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The chin trick, the 45° turn, and the "squinch" — these 5 simple adjustments make anyone look more confident and approachable in professional headshots.
LensCherry Team
AI Photo Experts • Updated February 2026
The difference between a forgettable headshot and a compelling one often comes down to posing. Small adjustments in body position, face angle, and expression can dramatically change the impression you make.
Here are the fundamentals of professional headshot posing.
Don't face the camera straight on. Instead:
This creates depth and looks more dynamic than a flat, passport-style shot.
The most common mistake is chin position:
Practice in a mirror until it feels natural.
Match the tilt to your industry and goals.
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A technique popularized by photographer Peter Hurley:
Practice this. It's genuinely transformative.
If you're using AI headshot generation, your input photos matter:
The AI works best with variety, so give it a range of photos to work with.
| Goal | Head Position | Expression | Body Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authoritative | Straight | Serious/slight smile | 30-45 degrees |
| Approachable | Slight tilt | Natural smile | 45 degrees |
| Creative | Varied | Personality-forward | Flexible |
| Trustworthy | Slight forward | Warm smile | 45 degrees |
The best headshot pose is one that feels natural to you while incorporating these fundamentals. It should look effortless, even though you now know exactly what goes into it.
Need headshots for your whole team? Check out our guide to corporate team headshots for tips on creating consistent, professional photos across your organization.
