Your Guide to Flawless Professional Headshots in St. Louis
A great headshot can open doors, build trust, and elevate your personal brand. But even the most confident professionals make simple mistakes that can sabotage their image. At Shari Photography, we specialize in professional headshots in St. Louis, and we’ve seen it all—from wardrobe missteps to stiff expressions.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common headshot mistakes and show you exactly how to avoid them. Whether you’re preparing for a business shoot, actor portfolio, or LinkedIn update, these tips will help you look polished, authentic, and camera-ready.
1. Wearing Distracting Patterns or Logos
One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing clothing with loud patterns, stripes, or visible logos. These elements pull attention away from your face and can date your image quickly.
How to avoid it: Stick to solid colors or subtle textures. Choose tones that complement your skin and eyes. Avoid logos, graphics, and anything trendy that might not age well.
2. Choosing the Wrong Colors
Color plays a powerful role in how you’re perceived. Bright neons, overly dark tones, or colors that clash with your background can send the wrong message.
How to avoid it: Opt for classic, flattering shades. Navy, charcoal, and jewel tones (like emerald or burgundy) convey professionalism and confidence. As a provider of professional headshots in St. Louis, we help clients choose colors that pop on camera without overpowering their features.
3. Poor Grooming or Last-Minute Styling
Your headshot captures every detail—so flyaway hairs, shiny skin, or wrinkled clothing will stand out. Many clients underestimate how much grooming matters.
How to avoid it: Arrive with clean, styled hair and minimal shine. Iron your clothes the night before. For makeup, aim for a natural look that enhances your features. We offer prep guides to help you feel confident and camera-ready.
4. Stiff or Forced Expressions
A forced smile or blank stare can make you look uncomfortable or disconnected. Your expression should reflect your personality and purpose.
How to avoid it: Practice relaxed expressions in the mirror. Think about someone you admire or a moment that makes you feel proud. During your session, we guide you with real-time coaching to help you look natural and engaged. That’s part of what makes our professional headshots in St. Louis stand out.
5. Poor Posture and Body Language
Slouching, leaning back, or crossing your arms can make you appear closed off or unsure. Your body language speaks volumes—even in a headshot.
How to avoid it: Sit or stand tall with shoulders relaxed. Lean slightly forward to engage the viewer. We’ll coach you through every pose so you look confident and approachable.
6. Not Knowing Your Audience
A headshot for a law firm should look very different from one for a creative agency. Many people use the same image across platforms without considering context.
How to avoid it: Think about where your headshot will appear—LinkedIn, website, casting profile, or press kit. We help clients tailor their look to match their industry and goals. That’s why our professional headshots in St. Louis are trusted by executives, creatives, and entrepreneurs alike.
7. Overediting or Heavy Retouching
Too much retouching can make you look artificial or unrecognizable. Clients sometimes request edits that remove natural features, which can backfire.
How to avoid it: Choose a photographer who values authenticity. At Shari Photography, we enhance your image without altering your identity. We remove distractions like blemishes or stray hairs while preserving your natural beauty.
8. Rushing the Process
Some clients try to squeeze a headshot session into a busy day without proper preparation. This leads to stress, poor outfit choices, and rushed expressions.
How to avoid it: Schedule your session when you can arrive relaxed and focused. Bring multiple outfit options. We offer same-day image selection so you leave with results you love—without the wait.
9. Using Outdated Headshots
If your headshot is more than two years old, it’s probably time for an update. Styles change, and so do you. An outdated image can hurt your credibility.
How to avoid it: Update your headshot every 1–2 years or after a major career change. Our studio makes it easy to refresh your look with minimal hassle. We’re proud to be the go-to source for professional headshots in St. Louis.
10. Skipping the Professional Photographer
DIY headshots or smartphone selfies rarely deliver the quality needed for professional use. Lighting, posing, and editing all require expertise.
How to avoid it: Invest in a professional session. At Shari Photography, we combine expert posing, flattering lighting, and a seamless experience to deliver headshots that make an impact.
Final Thoughts
Your headshot is your digital handshake—it should reflect your confidence, professionalism, and personality. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your image works for you, not against you.
If you’re ready to elevate your brand, book a session with Shari Photography today. We specialize in professional headshots in St. Louis, offering expert guidance, same-day image selection, and a 5-star experience from start to finish.
