Everyone has something they worry about before a headshot session. Glasses that catch the light. A bald head that reflects it. Skin that's having a bad week. These aren't vanity concerns. They're practical problems with practical solutions, and knowing how to handle them before the camera comes out makes the difference between a headshot you use and one you delete.

This guide organizes everything by the specific concern. Find yours, get the fix, move on.

How do I look good in a headshot?

Looking good in a headshot comes down to three things: soft lighting that fills shadows rather than creating them, proper camera angle (slightly above eye level), and a genuine expression. Wear solid colors that contrast with your skin tone, ensure your clothing is wrinkle-free, and position your chin slightly forward and down to define your jawline. Professional photographers call this "the turtle" move.

The most overlooked factor is expression. A forced smile looks worse than a neutral expression. Practice finding a natural, confident expression in a mirror before the session. Think about something that genuinely makes you feel positive rather than trying to manufacture a smile from nothing.

What if I'm not photogenic enough for a headshot?

"Not photogenic" usually means "haven't found the right lighting and angle yet." Everyone photographs well under the right conditions. Soft, diffused light from slightly above eliminates harsh shadows. A camera positioned 5-10 degrees above eye level is more flattering than straight-on or below. Professional headshot photographers (and AI headshot generators) use these techniques automatically to make everyone look their best.

The difference between an unflattering photo and a great headshot isn't your face. It's controlled lighting, proper framing, and knowing which angles work for your features. AI headshot tools like Narkis.ai generate dozens of variations so you can select the angles and lighting that work best for you.

Glasses

Glasses create two problems in headshots: glare and distortion. Glare happens when light bounces off the lens surface, creating white spots that obscure your eyes. Distortion happens when thick lenses alter the apparent shape or size of your eyes.

Solutions:

• Tilt the glasses slightly downward (2-3 degrees) to angle reflections away from the camera
• Use anti-reflective coated lenses if you have them
• Position the main light higher and slightly to the side rather than directly in front
• Bring a second pair of frames with the lenses removed for fallback shots
• In post-production: minor glare can be retouched, but it's better to prevent it

AI headshot generators handle glasses well because the lighting is simulated and can be adjusted to eliminate glare entirely.

For the complete guide, see Headshots with Glasses.

Baldness

A bald or shaved head photographs differently than hair. The scalp reflects light, which means lighting setup matters more. Without hair to frame the face, the background and clothing choices carry more visual weight.

Solutions:

• Matte moisturizer or anti-shine product on the scalp before shooting
• Diffused lighting (softbox or large window) rather than hard, directional light
• Slightly lower camera angle to reduce the visible scalp area
• Darker backgrounds create stronger contrast with lighter scalp tones
• Avoid overhead lighting, which creates hot spots on the crown

For the complete guide, see Headshots for Bald Men.

Acne and Skin Texture

Active breakouts, acne scars, and uneven skin texture are among the most common headshot concerns. The goal isn't to make skin look artificially perfect. It's to ensure skin concerns don't become the focal point of the image.

Solutions:

• Soft, diffused lighting minimizes the appearance of texture by reducing shadows in pores and scars
• Front lighting (butterfly or clamshell) is more forgiving than side lighting, which emphasizes texture
• Light foundation or concealer on active spots (for any gender) reduces redness without creating a mask
• Post-production retouching can reduce blemishes while preserving natural skin texture
• Time your session for the middle of your cycle if hormonal breakouts follow a pattern

The line between helpful retouching and dishonest alteration matters. Your headshot should look like you on a good day, not like someone else.

For the complete guide, see Headshots with Acne.

Wrinkles and Aging

Lines, creases, and changes in skin elasticity are facts of life. The question isn't whether to show them but how to light and photograph them so they read as character rather than as the primary feature of the image.

Solutions:

• Soft, frontal lighting fills fine lines with light rather than creating shadows in them
• Avoid hard side lighting, which deepens every wrinkle
• Retouching should reduce, not eliminate. Remove the shadow but keep the line. The goal is 'well-rested version of yourself'
• Clothing and background choices matter more with age. Clean, contemporary styling keeps the overall image current

For the complete guide, see Headshots with Wrinkles.

Double Chin

Nearly everyone has some submental fullness depending on the angle. It's one of the most common headshot concerns and one of the easiest to solve without retouching.

