Boardroom-Ready: Mastering DIY Headshot Lighting

The best way to achieve professional lighting without me is…

Grab your shovel, we’re burying the lead for a minute. Warning, this article may offend me and anyone in my industry. I’m essentially going to describe how to get beautiful, flattering and forgiving lighting for DIY headshots —one of the key elements in nailing a headshot. “One of the” being an operative phrase, mind you.

You see, I’ll admit, this information will get you a good headshot photo —guaranteed! I’m more than happy to share some insider secrets to bring value to anyone looking for a professional photo without having to hire someone like myself. Prior to diving into the ultimate budget—neutral headshot photo lighting, a disclaimer:

There is a VAST difference between a “good” and a “great” headshot photo. I’ll explain this a bit later on in more detail.

For now, let’s dive into the BEST way to light your DIY headshot (at least for something passable until we talk about the benefits of investing in a professional like me). This, provided you have access to someplace indoors, is a zero dollar set up. Find yourself a window, preferably south facing, but as long as it’s not facing direct sunlight —you’ll be good to go. If I was doing this, I’d want something like a light, neutral colored curtain, or very thin sheet to cover the window, thus diffusing the incoming light. Ideally, a cloudy day is best.

You’ll want whatever camera you’re using to sit directly in front of the window, facing perpendicular to it, towards the interior. If you have the option of a solid background facing the window, great, if not, there are a million options for easily removing an unwanted background after you’ve gotten a great headshot photo. Generally speaking, I position my camera about neck/chin high for headshots. You’ll want to do the same, reason being you want your headshot photo to portray strength and confidence —something a higher camera height won’t achieve. You can use a tripod for this, or grab a friend/spouse/anyone to stand in as your ‘photographer’.

You’ll want to face the camera/window, close enough so everything from approximately your sternum/lower chest is cropped out and the top of the photo is anywhere from just into your top hair to perhaps a slight gap above your head (depending on your personal preference). Ideally, you also want to have enough natural window light and be near enough so that the white’s of your eyes are a nice clean white (not dull gray). Typically, I have clients stand angled slightly off center, with feet a comfortable shoulder’s width apart, and taking a few guess shots whilst slowly turning your nose from slightly off-center, then pointing dead straight at the camera, and finally pointing off center in the other direction (note, even if your face is facing left or right, your eyes should be in the direction of the camera (otherwise it looks like your looking off into space :).

After taking a few headshot photos facing left, right, and center, stop and take a gander. You’ll be deciding what you think your “best side” is.

Then (unless you’ve found a good one already), take some additional photos concentrating on whichever angle you thought was most appealing to you. You’ll want to focus on a natural expression, that perfect angle, and ensuring the lighting from the window is strong enough (again, whites of the eyes). Especially if you’ve got someone assisting with camera duty, you should walk away with some decent quality, well—lit headshot photos.

Why only “good” though, and not “great”?

In my experience, a good headshot or professional photo is simply a well—lit, shoulder up, photograph of your face with a somewhat inviting expression. Believe it or not, even with everything I described above —achieving this solo, without professional guidance is tricky at best. It is doable, but it’s tough (I do a self portrait at least each year, so I’d know!).

A great headshot photo —that tells a story. It captures a brand or your essence. I often hear from folks commenting on a client’s headshot that know them personally that “Wow, that looks like [insert client’s name]”. Moreover, a great headshot should convey and elicit the exact feeling you or your team’s brand is about. I often use the example of a defense attorney versus a pediatrician —as most people would understand generally speaking, a defense attorney would likely appear more serious, about their business, where as a pediatrician would likely appear more open, friendly, even a bit ‘over the top’. There is a vast array of subtlety in between as well.

Point being, a truly spectacular professional headshot should capture the exact expression, lighting, posture, vibe that represents your brand. Sure, you may be able to use window light and some of my insider tips to achieve something usable —if you want something that’ll #EndTheScroll though, let’s chat!

The Silent Sabotage: How an Outdated Headshot Can Damage Your Brand

First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

In today’s highly visual world, your headshot is more than just a picture, or photo — it’s your digital handshake, your personal brand’s first impression (even when you’re unaware, someone is looking). Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your website, or in printed materials, that image shapes how people perceive your professionalism, credibility, relevance and your authenticity.

But what happens when your headshot no longer reflects what you look like today?

You might think it’s harmless to use that polished photo from five or ten years ago — but in reality, an outdated headshot can quietly undermine your reputation and leave potential clients or employers with a bad taste.

When the Picture Doesn’t Match the Person

We all age, grow, and evolve. Hairstyles change. Clothing styles shift. Your energy, expression, and overall presence may be completely different today than it was in that old photo. But when your headshot hasn’t kept up, you’re sending an unintentional — and damaging — message.

