Model headshots highlight individuals’ unique beauty, versatility, and potential. Whether you’re an aspiring model or a seasoned professional, stunning and high-resolution headshots open doors to countless opportunities. For this, you should be familiar with the general modeling headshot guidelines before taking the next steps.
In this article, we’ll go through the top 17 professional tips for stunning modeling headshots that give you a clear pathway to highlight your modeling prowess and take your career to new heights.
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ToggleWhat is a Modeling Headshot?

A modeling headshot refers to a photograph of a model’s face showcasing their beauty and ability to model clothing. They are also known as “glamour shots” or “beauty shots.” It may also showcase the shoulders and chest of the model, but the head and face are the most important aspects of a headshot. High-quality modeling headshots are used to create a brand, a model’s portfolio to market their services, and more.
Top 17 Professional Tips for Stunning Modeling Headshots
1. Define your core modeling types

Before starting your photoshoot, first figure out what type of modeling shoots you’re planning. For example, you might have a unique facial feature or hair type. You might have clear and even-toned skin or a very chiseled jawline. As per fashion, magazine, or agency requirements, you must determine which headshots will help to attract directors by your unique, confident appearance.
However, defining the type of modeling like editorial, lifestyle, and others with the team (photographer, makeup artist, and stylist) helps to understand the creative direction and purpose of the shoot. Suppose, editorial shoots focus is creativity and storytelling. While commercial shoots key purpose is to reflect the brand’s message and target demographic.
2. Pre-shoot consultation

