HOW TO SHOOT CREATIVE CORPORATE HEADSHOTS THAT FEEL AUTHENTIC AND SELL A BRAND

By Bethany Ellen

In an increasingly digital world, first impressions often happen online. Your headshot is likely the first thing potential employers, clients, or collaborators see. A strong, professional, and personality-filled image. Headshots that feel authentic

• Communicates your brand or role
• Differentiates you from others in your industry
• Sets the tone for your working relationship

Whether used in a pitch deck, on your website, or on your social media profile, a headshot is a visual handshake. Photographers: Don’t forget that a company’s branding can also reflect your business...positively or negatively! What does that mean for you?
If it’s boring, stuffy, and impersonal, it means that other companies may see you as boring, stuffy, and impersonal. Corporate culture can feel soulless, there’s no denying that. But it’s up to you to bring the passion and creativity to every single company, regardless of their industry. At the heart of every business is a deep desire to serve their audience. It’s our job to reflect that.

Real-World Example: RockBox FitnessFor these examples, I hit up my friend Tricia at RockBox Fitness: a functional kickboxing studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’ve been going for a few months, and I’m absolutely obsessed. What I love about this gym is they, in their own words, combine “fight club with night club.”They truly aim to provide an inclusive, dynamic workout that’s fun for all kinds of people. So when I wanted to showcase headshots that let personalities shine, I knew this team was the perfect fit.

What Is a Creative Headshot, Really? A creative headshot doesn’t mean wild props or unprofessional gimmicks.
It’s about authenticity with intention.It’s still clean and polished, but with personality and visual interest built into every decision.

How to Help Clients Show Up AuthenticallyClients often arrive thinking they need to look a certain way for a headshot.
It’s our job to give them permission to be themselves.Here’s how to coach them into authentic, personality-filled portraits:

1. Start with a Brand ConversationBefore the session, I asked Tricia, the owner of the gym:

• How do you want people to feel when they see your photo?
• What do your coworkers or clients often say about you?
• What are three adjectives that describe your professional personality?This gives you insight into their brand and how to shoot accordingly.

2. Guide Expression with Emotion,  Not Just Posing. 

It’s not just about smiling.
Can you capture a spark of laughter, a quiet confidence, or a thoughtful gaze?
Expressions that feel connected and natural make your subject relatable.For these, I had each team member take a “normal” headshot. I had them stand with their hands behind their backs, smiling. Everyone looked visibly uncomfortable.That’s not uncommon, in fact, it’s rare to meet someone who enjoys being in front of the camera. It’s a level of vulnerability that almost no one enjoys.So I asked, “Okay, if I were going to your personal page on the company website, what would you want it to show?”Some mentioned they’re the “fun” trainer. Some said they’re there to help clients reach personal goals. One said, “I can do a backflip!” And I said, “Well of COURSE we have to see that!”

Instead of saying “smile,” try these prompts:

• “Think of someone who makes you laugh.”
• “Pretend you're explaining your favorite part of your job.”
• “What’s your ‘I just signed a dream client’ face?”

This helps emotion start from the inside out and creates more sincere expressions.

3. Give Permission to Move

Let them shift weight, lean, cross their arms, laugh out loud, or look away from the camera.
Movement leads to authenticity. Heck, have them backflip if it makes for a good photo!

4. Do Something Weird

Yes, yes. You know it’s not a blog from me if I don’t suggest doing something for the plot.Do the weird thing in your head that you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t figured out how to do. Pitch the “I know this feels crazy, but what if we…” idea and try it.In my case, it was flour.I’ve always loved the physics of boxing. I wanted to capture that with flour. Aerosol is fine, but by putting flour directly on the teardrop bag, I was able to capture the power in each punch.To achieve this effect, you’ll want to backlight the bag from both sides. On one side, I used a blue gel to incorporate RockBox’s brand colors.Heads up: Flour gets EVERYWHERE.
I know that feels self-explanatory, but I jumped right in and didn’t consider that I might need a change of clothes.
Don’t do this if you have client meetings afterward.

Industry-Specific Ideas: How to Infuse Personality

Let’s talk through how different professions can benefit from creative portraits and what to keep in mind as the photographer.

Tech & Startups

Clean lines, bright backgrounds, and casual confidence. These clients want to look approachable but sharp. Hoodies and startup tees are welcome here.

Photographer Tip: Use natural light, a laptop prop, or an office background for context.

Law, Finance & Consulting

These need to convey authority, but not at the cost of warmth. A soft smile, warm tones, or a sleek office setting can help.

Photographer Tip: Use strong, directional lighting to enhance presence while softening edges.

Creatives & Entrepreneurs

Designers, artists, coaches, and freelancers need portraits that pop. Think bold colors, unique angles, or standout settings.

 Photographer Tip: Let them interact with props, sketchpads, cameras, or tools of their trade.

Fitness & Wellness Pros

Energy and connection are key. Capture movement, strength, or community.

Photographer Tip: Use fast shutter speeds and dynamic posing. Encourage real movement, not static “flexing.”

Real Estate & Sales

These clients rely on trust and relatability. A polished outfit and confident smile go a long way.

 Photographer Tip: Window light and natural posing help keep the vibe warm and welcoming.

FINAL THOUGHTS

You don’t need a huge studio or space to successfully create headshots and personal branding photos for your clients. With creative dAs photographers, we’re visual communicators and corporate portraits are one of the most direct ways we help people tell their story.When we take the time to draw out our clients’ personalities and reflect them through lighting, composition, and expression, we create more than a headshot.We create a first impression that feels real.Creative corporate portraits aren’t a trend...they’re the new standard.
And the more we lean into storytelling, movement, and authenticity, the more our work will connect, convert, and inspire.So let’s keep raising the bar.
Let’s keep shooting with intention.ecisions and thoughtful setup, you can make the most of any environment and still deliver high-quality, varied images your clients will love.And using Background Town's backdrops made for the Westcott X-Drop system is a great place to start.

MEET BETHANY ELLEN

Bethany Ellen is an award-winning maternity photographer based in Cincinnati, Ohio, known for creating bold, high-fashion portraits that celebrate the strength and beauty of motherhood. Since 2015, she has helped expecting mothers feel empowered and radiant through a full-service photography experience that goes far beyond a gallery link. Her studio, Bethany Ellen Artistic Imagery, is built on the belief that every woman deserves to be seen as art, elegant, powerful, and unapologetically herself. A Photographic Craftsman and Certified Professional Photographer with PPA, Bethany is also a passionate educator and speaker at national photography conferences. Her work has been featured in leading publications and she is the winner of Season 1 of The Creator Series by Canon and Sal Cincotta.

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