Solutions:

• Push the chin slightly forward and down (the 'turtle' move). It feels awkward but photographs well
• Camera slightly above eye level forces the chin to angle away
• Jawline lighting: a light placed slightly below and to the side defines the jaw
• Avoid straight-on shots at or below chin level
• Wear a V-neck or open collar to lengthen the neck visually

For the complete guide, see How to Hide a Double Chin in Headshots.

Plus Size

The concern isn't hiding your body. It's ensuring the headshot represents you at your best through framing, angles, and clothing choices that flatter rather than distort.

Solutions:

• Head-and-shoulders framing naturally focuses on the face
• Slight body angle (20-30 degrees from camera) adds dimension
• Dark, solid clothing creates a clean silhouette
• V-necklines elongate the torso and neck
• Avoid boxy or horizontal-striped clothing

For the complete guide, see Headshots for Plus Size.

Braces

Braces are temporary, but your headshot might be used for years. The decision is whether to shoot before, during, or after orthodontic treatment.

Solutions:

• If treatment ends within 2-3 months, consider waiting
• If you need a headshot now: smile with a closed mouth or a slight, natural smile that shows minimal hardware
• Clear or ceramic braces photograph less prominently than metal
• Retouching can reduce the visual impact of braces without removing them entirely
• Some people prefer to show braces, especially in industries where authenticity matters

For the complete guide, see Headshots with Braces.

Curly and Textured Hair

Curly hair adds volume, movement, and visual interest to headshots. The challenge is managing it so it enhances the image rather than competing with your face for attention.

Solutions:

• Style your hair the way you normally wear it. Don't straighten it for the headshot if you wear it curly daily
• Humidity control: shoot indoors or on low-humidity days to minimize frizz
• Leave room in the frame for volume. Tight crops can cut off hair and look awkward
• Wind machines and fans create chaos with curly hair. Avoid them
• Diffused lighting handles texture better than hard light

For the complete guide, see Headshots for Curly Hair.

Beard and Facial Hair

A well-groomed beard looks professional in headshots. An unkempt one doesn't. The line is grooming, not existence.

Solutions:

• Trim and shape your beard 1-2 days before the shoot (not the morning of, to avoid razor bumps)
• Define the neckline and cheek line. Clean edges photograph well
• Use beard oil or balm to reduce wild hairs and add healthy sheen
• Lighting matters: side lighting defines the texture of a full beard. Front lighting minimizes thin or patchy areas
• Gray beards photograph fine. Own it

For the complete guide, see Headshots with a Beard.

No Makeup

Plenty of people, across all genders, prefer headshots without makeup. The concern is whether skin reads as polished enough for professional use without cosmetic enhancement.

Solutions:

• Skincare is the real prep: moisturize, address redness, get enough sleep the nights before
• Lighting does 80% of the work that makeup does. Soft, diffused, frontal lighting creates even skin tones naturally
• A tinted moisturizer or SPF with slight coverage is a middle ground that doesn't feel like 'wearing makeup'
• Post-production can even out skin tone without making it look like foundation was applied

For the complete guide, see Headshots Without Makeup.

Smile vs. No Smile

This isn't really a physical concern but it's the single most asked question before any headshot session. The answer depends on your industry and audience.

General rule: If your job involves clients trusting you with their money, health, or legal problems, a measured, confident expression works better than a big grin. If your job involves being approachable, creative, or collaborative, a genuine smile opens doors.

For the complete guide with industry-specific recommendations, see Smile vs. No Smile in Headshots.

Older Adults

Professional headshots aren't just for twenty-somethings building their first LinkedIn profile. Career changes, board appointments, speaking engagements, and consulting work all require current headshots well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Solutions:

• Soft lighting reduces harsh shadows that deepen age lines
• Contemporary styling (clothing, grooming) keeps the image current regardless of age
• Retouching should be minimal. Remove distracting blemishes. Keep the character
• Update every 2-3 years rather than using a photo from a decade ago

For the complete guide, see Headshots for Older Adults.

Hats

Some people wear hats as part of their professional identity (chefs, religious headwear, cultural significance) or personal style. The question is whether hats work in professional headshots.

The rule: If you wear a hat every day and people recognize you with it, include it. If it's occasional, leave it off. The headshot should match how people encounter you in real life.

For the complete guide, see Professional Headshot with a Hat.

Using AI Headshots for Any Concern

AI headshot generators like Narkis.ai offer a specific advantage for many of these concerns: you can generate multiple versions and choose the one where lighting, angle, and expression best address your specific situation. No photographer fatigue, no session time pressure, and the ability to regenerate until you're satisfied.

For a broader overview, see our complete professional headshots guide or the AI headshots guide.