A successful model headshot starts long before the camera clicks. So, consult with your industry-expert headshot photographer to discuss ideas, poses, and tips. Discuss your goals and the types of shots you want to achieve, share your vision, and align your expectations. Here’s why pre-shoot consultation is important:
- Define vision and purpose: You can consult with a photographer to clarify the purpose of the headshots: are they for a modeling portfolio, casting agencies, or specific roles (i.e., commercial, editorial, or high-fashion)? All of these factors ensure the final images align with your photoshoot goals and eliminate time waste or mismatched styles.
- Personal branding alignment: High-quality modeling headshots showcase your authenticity and highlight your strengths, or specific personality that differentiates you from others. After that, photographers can plan wardrobe, lighting, and poses that resonate with your career and industry expectations.
- Building comfort: Whenever you feel comfortable with your headshot photographer, it helps to build comfort and give relaxation during the shoot.
- Understanding industry standards: Professional photographers have experience in different industries, photo dimensions, and formats required by agencies.
3. Choose the right camera and settings
Full-frame DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras like Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z6 II, or others offer large sensors that provide superior detail, shallow depth of field, and excellent low-light performance. However, before selecting the best camera pay attention to key features, including:
- High Megapixel Count: For headshots, aim for at least 20–30 megapixels for crisp, clear detail.
- Good Autofocus: A fast and accurate autofocus system (preferably eye-detection autofocus) will help focus on the eyes, which are the key focal points in headshots.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR): Ensures the camera can capture both bright highlights and deep shadows, ideal for well-lit, flattering portraits.
When it comes to selecting the best lens, give priority to those that minimize distortion, flatten the model’s face, and help to achieve a professional look. For example, Prime Lenses with fixed focal length:
- 50mm f/1.8: A classic choice, providing sharp images and a beautiful background blur (bokeh). Affordable and works great for headshots.
- 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8: Often considered the gold standard for portrait photography, offering a flattering perspective with minimal distortion. The longer focal length allows you to shoot from a bit farther away, helping reduce distortion in the face.
- 70-200mm f/2.8: A more versatile option, offering a zoom range with great image quality and background blur. It’s ideal for both headshots and full-body portraits.
Headshot photography relies on proper settings for sharpness, exposure, and depth of field. The perfect camera settings are:
- Aperture f/1.4 to f/2.8 (blur the background and focus on the model’s face) or f/4 or f/5.6 (ensure the whole face and upper body look sharp).
- Shutter speed is 1/125 to 1/200 but when you use a tripod aim to keep it above q/100. And the ISO is 100-400.
4. Preparation Before the Shoot
For a successful and productive model photoshoot, you must prepare yourself. Here’s a detailed personalized guide so that you can give your best shot:
- Skin and hair care: Maintain a consistent skincare routine so that your skin highlights natural beauty. Don’t forget to take proper rest. Also, consult with hair specialists to trim or color touch-ups if required. For example, a bohemian-style model embraces natural textures. But a fashion model focuses more on polished and sleek looks.
- Professional makeup artists: Hire a professional makeup artist who has prior model headshot makeup ideas. For example, editorial models opt for bold makeup, while commercial models prefer a more suitable and brand-worthy outlook.
- Practice posing: Spend time practicing poses so that you can perfectly cope with the flow. If you’re a runway model, focus on walking, runway poses, and facial expressions. But for a commercial model, practice to convey emotions through posing and versatility in expressions.
- Always bring a positive attitude: A model’s attitude helps to differentiate from others. Try to arrive at a photoshoot location with a positive and cooperative mindset. Be open and flexible to the photographer’s direction and collaborate to get the desired look.
- Carry a bag: You can carry a bag with essential items like makeup for touch-ups, extra wardrobe options, hair products, and many others. All of these help you to avoid unwanted issues. Suppose, you’re performing a model photoshoot in a beach area, including sunscreen and a towel.
- Stay hydrated and energized: Always bring a water bottle and light snacks to stay energized and hydrated throughout the photo session. Modeling photoshoots might require lots of setups and time so maintaining energy is crucial to give your best effort for dynamic shots.
5. Choosing the right photographer
Your modeling career depends on your attractive and polished representation, gesture, and overall appearance. Here, a professional headshot photographer is a must-have thing. But for those, you can:
- Research and review photographer portfolio: A photographer’s portfolio showcases their style, skills, and the quality of work they produce. You want to ensure their portfolio aligns with the type of headshots you’re looking for.
- Check for Industry Credibility: An experienced photographer will likely have worked with agencies, casting directors, or well-known brands. This can help build your confidence that they understand what is needed for professional modeling headshots.
- Look for Positive Reviews: Search for online reviews or ask the photographer to provide references from past clients, especially models or agencies.
- Evaluate Their Equipment and Studio Setup: The photographer’s equipment and studio setup significantly influence the quality of the images you receive. Professional lighting, a well-equipped studio, and high-resolution cameras are essential for capturing crisp, flattering headshots.
- Discuss Your Budget and Pricing: Clear communication about pricing ensures that there are no surprises later. It’s essential to establish whether the photographer’s rates fit your budget and what is included in the price.
6. Follow the Photographer's Instructions

After selecting the best headshot photographer, all you need to do is follow his/her instructions to get awesome modeling photos. Here are core reasons to rely on photographers directions:
- Photographers have artistic vision and industry experience that enhance the quality of your modeling headshot.
- When you listen and follow them fosters a sense of trust that gives you comfort in front of the camera that is essential for giving genuine expressions and moments.
- By following the expert’s guidance, you can maximize the session’s productivity, ensuring each pose and expression is captured perfectly.
- A well-executed headshot impact on your modeling portfolio, make memorable impressions on casting directors and potential clients.
7. Utilize Lighting Techniques

