When it comes to capturing a great headshot, lighting, composition, and camera settings tend to keep our focus. But what often separates a good headshot from a great one isn’t your lens or lighting—it’s your attention to detail.

As photographers, we spend so much time perfecting technical settings that it’s easy to forget the subtle human elements that can make or break a shot. These tiny adjustments might feel minor in the moment, but they play a crucial role in elevating the professionalism and polish of your final image.

Here are some key details you shouldn’t overlook during a headshot session:

1. Move Hair Off Shoulders and Out of the Face

Stray hair strands resting awkwardly on a shoulder or sneaking into someone’s eyes can be distracting. They might seem like small imperfections, but once captured, they can throw off the clean, crisp aesthetic of a professional headshot.

Take a few seconds to check that their hair is sitting either behind or in front of their shoulders, and check that no strands are creeping across the forehead or into the eyes. It’s easier to fix in-camera than in post later.

Pro Tip: Keep a small comb or mirror on hand so clients can do a quick touch-up, especially if you’re shooting outdoors where wind might be a factor.

2. Adjust the Collar

An uneven collar or a crumpled neckline can give off an unkempt vibe, even if the rest of the outfit looks great. Whether it’s a formal button-up or a casual blouse, make sure the collar is symmetrical and sitting flat on both sides.

A few seconds to straighten it out can save you a lot of retouching time later—and it helps your subject look more polished and put-together.

3. Check the Neckline

Just like the collar, a skewed neckline or twisted top can distract from your subject’s face. Always ensure that tops are centered and aligned. If there’s a logo, button, or design element, double-check that it’s not crooked or pulling awkwardly to one side.

Why it matters: Symmetry and balance create a sense of visual calm and professionalism, which is what you want in a strong headshot.

4. Mind the Posture—Gently

While you don’t want to micromanage every movement, a soft suggestion to “roll your shoulders back” or “tilt your chin slightly down” can make a world of difference in how confident and natural your subject appears. A relaxed but upright posture communicates professionalism and poise.

5. The Power of a Thoughtful Touch

Your goal isn’t to make your subject feel like they’re being fussed over—it’s to help them look and feel their best. When you take the time to notice these details, clients often feel more cared for and confident. That trust translates into more relaxed expressions and better overall results.

I hope these tips help! If you feel overwhelmed at first I’d recommend using a tripod. This enables you to more or less just look at your client and take a moment to adjust, without worrying about composition.

Happy shooting!

Want to see more of my work? Head over to my headshot page: https://www.pdx-portraits.com/headshots

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https://www.pdx-portraits.com/blog/the-authentic-smile-in-headshots

https://www.pdx-portraits.com/blog/choosing-between-a-natural-light-and-flash-for-your-headshot