Mistakes That Ruin Corporate Headshots (and How to Avoid Them)

Thinking about offering corporate headshots to your clients? Or maybe you’ve already started, and you’re realizing it’s not as simple as setting up a light and pressing the shutter.

After more than a decade photographing everyone from local financial advisors to executives at international firms, I can tell you this: corporate headshots are deceptively tricky.

The technical side matters, but your soft skills often make or break the session.

In my latest video, I walk through the most common mistakes photographers make when shooting corporate headshots. A few quick examples:

1. Inconsistent setups – Why a tripod is your best friend when you’re asked to match a headshot six months later, and you’re when you’re in this for the long haul.

2. Camera angle missteps – A selfie-style high angle might work for Instagram, but it undercuts authority in a professional image.

3. Expressions that fall flat – Clients don’t want to look stiff or scared. Getting natural, confident expressions is one of the hardest (and most important) parts of the job.

And that’s just scratching the surface. I also cover lighting challenges, background choices, and how to handle the wide range of personalities you’ll meet in a corporate setting.

Want to learn more from me? Book a mentoring call where we can chat about all your headshot questions.

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Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.

Need help preparing for your headshot session? Check out my Headshot Maximizer Course.

Google Features My Detroit Headshot Photography Business

I’m thrilled to finally share some big news—my headshot photography business was selected to be part of Google’s 2024 Economic Impact Report! Each year, Google highlights a small group of businesses across the country that have found success using its tools. This year, only 52 were chosen, and I’m honored to be one of them. In fact, I’m on the top of Michigan’s page!

On Using Digital Tools

When I started my studio over a decade ago, I realized pretty quickly that showing up online was everything. SEO became one of the most important tools in my kit. I blogged regularly (and still do) because I knew that’s how people found local services like mine. Over time, that expanded into YouTube videos—mostly quick, helpful tips to help clients feel more confident heading into their headshot sessions.

It’s been amazing to see how far those little videos have traveled. And as my business has grown to serve larger companies and organizations, that YouTube presence has become a real trust signal. These days, having a solid YouTube channel is almost like having written a book.

I also never thought I’d be managing Google Ads campaigns—but here we are. And honestly, I’m glad I leaned in. Paid search has been one of the most efficient ways to connect with the right clients, at the right time.

And we can’t forget Google Workspace. It includes the basic productivity apps like Docs and Sheets, a professional email address and much more. In the last several months, Google has basically turned on AI throughout the apps, which is great!

I’m increasingly experimenting with ways to integrate AI into my business. Gemini and Notebook LM are super helpful for all sorts of things when it comes to running any business (especially a very small business without a staff).

Working With Google

So when Google reached out, I thought it might be a scam—because really, who gets a call from Google? But it was legit. They interviewed me, organized my story, and even sent a photographer to capture BTS content during a typical client session. This was a real treat. Even as a professional photographer, it’s a chore to crank out good content of myself.

One of the highlights of the process was traveling to Washington, D.C. for Google’s Small Business Summit. I met amazing entrepreneurs from all over the country, including Mollie from North Dakota and Travis from my home state of Ohio. We swapped stories, shared lessons, and found out we had more in common than we expected. We also spent time with several Google Executives who were eager to hear our stories, challenges and successes.

What’s Next

The tools available to small businesses today are more powerful—and more accessible—than ever. It’s moving fast, sometimes scary fast. But I wouldn’t be where I am today without embracing new technology early on, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward. Thanks to Google and all the Googlers I met and worked with along the way. I can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.

The Best Camera Settings for Headshot Photography

If you’ve ever wondered how to dial in the perfect camera settings for headshots, especially in a studio or controlled environment, this one’s for you. These are my go-to settings when I want consistent, flattering results—without fighting ambient light or burning through my flash batteries.

Note, I’m typically shooting on a Canon R6ii or R5ii, but the settings are pretty universal. So let’s break down the settings I use in most sessions:

Shutter Speed

When working with strobes, shutter speed controls ambient light—not the flash itself. I shoot at or under 1/200 of a second, which is the standard sync speed for most cameras. Going faster (like 1/500) can cause banding unless you’re using high-speed sync, which adds complexity I usually avoid.

Why block ambient light? Simple: it keeps the look consistent. Overhead office lights, for example, often cause unwanted reflections and color casts. Whenever possible, I turn them off entirely.

Aperture

Aperture controls both your depth of field and how much flash light reaches the sensor. I typically shoot at f/5.6—sharp enough to keep the full face in focus, but open enough to avoid maxing out flash power. If you're working with lower-powered lights or want a dreamier look, f/4 or even f/2.8 can work—but just know you'll get less in focus.

ISO

My ISO stays low to avoid noise and reduce ambient light impact. ISO 200 is my default, but I’ll slide between 100 and 400 depending on flash power and conditions. Need more exposure? Boost ISO—but know that you’re also letting in more of those less than flattering ceiling lights.