From headshots to other photography genres, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone, creating flattering shadows, and highlighting amazing details.
- Natural Light (Soft Light): Position yourself near a large window with diffused sunlight. The light should be soft and even, avoiding harsh shadows or direct sunlight that can create unflattering contrasts. But for outdoor photoshoots, the best timing is early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) to provide the most flattering natural light.
- Rembrandt Lighting: Place the light source at a 45-degree angle from the model and slightly above the head. This technique typically uses just one light (e.g., a softbox or umbrella) with the model facing the light at an angle.
- Split Lighting: The light is placed on one side of the model, creating a clear division between light and shadow on the face. One side of the face is lit, while the other side is cast in shadow, often creating a stark contrast.
- Loop Lighting: The light is placed at about a 30-45 degree angle to the model’s face, slightly above their head. This results in a small shadow under the nose that resembles a “loop” shape.
- High-Key Lighting: Use soft, even lighting on the entire face to reduce shadows, with high exposure to give a bright, airy feel. The background is typically light (white or gray). High-key lighting often involves using a fill light to soften shadows on the face and eliminate contrast.
- Low-Key Lighting: The light is concentrated on one side of the model, while the other side is left in shadow. The background is typically dark or black to enhance the contrast.
- Using Reflectors and diffusers for Fill Light: Use reflectors (white, silver, or gold) to bounce light back onto the model’s face to fill in shadows, particularly under the chin, eyes, and neck. Place the reflector below or beside the model, angled to bounce light into the shadow areas of the face.
8. Showcasing Diversity in Headshots

Headshots of female models or male models diversity is crucial for inclusive representation in the fashion, beauty, and commercial industries. For example:
- Embrace Different Styles and Expressions: Ensure your headshots reflect different moods and emotions, from joyful to serious, fierce to soft. This shows your ability to convey multiple personalities and appeal to a broad spectrum of clients. Examples: Commercial/Smiling Look: A bright, open smile that conveys friendliness and approachability.
- Editorial/Serious Look: A more intense, powerful expression that communicates confidence and high-fashion appeal. Whereas, natural/raw look – a softer, more vulnerable expression that shows emotional depth.
- Hair Variations: Showcase different hair textures and styles, including natural curls, straightened hair, updos, or braids. This highlights the diversity in your appearance and adaptability for various shoots.
- Makeup Variations: Demonstrate your range by showcasing different makeup looks — from minimal or natural makeup to bold, editorial looks with dramatic eyeliner, lipstick, and contouring.
- Representing Heritage: If you’re a model of mixed ethnicity or have a specific cultural background, showcase that diversity through your expression, makeup, or clothing choices.
9. Choose The Right Wardrobe

What to wear for modeling headshots? It is The most asked question regarding male or female model headshots. Clothing plays a crucial role in capturing specific looks. Here are some key factors you need to follow:
- Style options: Explore different styles as per modeling types like casual, formal, edgy, or glamorous that reflect your desired aesthetic. Avoid busy patterns or logos. If the shoot is more creative try trendy, unique designs or bold colors outfits. But for commercial modeling, stick to a clean, polished look.
- Color combination: Give priority to your skin tone harmony. Neutral colors like white, black, and gray are timeless and versatile and won’t distract. Consider the background and select clothing colors that create a cohesive and impactful visual.
- Textures and fabrics: Feel free to experiment with different textures and fabrics if there are no specific brand requirements. For example, velvet, silk, denim, or leather can add depth and texture to your fashion photo session. Avoid chunky textures like knits or sequins because they can look heavy and distract the audience.
- Accessory selection: Choose simple; yet elegant accessories that can add flair and personality to your modeling headshots. Also, pay attention to your outfits and enhance your overall look without overpowering it. For example, you can buy subtle pieces like a thin chain necklace or stud earrings. Avoid large or flashy jewelry.
- Wardrobe variety: Embrace your personal style or give priority to brand requirements. Suppose, you’re a high-fashion model, wear avant-garde, couture fashion, or others. But for fitness models, sportswear is the best. Also, try a diverse range of outfits for your model photoshoot session, like packing a mix of casual wear, formal attire, or others.
- Agency requirements: Are you working with modeling agencies or brands like Vogue or other famous ones? If so, you have to be aware of their specific outfit requirements. Some prefer models to wear simple, solid-colored attire for their initial headshots.
- Budget: Choose high-quality; yet budget-friendly attire for your modeling headshot. For example, neutral tops, well-tailored blazers, or other second-hand shots. Invest in versatile pieces that can be used in multiple shoots.
10. Go for quality over quantity
When it comes to professional modeling headshots, quality over quantity priorities most to make long-lasting impressions on agencies or clients. Other factors are:
- First Impressions Count: A single, high-quality headshot can be more impactful than dozens of mediocre ones. Agencies and clients will remember a sharp, professional image over an average one.
- Showcase Your Best Features: Fewer but more polished shots ensure every photo highlights your strongest features, personality, and versatility.
- Efficient Portfolio Building: High-quality shots make your portfolio clean, professional, and easier to navigate.
- Demonstrates Professionalism: Well-executed headshots reflect a serious commitment to your modeling career.
11. Use Natural Light

