What Type of Headshot Do You Need? A Guide to Corporate, Lifestyle, Environmental, and Creative Headshots
Not all headshots are created equal.
Environmental headshots include your space or surroundings to tell a deeper brand story.
Lifestyle headshots feel relaxed and personal—perfect for entrepreneurs, creatives, and personal brands.
Creative headshots are bold, styled, and editorial—great for artists, press kits, or standout brand visuals
CORPORATE
Professional, Polished, and On-Brand
Corporate headshots are ideal for executives, teams, and professionals who need a clean, credible image for websites, press kits, LinkedIn, and beyond. These are designed to communicate confidence, expertise, and approachability — all in one frame.
Best for: Leadership teams, financial services, law firms, healthcare, real estate
LIFESTYLE
Natural, Elevated, and Personal
Lifestyle headshots feel like you, just more refined. They blend authenticity with intention, often shot in styled indoor spaces with natural light and warm tones. These are perfect if you’re a coach, entrepreneur, or creative who wants to look approachable, stylish, and aligned with your brand.
Best for: Creatives, personal brands, coaches, authors, interior designers
ENVIRONMENTAL
Your Brand in Its Element
Environmental headshots are taken in real-life settings that matter to your story. Your office, a coffee shop, a stage, or even your home. These are for people who want their surroundings to support their message and show more than just a smile.
Best for: Founders, thought leaders, hospitality, speakers, lifestyle brands
CREATIVE
Bold, Artistic, and Unforgettable
Creative headshots push boundaries with lighting, styling, and posing. Think editorial energy meets personal storytelling. Whether you want something moody, colorful, expressive, or a little unexpected, this is where your imagination gets to show up too.
Best for: Artists, performers, models, visionaries, rebrands, press kits, speaker tours
Still not sure what kind of headshot is right for you?
Let’s talk about your goals and find the perfect fit for your brand and budget. ✨
FAQs
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There are several common types: corporate, lifestyle, environmental, and creative. Each serves a different purpose depending on your career, brand, or goals.
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Think about where and how you'll use the image. Corporate headshots are ideal for professional platforms, lifestyle and environmental shots tell your story, and creative headshots are best for bold, brand-driven statements.
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A corporate headshot is a clean, professional photo often used for company websites, LinkedIn profiles, and business materials. It usually features a simple background and professional attire.
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Lifestyle headshots are more relaxed and personal. They’re typically taken in styled or real-world environments and are great for creatives, entrepreneurs, or anyone building a personal brand.
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An environmental headshot includes part of your surroundings—like your office, workspace, or a relevant location. It helps tell a visual story about what you do.
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Creative headshots are more styled and expressive. They’re often editorial in feel, and ideal for artists, authors, performers, or anyone wanting to make a bold impression.
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Yes. Many sessions are designed to include multiple looks, locations, or lighting setups so you can walk away with a variety of images for different uses.
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A clean, professional corporate headshot is best for LinkedIn. Neutral backgrounds, polished attire, and confident posture work well on this platform.
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Yes, especially if you’re a small business owner, creative, or entrepreneur. Lifestyle headshots can show personality and approachability while still looking professional.
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Environmental headshots focus more on telling a story through location or setting tied to your work. Lifestyle headshots are more about personal brand and aesthetic.
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It depends on your goals. Many people use a formal headshot for LinkedIn, a lifestyle shot for their website or About page, and a creative portrait for press or branding.
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For corporate headshots, stick with clean lines and classic styles. Lifestyle and creative headshots give you more freedom to show your style. For environmental shots, wear something that fits the setting and your brand.
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Every 1–2 years is a good rule of thumb, or whenever your appearance, role, or brand changes significantly.
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Yes. I work closely with every client to choose the right headshot style based on their goals, and I offer support with wardrobe, hair and makeup, and creative direction.
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You can, but having a variety allows you to show up differently depending on the platform—whether it's LinkedIn, your website, a podcast feature, or a speaking engagement.