Let's be real: posing for a headshot can feel incredibly awkward if you aren't a professional model. Most of us just stand there, wondering what to do with our hands or why our smile suddenly feels like a forced grimace the second a lens is pointed at us. It's that weird "deer in headlights" sensation where you suddenly forget how to be a normal human being.
The good news is that looking great in a photo isn't some secret DNA trait. It's mostly just a few physical tricks and a bit of a mindset shift. If you've ever looked at a photo of yourself and thought, "Why does my neck look like that?" or "Why do I look so stiff?", this is for you. We're going to break down how to actually move your body so you look like the best version of yourself, not a mannequin in a suit.
The "Turtle" move for a better jawline
One of the biggest issues people have when posing for a headshot is the dreaded double chin—or just a lack of definition around the jaw. Even if you're the fittest person on the planet, the camera has a way of flattening things out if you stand perfectly straight.
To fix this, you need to do what photographers often call "the turtle." It feels ridiculous, but it looks amazing. You basically push your forehead slightly toward the camera and then tilt your chin down just a hair. It's a subtle movement, but it stretches the skin under your jaw and creates a sharp line.
If you just pull your head back, you'll end up with a skin fold under your chin. If you push your head forward (like you're trying to look at something a bit closer), it separates your face from your neck. Just don't overdo it, or you'll actually look like you're looking for lettuce on the ground.
Angles are your best friend
Whatever you do, don't stand square to the camera. Facing the lens dead-on is the fastest way to look wide and static. It's the "mugshot" look, and nobody wants that for their LinkedIn profile.
Instead, try a slight 45-degree angle. Turn your body away from the camera just a bit, then turn your head back to look at the lens. This creates a more dynamic, slimmer silhouette. It also makes the photo feel more approachable and less like a formal ID card.
Which side is your "good" side?
We all have one. Most people's faces aren't perfectly symmetrical. One eye might be slightly larger, or your nose might lean a fraction of a millimeter to one side. Take a few selfies beforehand or look in the mirror. Which side do you prefer? If you aren't sure, ask the photographer to take a few shots from both angles early on. Once you find that sweet spot, stick with it.
Mastering the eyes (the "Squinch")
The most important part of posing for a headshot happens in your eyes. If your eyes are wide open, you'll look startled or nervous. If they're too closed, you look like you're squinting into the sun.
There's a middle ground called the "squinch." It's a term coined by famous headshot photographer Peter Hurley. Basically, you want to bring your lower eyelids up just a tiny bit. It's not a full squint; it's more like the expression you make when you're focusing on something or feeling confident. It adds an element of "mischief" or "certainty" to your gaze, which instantly makes you look more professional and less like you're terrified of the camera.
The fake laugh trick
If you struggle with a "fake" smile, you aren't alone. When we're told to smile on command, we usually just pull the corners of our mouths back, but the muscles around our eyes don't move. This is why some photos look "off." A real smile involves the whole face.
To get a genuine look, try a fake laugh. Just a small "ha!" right before the shutter clicks. It forces your facial muscles to relax and resets your expression. Even if you feel silly doing it, that split second after the laugh is usually when you look the most like yourself. Another trick is to press your tongue against the roof of your mouth while smiling; it helps tighten the area under the chin and prevents the smile from looking too wide.
What to do with your hands
Hands are the hardest part of posing for a headshot. Usually, a headshot is cropped from the chest up, so you might think you don't need to worry about them. But how you position your arms affects how your shoulders look.
If you let your arms hang limp at your sides, your shoulders tend to slouch forward. If you cross them, make sure you don't do it too tightly, or you'll look defensive and angry. A "soft" arm cross—where you tuck your hands slightly and keep your shoulders relaxed—can look very authoritative and "boss-like."
Alternatively, you can put your hands in your pockets (thumbs out usually looks better) or rest them on a hip. Even if the hands aren't in the frame, the "lean" created by these poses makes your posture look more natural.
Thinking about your "why"
It sounds a bit "actor-y," but your thoughts actually show up on your face. If you're thinking, "I hate this, I want to leave, I look weird," your face will look tense.
When you're posing for a headshot, try to have a specific thought in mind. Are you trying to look like a trustworthy consultant? Think about someone you're helping. Are you trying to look like a creative professional? Think about a project you're proud of. Having a "mental target" gives your eyes a sense of purpose. It's the difference between a blank stare and a look that actually connects with the person viewing the photo.
Clothing and grooming stuff
We don't need to go into a full fashion guide here, but what you wear definitely changes how you pose. If your shirt is too tight, you're going to feel restricted and look stiff. If it's too baggy, it'll bunch up awkwardly when you turn at an angle.
- Avoid busy patterns: They distract from your face.
- Solid colors are king: Deep blues, greens, and greys usually work for everyone.
- Check the collar: Make sure your collar isn't "floating" or crooked. A quick mirror check before the first shot saves a lot of Photoshop time later.
Trust the person behind the camera
At the end of the day, your photographer wants you to look good just as much as you do. Their reputation depends on it! If they tell you to tilt your head in a way that feels like you're a confused puppy, just go with it. What feels weird to your body often looks perfectly normal (and even flattering) through a 85mm lens.
Don't be afraid to ask to see a few shots on the back of the camera after the first few minutes. This isn't about being vain; it's about adjusting. If you see that you're tilting your head too far or that your hair is doing something funky, you can fix it right then and there instead of being disappointed a week later when the files arrive.
The bottom line
Remember, posing for a headshot isn't about being perfect. It's about capturing a version of you that looks capable and friendly. You're going to feel a little silly pushing your chin out like a turtle or "squinching" your eyes, but those small adjustments make a massive difference in the final product.
Take a deep breath, shake out your shoulders, and try to have a little fun with it. After all, it's just a photo, and with these tips, you're already way ahead of the "standard" awkward office photo. Relax—you've got this.