When it’s time to capture high-quality modeling headshots, take advantage of natural light to achieve a soft and flattering look. Natural light offers several advantages over artificial light to create an authentic and natural feel to your modeling photos. Here are some factors you need to consider when using natural light for modeling headshots:
- Outdoor vs. indoor shooting: Take advantage of Golden light beauty in your model photoshoot. This light provides you with a warm and soothing glow without any unwanted shadows in your photos. But for indoor photoshoots, select a big window with enough natural lighting to capture the soft natural light beauty and model a breathtaking look in one frame.
- Aesthetic shadows: Shadows can add depth and dimension to your headshots, creating a more dynamic and interesting image. Try different experiments with different angles and positions to balance the light and shadows.
- Pay attention to weather conditions: Different weather conditions have a significant impact on photoshoots. For example, cloudy days can provide a soft and diffused light, whereas sunny days can provide more dramatic shadows and highlights.
However, you can use reflectors and diffusers to manipulate and control the natural light.
12. Practice Poses and Expressions

The modeling headshot poses for modeling showcase your unique features, create dynamic compositions, and produce versatility. Here’s a breakdown of different poses and headshots of male models and women models and how you can use them effectively:
Straight-On Angle: Look directly into the camera with your face evenly aligned.
- What It Highlights: Symmetry and confidence, while making the eyes the focal point.
- Vibe: Classic, professional, and approachable.
- Best For: Commercial headshots, agency submissions, or neutral portfolio shots.
Three-Quarter Angle: Turn your body slightly to one side (45 degrees), with your face tilted slightly toward the camera.
- What It Highlights: Creates depth and adds dimension to your face while slimming your profile.
- Vibe: Polished, versatile, and flattering.
- Best For: Editorial, fashion, or beauty shots.
Profile Angle: Face directly to the side so that only your profile is visible. Keep your posture straight and your jawline defined.
- What It Highlights: Your facial structure, nose profile, and jawline.
- Vibe: Dramatic and elegant.
- Best For: Unique portfolio shots or showcasing strong bone structure.
Over-the-Shoulder Angle: Look over one shoulder toward the camera while keeping your body turned away.
- What It Highlights: Adds mystery and intrigue while showcasing your neck, shoulders, and profile.
- Vibe: Playful, confident, or alluring.
- Best For: Lifestyle or editorial shots.
Chin Down: Lower your chin slightly while maintaining strong eye contact with the camera.
- What It Highlights: Creates intensity and draws attention to your eyes.
- Vibe: Strong, mysterious, or dramatic.
- Best For: High-fashion and moody editorial shots.
Chin Up: Lift your chin slightly while maintaining good posture.
- What It Highlights: Adds a confident and bold feel to the shot, while highlighting the neck and jawline.
- Vibe: Powerful and authoritative.
- Best For: Editorial and beauty headshots.
Close-Up Shots: Photographers focus on the face, capturing details like your eyes, skin, and expressions. Play with subtle head tilts and relaxed expressions.
- What It Highlights: Intimate details of your features and skin texture.
- Vibe: Personal, raw, and captivating.
- Best For: Beauty campaigns, skincare shots, or agency portfolios.
Angled Upward: Tilt your head slightly up while keeping your gaze downward or directly at the camera.
- What It Highlights: Emphasizes cheekbones, jawline, and elongates the neck.
- Vibe: Strong and statuesque.
- Best For: Fashion-forward or editorial shots.
Low Angle (Shot from Below): Stand tall, looking down slightly at the camera. Maintain a strong posture and a relaxed expression.
- What It Highlights: Makes you appear taller, powerful, and dominant.
- Vibe: Edgy and bold.
- Best For: Fashion and high-impact portfolio shots.
High Angle (Shot from Above): Look slightly up at the camera with relaxed shoulders and soft features.
- What It Highlights: Enlarges the eyes, softens the jawline, and creates a playful or vulnerable feel.
- Vibe: Soft, delicate, or inviting.
- Best For: Commercial or beauty headshots.
Tilted Head: Slightly tilt your head to one side, maintaining a natural and relaxed posture.
- What It Highlights: Adds personality and approachability to your headshot.
- Vibe: Friendly, casual, or playful.
- Best For: Lifestyle and commercial modeling.
13. Choose the Right Background

