What to do if you hate your corporate headshot

If you hate your corporate headshot, you’re not alone. I cannot count the number of times my clients have said this very thing during our consultation. In fact, at least half of my client bookings start with this conversation. I always begin by thanking them for trusting me to fix what someone else has broken and make it a personal challenge to take a headshot that will blow them away.

Clients can dislike their headshots for a mix of technical, emotional, and expectation-related reasons. Here are some common examples:

1. “I don’t look like myself”

• The most frequent complaint

• Caused by heavy retouching, unusual lighting, or unfamiliar angles

• They may feel the image looks “fake” or overly polished

2. Unflattering angle or expression

• Chin too high/low, stiff posture, awkward smile

• Expression might feel forced, nervous, or not aligned with their personality

3. Lighting issues

• Harsh shadows emphasizing wrinkles or texture

• Flat lighting that removes dimension

• Glare on glasses or shiny skin

4. Bad timing / micro-expressions

• Eyes half-closed

• Mid-blink or awkward mouth position

• Subtle tension in the face that reads as discomfort

5. Wardrobe problems

• Wrinkled clothing, distracting patterns, or poor color choices

• Outfit doesn’t match their profession or personal brand

6. Hair and makeup dissatisfaction

• Hair out of place or not styled how they usually wear it

• Makeup too heavy, too light, or not camera-friendly

7. Over-editing or under-editing

• Skin looks plastic or unnatural

• Blemishes not cleaned up enough

• Color grading feels off (too warm, too cool, etc.)

8. Background issues

• Distracting or cluttered background

• Doesn’t match intended use (corporate vs creative, etc.)

9. Mismatch with expectations

• They imagined something more “professional,” “approachable,” or “creative”

• The final image doesn’t align with their industry or goals

10. Psychological discomfort

• Many people simply don’t like seeing photos of themselves

• They focus on perceived flaws others wouldn’t notice

11. Comparison to others

• They’ve seen colleagues’ or competitors’ headshots and feel theirs doesn’t measure up

12. Poor direction during the shoot

• Photographer didn’t guide posing, expression, or posture clearly

• Client felt awkward or unsupported, which shows in the image

I am not here to disparage other photographers, don’t get me wrong. I am just here to educate folks on what to do if you find yourself in this all too common situation.

Let me be clear: A less than stellar headshot is not a reflection of how you actually look or show up in real life. Most of the complaints I hear almost always come down to circumstances around the shoot itself, not the person in the photo. Rushed sessions, nerves, lack of sleep, and zero collaboration can all lead to images that feel disconnected and unflattering. I’ve seen firsthand how dramatically that can change when the process slows down and becomes more intentional, like the client who came to me after a harshly lit, aging headshot experience. Not only do I send a (probably too comprehensive) list of preparation tips well beforehand. During the shoot, I adjusted the lighting by using soft boxes, tried different angles, and reviewed all images together in real time. And BINGO, we created photos they genuinely loved because they felt involved and at ease.

If you’re stuck with a headshot you hate and can’t reshoot right away, my advice is this: don’t use it. A missing photo is better than one that actively undermines your confidence. But if you find yourself cringing every time you see your current image, that’s your sign it’s worth investing in a new one. The difference isn’t just technical, it’s in the experience. The best results come from a collaborative, relaxed environment where you’re guided (not rushed), supported, and even having a bit of fun.

At the end of the day, a great corporate headshot isn’t just about looking “professional.” It should feel like you on your best day: Approachable, confident, and authentic, inviting people to engage with you and your work. When done right, it becomes the foundation of your online presence, not something you avoid looking at.