ Background options tailored to your industry
✔ Expression coaching (so you don’t look terrified or over-posed)
✔ Fast turnaround

Whether you’re an attorney, realtor, corporate executive, entrepreneur, or building your personal brand, we’ll design a headshot that works for you.

Professional Headshots – $125

Because your first impression shouldn’t be an afterthought.