Executive Headshots

What Are Executive Headshots?

Executive headshots are a particular subtype of business headshots, commonly used for a range of commercial applications, including company websites, business cards, press releases, and LinkedIn profiles. Executive headshots typically appear on the company website, investor presentations, and press releases.

The overall goal of executive headshots is to emphasize the professionalism, congeniality, and competence of the subject. Great headshots are a fundamental first step toward building an exceptional personal brand that opens doors to faster job opportunities, improved sales performance, or attracts prospective investors to your business.

Are Executive Headshots Important?

Has there ever been a moment when you immediately created a positive or negative first impression on someone? It is natural for individuals to make “first impressions” in only 1/8th of a second, with great influence on employment, buying, and listening decisions. Find out more about how these early judgments influence our selections and behaviors.

These days, first impressions are made online. Hiring managers recruit through LinkedIn, prospects browse company websites to check out potential vendors, and investors use the About Us page to find out about company leadership.

Here, an excellent business photograph is vital to making a positive first impression on these people, having a key influence on your career and business.

What Do I Wear for Executive Headshots?

Your attire choice is based on several factors, including personality, industry, and targeted placement of the photos. In professions such as law and finance, it is recommended to conform to traditional dress codes, e.g., formal suit and tie for men or its respective business dress for women.

For an idea on what clothing is most appropriate for your line of business, spend a little time scanning through LinkedIn and note how successful senior business leaders in your field dress. Check out people particularly with notable success, as opposed to people merely in your direct network.

Remember that adage, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” In case you still are trying to figure out what dress code is proper, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are always here to provide helpful guidance and input. The Essential Executive Headshots Guide

How Do I Pose for Executive Headshots

There’s no necessity to overthink poses when it comes to business headshots. In our photoshoots, we favor basic poses, eliminating the strange and out-of-place poses other photographers may require. Our priority is to highlight your professionalism, not our photography prowess. We suggest you get warmed up with basic poses at the beginning of your photosession. Just stand up and smile!

Throughout the course of this session, we can experiment with some arm-crossed headshots and even grab some great candids. Don’t worry, our priority is to get you looking your absolute best in a high-fashion, real manner.

What Backdrops are Best for Executive Headshots?

We strongly suggest white, gray, or black neutral backdrops to use with more conservative businesses like finance and law. These tones provide a sharp and stable impression, with a feeling of consistency. Check out our headshot background page to get a preview of all our studio background styles.

Yet, if you are part of creative industries, non-profits, or tech and wish for photos with a bit of an edge, use a colored studio background or an in-office or outside photo shoot. Such images have more character.

For CEOs, senior executives, and entrepreneurs, having several photos to use on various platforms is recommended. It would be ideal to have a couple of photos taken outdoors as well as your studio headshots.

Remember, maintaining one’s same photo on LinkedIn, company website, and press releases can come as an unprofessional standpoint.

We provide a variety of studio backdrop options at Zen Studios LA for you to select from.

How Should I Prepare for Executive Headshots?

There are three keys that preparing for a headshot in advance involves.

First, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and get some sunlight in the run-up to your session. While our skillful editors use an airbrush on your chosen snaps, your preparation will make the finished result look amazing.

Second, it’s advisable to wear your desired clothing for a day or two beforehand. This allows you to check that they fit correctly and don’t need last-minute dry cleaning.

Finally, spend a few minutes looking over some of your past photos and find the ones that speak particularly to you. Bring these favorite photos with you when you get to our studio to help us get a sense of your best features and to help make you happy with how it all turns out.

What If I’m Not Photogenic or Hate Getting My Photo Taken?

At Zen Studios LA, you’re in great hands! Most portrait photographers, on the other hand, create an awkward environment for clients. They force uncomfortable poses on clients and do not really get to understand a client’s needs. And to top that, they rush through the photo shoot.

Don’t worry! Our commitment is to create an enjoyable and stress-free experience for every client. Come on into our studio and let the positive music get you moving. Your opinion means a lot to us and we always ask for feedback to get an amazing headshot you can proudly use online.

How Much Do Executive Headshots Cost?

Based on provider, package, and geography, executive headshots may range anywhere from $225 to more.

Pricing must take into consideration two critical elements: licensing and retouching charges.

For licensing, it is also normal for photographers to only sell ownership on photos when these are “purchased” from them. This ownership charge is in addition to the “session fee” for the sitting time at the photographer’s studio.

There is an extra licensing charge when you want to use the photo in a press release, ad, magazine, or book cover.

When it comes to retouching, most photographers charge $225 and above. It would be wise to include these charges in calculating how much a total session will cost. Welcome to Zen Studios! Our shoots begin at an affordable rate, and you also get 100% usage rights for ALL photos from your photo shoot. And there’s more! You’ll also have a personally retouched photo of your choice. Fun. Or, if you want a low-cost alternative, we have you covered with our Virtual Headshot offerings. Don’t hesitate; book now and let us take you looking amazing!