In addition to actors and models, I often get approached by folks in the business world requesting corporate headshots. Sometimes I’ll get approached by an individual wanting photos for LinkedIn or for their company website, and at other times I’ll be contacted by a company that’s holding a conference on the Las Vegas Strip wanting me to set up a photo booth at the conference to take headshots of attendees.

Even though corporate headshots are, in many ways, radically different from acting headshots, I think there are some similarities. Like acting headshots, corporate headshots should be expressive and not stiff—the eyes should communicate something, rather than be empty/blank. A corporate headshot should say, “I’m confident, friendly, approachable, trustworthy, and fun to be around.” The reality is that business headshots have changed over the last 40 years. In the 1970s and 1980s, you’d see a lot of stiff looking professional headshots of a person dressed to the nines, against a dark backdrop, with a stern expression on the face. Today, even though some industries require formal attire, in almost all cases the vibe is friendlier, lighter, brighter, more fun. People want to like the folks they’re doing business with, and your headshot needs to convince them you’re likable and trustworthy.