In today’s professional world, a high-quality headshot is more than a profile photo, it’s an introduction, a handshake, and a personal brand asset. Whether used for a LinkedIn profile, company website, speaking engagement, or marketing material, a great headshot builds trust and credibility in an instant. Working with an experienced Chicago headshot photographer ensures portraits are polished, intentional, and aligned with the subject’s personality and goals.
In this article, we explore what makes a headshot effective, walk through a recent session with Dr. Jo-Ann, and offer tips on wardrobe, makeup, and session options for professionals seeking premium business portraits in Chicago.
What Makes a Great Headshot?
An effective headshot should feel authentic while projecting professionalism. The best headshots capture subtle emotion through the eyes, a natural posture, and precise lighting. Everything from the subject’s expression to the background contributes to how the viewer interprets the photo.
A Chicago headshot photographer like John understands how to shape light, position the subject, and coach genuine expressions that translate across print and digital platforms. Great portraits are a blend of technical skill and communication.
Case Study: Headshot Session with Dr. Jo-Ann
Dr. Jo-Ann needed a variety of images for her practice website, publications, and professional profiles. The session combined classic studio headshots with environmental portraits inside her clinical space, giving her a versatile library of polished yet relatable images.
The studio portion of the session focused on neutral backdrops, soft directional lighting, and confident but relaxed posing. The lighting was created using a 190cm Indirect Octa for soft but dynamic depth, perfect for skin tones and natural shadows.
The second half of the shoot included environmental portraits at the clinic. This approach helps patients and colleagues connect by seeing the subject in their professional environment, offering a more personalized and trustworthy first impression.
What to Wear for Headshots
Wardrobe plays a crucial role in how headshots are perceived. Clean lines, solid colors, and textures that don’t compete with the face are preferred. Here are wardrobe tips for headshot sessions:
- Choose solid, neutral, or jewel-toned colors. Avoid busy prints and logos.
- Bring 2–3 outfit options for variety and backup choices.
- Dress for the industry—more formal for law, finance, and healthcare; creative and relaxed for media and startups.
- Opt for clothing that fits well and feels comfortable. Confidence shows on camera.
For Dr. Jo-Ann’s session, wardrobe choices included a white coat, solid neutrals, and a clean neckline to keep focus on expression and eye contact.
Makeup and Grooming Tips
Makeup enhances a polished look, but the goal should always be natural and true to the subject. Subtle skin smoothing, defined eyes, and matte products work best for photography. Key suggestions include:
- Use light foundation with a matte finish to control shine under lighting.
- Define brows, lips, and eyes subtly for shape and depth.
- Skip glitter or reflective products.
- Men may benefit from blotting powder or minor concealer if needed.
Professional makeup services are optional but recommended, especially for those who want a refined, camera-ready look with minimal touch-ups required in editing.
Expanding Beyond Headshots
Full-body and three-quarter shots are often overlooked but can be extremely useful. They’re ideal for websites, speaking engagements, promotional banners, and personal branding. For professionals who appear in media, these formats provide flexibility for publications and layouts.
Final Look and Delivery
The last image captured during Dr. Jo-Ann’s session is one of the most powerful. Standing in her exam room, relaxed and smiling, the portrait is warm, trustworthy, and professional. It embodies everything a great headshot should be.
Book Your Shoot Now
30-Minute Session – $249
- Best for quick, professional updates
- 1–2 outfits & backgrounds
- 1 retouched image
1-Hour Session – $499
- Ideal for variety in a short time
- 2–4 outfits & backgrounds
- 1 retouched image
2-Hour Session – $749
- Great for branding flexibility
- 3–5 outfits & backgrounds
- 3 retouched images
3-Hour Session – $1799
- Full branding experience
- 4–7 outfits & backgrounds
- 15 retouched images
- High-resolution delivery
Client Testimonials
John was highly professional throughout our shoot. He was prompt, prepared, and made the photo session exciting! He truly cares about his job, and I would highly recommend.
John is very professional, personable, and patient during the shoots. I have utilized his photography service on three separate occasions, and I recommend anyone who is looking for a skilled photographer who is going to capture great moments within any setting. It’s not always about taking pictures with John; John also makes it a point to follow up with his clients to see how things have been going in their lives. This makes the experience more personable and comfortable.
I booked with John when I was about to quit my job. I really needed professional headshots and maybe just a confidence boost. I found him online and did a deep dive into his Instagram. I didn’t know what I was looking for but I loved the framing and lighting portraits on his page. I was incredibly nervous and expressed this to him in advance. In return, when I arrived he was incredibly calm, friendly and matched my energy immediately. I haven’t posed for pictures in years, but he was able to direct me and make suggestions because I was a little awkward. He showed me the pictures throughout so that I could be my own judge. By the end, I knew he had taken the pics that I was looking for. When I received the proofs (within 48 hours which is amazing) I was even more certain he had captured exactly what I was looking for. I have gotten so many compliments on these shots! Highly recommend and sincerely appreciated his confidence throughout.
I had been wanting to do a shoot with John for quite some time and he did not disappoint! He was very accommodating and easy to work with. His studio provided a very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and my images came out exactly how I imagined. I highly recommend his services.
My photos turned out beautifully and very professional looking. John made me feel comfortable in front of the camera which for me is always a challenge. I highly recommend you use your services.
Booking a Chicago Headshot Photographer
For professionals seeking high-impact, clean, and authentic portraits, working with a skilled Chicago headshot photographer ensures the results match the vision. From lighting and expression coaching to wardrobe advice and post-production, every detail is handled with care.
Whether updating a single photo or building a full branding portfolio, booking a headshot session is an investment in professionalism, confidence, and long-term visual impact.
Click here to schedule your session or visit the booking calendar to view current availability.