As we mentioned earlier, modeling headshots influence the mood, beauty, and overall appearance. So, it’s crucial to select the best backgrounds without any distractions.
- Simple background: A simple and versatile background offers a full focus on the model and eliminates distractions. To shoot in a studio use a white backdrop, a timeless backdrop perfect for catalog or e-commerce shoots. Or, black or gray to emphasize details.
- Natural outdoor backgrounds: These backgrounds create a dynamic, authentic feel, and complement the lifestyle. For example, beach or ocean goes with swimwear or resort wear, forests for eco-friendly themes, and urban streets for edgy or casual fashion shoots.
- Architectural backgrounds: Do you want to add structure and interest to the model photoshoot? Minimalist building facades go with high-end fashion, historic landmarks for vintage-inspired themes, and industrial spaces like warehouses for grunge looks.
- Studio backgrounds: Choose a plain background or fabric or painted backdrops that have subtle textures to create interest and depth. This background is best for editorial, high-fashion, or artistic modeling headshots.
- Environmental backgrounds: Do you want to add personality and context for commercial or influencer-style modeling? If yes, incorporate real locations like café/workspace or others to convey a story or aesthetic.
- Seasonal or thematic backgrounds: When you want to reflect a specific theme or season to match the purpose of the shoot. Campaign-specific modeling or themed shoots.
14. Incorporate props

Props in model photography help to add personality, showcase versatility, and a story about a model. Here’s a list of thoughtful prop ideas with examples:
- Hats: A wide-brim hat suits well for a bohemian or artistic feel. On the other hand, a simple baseball cap represents a casual or sporty vibe and a fedora is for a stylish look.
- Scarves or shawls: A lightweight scarf or shawl adds texture and elegance without any distraction. For example, a silky scarf draped loosely around your neck gives a sophisticated touch to your modeling headshot. Whereas, a chunky knit scarf shows a winter-themed or cozy look.
- Coffee cups or mugs: When you plan to shoot minimalist, casual, and lifestyle-oriented shots, a coffee cup adds an approachable and relatable vibe.
You can also use yoga mats, tech gadgets, jewelry as props, flowers, greenery, etc. However, choose props that enhance your overall look without overwhelming the fashion or modeling shoot.
15. Use different locations