Imagine this: a potential client or hiring manager has seen your headshot online and formed an expectation of who they’ll be meeting. Then, they meet you in person — and there’s a noticeable disconnect. That moment might seem small, but it sparks a cascade of subtle but serious reactions.

The Emotional Fallout for the Viewer

Psychologically, humans crave congruence — we want what we see to match what we experience. When there's a misalignment between your photo and reality, it creates aversive feelings, including:

• Disappointment: "This isn't who I thought I'd be meeting."

• Distrust: "If they’re presenting an old image, what else might they be glossing over?"

• Uncertainty: "Am I working with someone who’s not keeping up or who lacks confidence?"

• Disengagement: The initial spark of interest or trust can fade quickly.

• Confusion: Have you ever tried finding someone based off their profile image alone? Imagine they looked totally different now

These aren’t overreactions — they’re instinctive. People interpret visuals faster than words, and those first few seconds are hard to undo.

Brand Damage You Can’t Afford

An outdated headshot sends subtle signals that can undermine even the strongest resume or reputation:

• Credibility: If your image is out of date, viewers may wonder if your skills are too.

• Authenticity: In a world that values realness, an old or heavily edited photo reads as disingenuous.

• Missed Opportunity: A current headshot gives you the chance to connect, build trust, and reinforce your brand identity.

In short, the disconnect creates friction — and friction costs you relationships and revenue.

What to Do Instead

The solution is simple and empowering: update your headshot every 2–3 years or whenever you undergo a significant visual or professional change (highly recommend). Choose a photographer, if it’s not me, who captures more than just your face — someone who understands brand storytelling and lower your walls, helping you show up as you.

• Be confident in your current appearance — age, style, and all.

• Dress as you would for a real meeting with a client (my brochure addresses attire, we’ll discuss further).

• Most folks would say to smile; I do agree it adds “approachability” (key to great headshots) however, I never say, “smile” —instead I always elicit genuine, unforced facial expressions.

The Takeaway

You’ve grown. So should your images.

An outdated headshot doesn’t just look old — it feels out of sync. Today’s clients, collaborators, and employers want to work with people who are present, aligned, and authentic. That starts with a next-level headshot image that says: “This is me, right now — and I’m ready to work with you.” If you’re concerned about aging, remember that today is the youngest you will ever be.

Don’t let yesterday’s image hold you back. Update your headshot. Update your brand. Show up as the you people are actually meeting — and trusting — today.

Hot take: Headshots aren’t [just] about how great you look

"Please tighten your cerebellum slightly, and loosen your left lung a bit"

Okay, so I should've said that headshots aren't JUST about how great you look. Obviously, in a professional first impression, you're aiming to look -well, professional. So what in the heck is up with that crazy second line, Josh?

Well, I first should complete the second part to the headline: Headshots are about what your audience "feels" when they see your headshot. I believe it is 4 seconds you have for someone to form a first impression -not very long to hopefully say a whole lot -and make it what you want it to say!

The nutty line? Psychology. Hang with me a second; You see, most clients walk into the session with a whole lifetime of preconceptions built up around being photographed (heck, I had them before beginning this journey years back). Some of you think you'll be made to "pose" (often awkwardly), others swear they "can't take a good picture", some are nervous, some are in their heads about "my crooked nose", "that slightly bigger ear", the list goes on.

Point being? You're not present. You're brain is going a million different directions. That true you? The you that shows up confidently for a big meeting, an important interview, a presentation, speaking on stage? Odds are I've not met that you when you walk into our session.

My job, all the technical photography stuff aside, is to bring out that best version of you. Telling you to do something completely out of left field sort of accomplishes two jobs in one -it instantly brings you into the moment AND helps bring down those walls. Of course, it's not just humor, there's many different tactics to help you shine through.

That's the end result and goal though, that bundle of nerves, that person stressing about tomorrow's to do list, all of those block us from your authentic, confident and 'awesomest' self. If you hear me say, "two schmillimeters to your right" -know it's for good reason. Plus, come on, schmillimeter is a far more fun word than millimeter!

Why though, why's any of this "real me" and whatnot even matter? Headshots are up close, they're literally in your face, PERSONAL. This means every micro expression, a slight change in your eyes, your demeanor, your smile -matters. No, most of your audience probably won't know why BUT they will feel something when seeing your headshot image for their first time.

My goal, your goal -should be to make certain they see AND feel the best, most authentic, genuine and star-destined version of you. So click your heals together 2.7 times, unscrew your right earlobe, just a bit and let’s talk

-I guarantee I'll teach you how to make those 4 seconds draw your next viewer right in!

✅ Everyone, do you have any favorite lines, or things said that made you laugh, or got you to shake off the nerves and become more present