Flash Power

Most of my work is done with 250 or 500 watt-second Profoto strobes. For standard headshots, I’m usually sitting at 50–75% power. If you’re maxed out and still not getting enough light, don’t panic—just move the light closer. That simple trick gives you a lot more punch.

These settings give me speed, consistency, and great results without overcomplicating the shoot. And that’s what it’s all about.

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Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.

Need help preparing for your headshot session? Check out my Headshot Maximizer Course.

Getting Started in Headshot Photography: Essential Gear You Actually Need

Starting your journey in headshot photography? You're in the right place. As a full-time headshot photographer, I’ve tested a lot of gear—some essential, some nice-to-have, and some... well, let’s just say it’s still in a drawer somewhere.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to get started and what can wait. Whether you're shooting in a home studio or gearing up for corporate clients, this guide will help you make smart choices from day one.

Camera & Lens

Just about any full-frame mirrorless or DSLR camera will work for headshots. You don’t need the latest and greatest—those high-end models are built for action sports or low-light photography. Headshots are done in controlled settings, so even older models will do just fine.

The Canon R6 Mark II is a fantastic choice. I’ve used the R6 line for years—it’s reliable, fast, and produces stunning portraits. Competing models in the same price range from Sony or Nikon will also do the job well.

For lenses, you’ll want a focal length of 50mm or longer. Popular choices include:

• 24-105mm f/4 (a 24-70 is usually a little short)

• 85mm f/1.8 or f/1.2

• 70-200mm f/2.8

If you’re sticking to studio work, f/4 lenses are just fine. If you’ll be doing outdoor portraits too, consider investing in an f/2.8 lens—it’s more versatile, and lenses tend to hold their value better than camera bodies.

Tripods

It may not be exciting, but a solid tripod is one of the most important pieces of headshot gear. It adds consistency, helps with repeatable framing, and saves your back during long sessions.

Look for:

• A ball head (not pan-tilt) for quick adjustments

• A center column for fast height changes

• Carbon fiber if you want something lightweight (but it’ll cost more)

Avoid adjusting the tripod legs every time you change subjects. A center column makes that much easier.

Lighting

Technically, you can be a natural light photographer, but if you want to do professional headshots—especially corporate work—you’ll hit limitations fast. Learning to use artificial light is a game-changer, and it’s not as hard as it sounds. There are so many great options that can meet most budgets.

You’ll also need a trigger to fire the flash from your camera. Some strobes include one; others you’ll need to buy separately.

Backgrounds

Want your headshots to look polished and consistent? Use a consistent background. I love Savage seamless paper. It travels well and works in all kinds of setups.

Pro Tip: Keep your subject 2–3 feet away from the background. That little bit of separation adds depth and polish to your images. Otherwise, it might start to look more like a passport photo.

Final Advice

Know Your Gear Cold. You’ll hear it a lot, and it’s true: practice is key. But even more important is owning your gear. If something goes wrong during a session, your client should never feel it.

Getting started in headshot photography doesn’t require a mountain of gear—just the right gear. Stick with the essentials, learn your tools inside and out, and focus on capturing authentic expressions.

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Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.

Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS USM Z Quick Look

The jump to Canon’s new RF hybrid lenses has been an interesting experience, and I’ve quickly found a new favorite for my studio work. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 has become my go-to lens thanks to its versatile focal range, fast aperture, and well-designed tripod collar that makes switching between vertical and horizontal orientations effortless. The iris control ring is another nice touch for video work, making this lens a true hybrid performer. Most of the time, I rarely need to grab another lens.

But when I do, it’s the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8—a staple in professional photography. When Canon announced the updated design, I was instantly intrigued. While the original RF 70-200mm f/2.8 was a great lens, I never fully loved the telescoping zoom design. The long zoom ring throw felt cumbersome, and while the compact size was beneficial for discreet travel (like an architecture photography tour I did in LA), it wasn’t ideal for my typical studio and corporate headshot sessions.

The New RF 70-200mm: A More Traditional Feel

The updated Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 now has a fixed-length design, making it feel more like a classic pro lens. The short zoom ring throw allows for quick adjustments with just a flick of the thumb—whether you’re shooting stills or video, this is what a professional lens should do. Plus, the black version is a nice option for those who prefer a more discreet aesthetic.

For video shooters, the bulkier size of these hybrid lenses may be a downside for handheld work. But for corporate interviews, b-roll, and headshots, having this kind of range in a single lens reduces the need to carry multiple primes. The added compatibility with teleconverters further expands its capabilities, making it a powerhouse for both stills and video.

Should You Upgrade?

The hybrid RF lenses aren’t cheap, but the good news is that the previous RF 70-200mm f/2.8 has solid resale value. I traded mine in with KEH, and the process was seamless (consider reaching out for an affiliate link if you’re looking to sell yours). If you’re considering an upgrade and can take advantage of the incremental improvements and video-friendly features, I think it’s a worthwhile investment.

Are you planning to upgrade? Let me know in the comments!

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