How To Pose for Business Headshots
Feeling nervous about posing for business headshots is a lot more common than you might think. If you’re new to professional photography, you are not alone. Most people have not been in front of a professional camera since their last passport renewal or maybe a school picture from years ago. The whole idea of posing can feel awkward, especially if you are not sure what to do with your hands or how much to smile.
The best news is you do not have to be a model to look great in your business photos. Looking good in a headshot is not about being perfect. It is about feeling comfortable, trusting the steps, and having someone walk you through each part. Posing is just one piece, and with the right support, it is much easier than you might expect. Here are some simple steps that can help you feel more natural and even confident when it's your turn in front of the camera.
Getting Comfortable Before the Camera Clicks
Before any real photos begin, it helps to start with some easy movements. You do not need to pull off big stretches or funny dances. Just rolling your shoulders back, slowly shaking out your arms, or having a couple of deep, slow breaths can go a long way in shaking off stiffness. When your body relaxes, everything else—your pose, your posture, even your smile—will follow.
Something as simple as standing tall with relaxed hands lets you feel less stiff, and it comes through in the photos. If there is tension in your shoulders or jaw, it is noticeable right away. Before the first photo, your photographer will help you settle in and get comfy so the shoot does not feel rushed.
Throughout the session, everything will be explained step by step. No one expects you to know how to pose if you’ve never done this before. Directions and ideas are given as you go so you never feel lost. The whole point is to help you feel supported and never judged, so it becomes easier to show up as yourself and look good on camera.
Simple Poses That Always Work
You do not need a long list of poses to get a strong or friendly headshot. Most people look best with just a handful of simple options. For standing photos, try standing with your feet about shoulder width apart, then turn your body slightly to one side. Keep your shoulders relaxed and let your arms hang at your sides or find a soft spot for your hands.
Sitting is just as easy. Sit up straight, lean a little forward, and let your hands rest on your lap or one hand on each leg. The main idea is to keep your body feeling relaxed and easy, so nothing looks forced or stiff.
Smiling is a big part of a great headshot but do not worry if it feels strange at first. You never need to glue on a big, fake grin. A gentle, natural smile—maybe pulled out by a joke or just by relaxing a bit—always reads better on camera.
Most people wonder what to do with their hands. That’s totally normal. Some styles that usually work include:
- Placing one or both hands in your pockets (for standing poses)
- Letting your hands rest gently on your lap or knees (for seated shots)
- Gently crossing your arms, but not too tightly
- Lightly touching a chair or desk nearby
The right pose is the one that feels the most natural to you, and your photographer will help you find it.
Choosing the Right Angle and Expression
Small changes in how you face the camera can make a big difference in your photos. You will not usually need to stand straight on. Often, just turning a few degrees to one side creates a more flattering look. Tilting your chin up or down just a touch can help bring out features you like most about yourself.
Eyebrows and eyes shape everything about your expression. A raised eyebrow, a soft gaze, or letting your face relax for a moment helps you look more open, friendly, and real. It’s okay if you are worried about getting everything just right. The photographer will give tips, like blinking and reopening your eyes or looking slightly past the camera to soften things up.
Genuine, easy expressions are best for business photos. Trying too hard to “look professional” can feel stiff. Let your natural energy come through. There’s time to take plenty of photos, so you’re never stuck with just one look.
What to Wear So Your Pose Feels Natural
What you wear does more than just change your style in a business photo. It affects how you feel when you are posing, which can totally change your confidence and comfort. If you are adjusting a tight shirt or feeling bothered by outfits that do not fit right, those small annoyances show up in the shoot.
The easiest way to prepare is to pick clothing that you already like and move well in. Simple, clean styles work best—think solid colors that are not too bright or too busy. Blazers, cardigans, and neat shirts are all good choices, as long as you are not fighting with bulky layers or wild prints. The goal is to feel like yourself, just a bit more polished.
Fit matters the most. Make sure your top button isn’t choking you, and your sleeves let you move your arms without fuss. This is especially true for professional shoots when different positions and props (like stools or desks in the studio) are possible. Your comfort lets you relax, and relaxed people always look their best.
Many modern headshot studios throughout Los Angeles, including those at Daring Ninja Photographer, offer a variety of backgrounds and lighting setups so you can match your outfit to the studio style you like most. You’ll get suggestions on what photographs best in each setting, so your wardrobe always looks right in the final images.
Trusting Your Photographer Makes Posing Easier
You really do not need to figure out any of this on your own. An experienced business headshot photographer in Los Angeles will guide you the whole way, from choosing a background to helping you stand and coaching you until everything feels natural.
Before the shoot, your photographer will ask about your past experience with photoshoots—if you’ve ever had one, what made you feel comfortable, and what felt awkward. This helps set the right pace, so you never get rushed or left wondering what to do.
You can expect a short, fun warm-up before posing starts to take the edge off. During the session, directions will always stay clear and low-pressure. The studio staff are used to working with first-timers, so every step is explained, including tips on posture and relaxing. You will see your unedited photos within a day, and any touch-ups will be finished in about three days after the shoot, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free.
Studios like Daring Ninja Photographer offer different package options, including both outdoor and indoor studio choices across several Los Angeles locations, so you can pick what fits your style best. Each session is set up to let you know what to expect next, so nothing surprises you on photo day.
Feel Confident Walking Into Your Next Headshot Session
You never have to feel alone or unprepared for a headshot session, even if you have not done this before. The right support can make all the difference, letting you focus on small things like standing taller, breathing deeper, and just being yourself.
Whether you are about to book your very first shoot or want to reset after an awkward past experience, you can look forward to a calm atmosphere, friendly help, and a clear process from start to finish. When you know how simple and relaxed posing can be, your business headshots will finally look like the real you. Daring Ninja Photographer in Los Angeles is here to help guide you every step of the way.
Thinking about updating your LinkedIn or launching something new? We make the headshot process simple from start to finish. No stressing about poses or outfits—we walk you through every step so you can feel relaxed and look like yourself. Take a peek at how real people show up with confidence in their final images. See what’s possible with a business headshot photographer in Los Angeles and book when you’re ready to get started with Daring Ninja Photographer.