Choosing the right headshots for modeling can enhance the overall look and feel. Here are some commonly used location ideas with unique vibes:
- Studio Setting: It provides clean, controlled lighting and a minimalist background, keeping the focus entirely on you. The location is best for professional, versatile, and timeless.
- Urban Streets: The locations add a modern, dynamic feel with real-world textures like brick walls, graffiti, or concrete and are best for fashion-forward, casual, or edgy, depending on the surroundings.
Pro tip: Use textured walls, staircases, or industrial elements as backdrops. Also, experiment with a shallow depth of field to blur the background and highlight your face.
- Rooftops: Rooftops offer dramatic views, open lighting, and a modern vibe. For example, city skylines or sunsets in the background.
- Home Setting or Styled Apartment: The location is best to provide a personal, intimate vibe, ideal for lifestyle or commercial headshots. Choose a large window for natural light and style with simple decor items.
- Urban Parks or Gardens: The location is perfect to provide a fresh, modern, or romantic vibe to your modeling photo session. Try to combine greenery and enjoy the beauty of nature.
16. Post-Shoot Essentials
After a successful headshot session, it’s essential to ensure your images are high-resolution, ready to use and showcase emotions, beauty, and glaze. Here’s a detailed guide to post-shoot essentials.
- Image selection: Review all your headshots with your photographer and shortlist the best ones where your expression, posture, and eye connection are captivating and natural. Try to choose a mix of headshots reflecting different expressions.
- Professional retouching: Now that, you’ve amazing photos, it’s time to give those a professional and polished look for social media, magazines, ads, or other purposes. Retouching not only smooths skin by removing blemishes but also balances color, exposure, and light adjustments. So, hire a professional retoucher or outsource photo retouching services from a renowned photo editing agency.
- Updating your portfolio: After retouching, your headshots get the actual charm and aesthetic that a real model has. Update your modeling portfolio and ensure images are well-optimized to submit to fashion brands or agencies.
17. Consider the significance of model headshots
Model headshots have different purposes, such as:
- Agency submissions: Impressive, detailed facial expressions and overall appearance can grab the attention of talent scouts, leading to opportunities with renowned modeling agencies, like IMG Models, Ford Models, and so on.
- Casting calls: Casting directors preciously select models for fashion shows, commercials, and others. A standout, high-resolution headshot can secure your spot in high-profile casting calls, like New York Fashion Week.
- Editorial work: In this fashion editorial era, retouched headshots allow you to be a part of prestigious magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar by attracting magazine editors.
- Runway opportunities: Casting directors for fashion shows, use headshots to select models who best fit the designer’s dresses and vision for the runway.
- Career achievements: A strong headshot can propel a model’s career like yours to new heights. It can lead to international bookings, and allow you to be a brand ambassador and endorsements.
How often should I update my model headshot?
Most industry-expert headshot photographers recommend updating your model headshot every 1-2 years or whenever you plan to change the industry to alter your look (weight loss/gain, hairstyle, etc.). Also, some suggest updating headshots when your last headshot is not working for you. Here we’ve highlighted some core factors when you need to shoot a new headshot:
- Are you not satisfied with your headshots that you captured a few months ago? Or, plan to add some artistic poses.
- Want to change your hair color or try a different cut (curly, flattened, etc.)?
- You plan to grow facial hair (male model).
- You might undergo cosmetic surgery to change your face or body look.
- You might get a different role or change careers.
Also, don’t forget to outsource photo editing for polished and high-resolution results. As we mentioned earlier, photo editing is crucial to perfectly convey a message with intention, match the model’s desire, and fulfill their demand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Modeling Headshots
What to wear for modeling headshots?
You can wear simple, solid colors dresses (black, white, gray, cream, or soft shades) that complement the model’s skin tone for modeling headshots. Consider clothes that fit well without being too tight. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or overly casual attire. Wear minimal jewelry to avoid distractions.
How do you take modeling headshots?
To take modeling headshots, focus on capturing a clean, well-lit image with a neutral background, utilize different angle poses, and expressions to showcase the model’s best features. Use soft, even lighting to shoot the model’s face evenly, avoid harsh shadows, and opt for a plain, uncluttered background.
What should model headshots look like?
Model headshots should be professional, and clean, and showcase the model’s confident; yet elegant appearance. These photos are important in making a strong first impression with agencies, casting directors, and clients.
How Do You Get a Good Headshot for Modeling?
You can get a good headshot for modeling by hiring a professional headshot photographer and retouching those images through outsourcing photo editing services. Also, don’t forget to follow our stunning headshot photoshoot ideas for polished and high-quality results.
Conclusion
Achieving amazing and jaw-dropping modeling headshots requires attention to detail and technical expertise. The photoshoot is not only about posing or selecting outfits and using minimal makeup. All you need is proper directions: background selection, lighting, camera settings, and many more. So, ensure you hire a professional photographer to capture the perfect modeling headshot.
Best of luck!