How many of us judge a book by its cover? If we are truly honest, the same goes for people we meet for the first time, whether online or offline. We create assumptions about a person based on the way they look, how they dress, and how approachable they seem in their profile photo. This is why a professional corporate headshot and personal branding portrait is crucial for entrepreneurs and corporate professionals to create a good first impression. But not all headshots are created equal – different styles serve different purposes and audiences. The right style can reflect your personality, values, and professional goals. At Stories, we have created different styles of images for our clients to align with varying industries, professions, and branding goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore five of the most popular corporate headshot and personal branding portrait styles, helping you decide which one best represents you.
1. Classic and Formal
The classic and formal style is the most traditional type of corporate headshot. It features a clean background (usually white, grey, or black), professional attire, and a well-lit studio setup. The subject is often posed in a straightforward manner with a neutral or confident expression. Even with a classic and formal style, we will ensure that you look relaxed in your images and not stiff.
Ideal for:
✔️ Corporate executives, lawyers, financial professionals, and consultants
✔️ Industries that value professionalism and authority
✔️ LinkedIn profiles, company websites, annual reports, and corporate press releases
Why Choose This Style?
- It conveys a strong sense of reliability, leadership, and professionalism.
- Works well for industries where trust and credibility are key factors.
- Timeless, safe and versatile – perfect for long-term use.
Pro Tip: Stick to solid colours for your wardrobe and avoid patterns that may distract from your face. Simple, elegant attire ensures a polished and professional look.
2. Modern and Contemporary
A step away from the safe traditional headshot, the modern and contemporary style is more relaxed while still maintaining a professional appeal. The lighting is softer, the background may have some texture or colour, and the posing feels more natural. This style may also incorporate slight movement or angled compositions for a more dynamic feel.
Ideal for:
✔️ Tech professionals, creative entrepreneurs, startup founders, and consultants
✔️ Businesses that want to appear fresh, innovative, and forward-thinking
✔️ Personal websites, press features, speaker bios, and social media branding
Why Choose This Style?
- It gives off a fresh, up-to-date, and forward-thinking impression.
- Works well for professionals who want to appear approachable yet authoritative.
- Perfect for industries where innovation, collaboration, and modernity are valued.
Pro Tip: Opt for a relaxed but confident posture – slight angles, natural smiles, and a comfortable stance can make you look approachable while still maintaining professionalism. Small details, like slightly rolling your shoulders back or tilting your head subtly, can make a big difference in creating a polished yet modern look.
3. Casual and Approachable
This style is designed to make you look warm, inviting, and relatable. It features softer lighting, natural expressions, and sometimes outdoor or relaxed indoor settings. Clothing choices are less formal – think smart casual attire that reflects your personality rather than strict business wear.
Ideal for:
✔️ Coaches, consultants, wellness professionals, and personal brands
✔️ Entrepreneurs who want to connect with their audience on a personal level
✔️ Social media, about pages, blogs, and casual brand materials
Why Choose This Style?
- It makes you appear more approachable and friendly, which is great for personal brands.
- Works well for professionals who emphasize connection, storytelling, and engagement.
- Adds a touch of authenticity to your brand while still looking polished.
Pro Tip: If you want to enhance the “casual yet professional” look, choose an environment that reflects your brand, like a cozy café, co-working space, or natural outdoor setting. You can opt to do the session at a co-working space as well. Check out this list of amazing co-working spaces that we recommend!
4. Environmental Portraits
An environmental portrait places you within a setting that represents your work or brand. Unlike traditional studio headshots, this style showcases you in action, providing a glimpse into your profession or personality. For example, a chef might be photographed in a kitchen, a designer in a creative workspace, or a speaker on stage.
Ideal for:
✔️ Entrepreneurs, creatives, freelancers, and service providers
✔️ Professionals whose workspace or tools play a key role in their identity
✔️ Website banners, editorial spreads, brand storytelling, and marketing materials
Why Choose This Style?
- Tells a deeper story about who you are and what you do.
- Helps establish credibility by showing you in your element.
- Creates a more dynamic and engaging visual for branding purposes.
Pro Tip: Think about environments that will best represent your brand or business. For example, in the image below, it showcases our client in his natural environment and tells a story about his business in the solar panel energy industry. You could consider using props to help tell a brand story.
5. Creative and Artistic
For those who want to stand out, the creative and artistic style breaks away from the norm. These portraits may include dramatic lighting, unique angles, bold colors, conceptual setups, or unconventional posing. This style is about visual storytelling and personality, making it ideal for those in creative industries.
Ideal for:
✔️ Artists, designers, musicians, authors, and creative entrepreneurs
✔️ Individuals who want a standout image that reflects their unique personality
✔️ Social media, portfolio websites, personal branding campaigns, and event promotions
Why Choose This Style?
- Makes a bold statement and captures attention.
- Highlights individuality and creative expression.
- Perfect for those who want to break away from traditional headshots.
Pro Tip: Have a chat with us to create a vision that aligns with your brand. Whether it’s through wardrobe, lighting, or composition, every detail should enhance your creative identity.
How to Choose the Right Style for You
With so many options, how do you decide which style best represents you? Here are a few key factors to consider:
✅ Your Industry & Target Audience – Corporate professionals may lean toward classic styles, while creatives might prefer something more dynamic.
✅ The Purpose of Your Portrait – Will it be used for LinkedIn, your website, or a magazine feature? Choose a style that fits the intended platform.
✅ Your Personality & Brand Identity – Your headshot should feel authentic to who you are and the message you want to convey.
Your corporate headshot or personal branding portrait is more than just a picture – it’s a visual representation of your professional identity. Whether you want to appear authoritative, friendly, innovative, or artistic, the right style can help you achieve your branding goals.
At Stories, we specialize in creating headshots and branding portraits that capture the essence of who you are. Whether you need a classic corporate headshot or a creative personal branding portrait, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life at our studio in Oval Damansara, or at any other meaningful location to you.
Ready to book your session? Contact us today and let’s create the perfect portrait for you!
