A great headshot involves lots of components — some are non-negotiable, and some you can personalize depending on your budget and how you want to come across to potential clients.
Lighting
Shadowy, dark pictures can make for cool portraits, but you probably don’t want to come off as mysterious to your potential therapy clients. Becca says the best headshots are well-lit, with diffused lighting (basically, a large area of bright light) from the front. If you’re worried about lighting, a photographer can help you find the right angles to avoid shadows. If you’d rather take a photo yourself, stand in front of a window on a sunny day or use a selfie light. “Just make sure you don’t see the reflection of the ring light in your eyes,” says Becca.
What to wear (and how to handle hair and makeup)
It can’t hurt to coordinate your colors with your background, but there’s not necessarily a “best color for headshots.” What you decide to wear truly depends on your personality. If you’re going to show up in a blazer to sessions, then wear one in your photo. But if you’re typically more casual, that’s a good thing to exude to your potential clients (so stick with a t-shirt).
“Whatever your vibe is, take that to 11 in your photo,” suggests Becca. The important thing is to choose clothes, hair, and makeup that make you feel like you — otherwise, you might appear stiff, awkward, or unapproachable.
Backdrop and setting
You have a few options when it comes to your headshot backdrop: outside or inside. In general, Becca recommends against studio photos, as they can come across as cold. She prefers taking photos in therapist’s offices, because it gives an idea of the provider’s personality and space (and there’s usually better light).
If your office doesn’t have great light, you want a softer, more casual feel, or you just like nature, then you can also take a photo outside. Again, the important thing is to choose a location that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Poses
If you’re not comfortable taking pictures, Becca says it may help to sit down for your headshot. “You can sit back, cross your legs, hold your notebook, or whatever you need to do to drop into your body, and you’ll end up looking more comfortable,” she says.
As for poses, you have lots of choices. A photographer can help guide you if needed. But if you need inspiration, here are a few ideas:
- Sitting down on a sofa, leaning forward with your hands in your lap
- Sitting down on a chair, turned slightly sideways, with your hands on the arm of the chair
- Standing up with your arms crossed
No matter how you pose, remember, the key is to look natural and not stiff — so aim for a posture or stance that makes you feel most like yourself.
