A professional headshot is your first impression in the business world. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, a corporate website, an acting portfolio, or personal branding, you want to look confident, approachable, and professional. However, one common issue many people face during a session is blinking at the wrong time, resulting in awkward, half-closed eyes.
If you’ve ever received your headshots and thought, “Why do my eyes look half-closed or sleepy?”, you’re not alone! Fortunately, there’s a simple professional headshot photography tip that can help you avoid this problem and ensure your eyes look alert, bright, and engaged in your photos.
Why Blinking Ruins Your Professional Headshots
Blinking at the wrong moment can dramatically impact the quality of your headshot. Here’s why:
✅ It makes you look tired or disengaged – Even a slight mid-blink can give the impression of fatigue or lack of energy.
✅ It reduces eye contact with the viewer – Strong eye contact in a headshot helps build trust and connection.
✅ It can make your expression seem unnatural – A great headshot should capture genuine and expressive eyes.
✅ It wastes valuable shots – The more you blink, the harder it is to get a perfect image without excessive retouching.
So how do you fix this issue? The answer is simple yet effective.
A Simple Trick to Keep Your Eyes Fresh in Business Portraits
One of the easiest ways to prevent accidental blinking during a headshot session is to use this pro tip:
➡️ Before the shutter clicks, close your eyes for a second, then open them just as the photographer takes the shot.
This technique works because it resets your eyes, making them look more awake, natural, and expressive. Many people unknowingly hold tension in their eyes during a session, leading to a stiff or strained appearance. By blinking intentionally and reopening your eyes right before the photo, you eliminate unnecessary squinting or fatigue, giving your headshot a natural, vibrant look.
Headshot Photography Tips for a Perfect Corporate Image
Want to take your headshots to the next level? Here are additional pro tips to ensure your eyes look their best in photos:
✅ Hydrate & Get Rest – Puffy or tired eyes are harder to fix in post-production. Stay well-hydrated and get enough sleep before your session.
✅ Limit Caffeine – While coffee helps you stay alert, too much can cause eye twitching or dryness, making it harder to keep a steady, natural gaze.
✅ Use Eye Drops if Necessary – If your eyes tend to get dry or red under studio lights, lubricating eye drops can help keep them refreshed.
✅ Look Slightly Above the Camera Lens – Instead of staring directly into the lens, looking slightly above it creates a more engaging and confident expression.
✅ Trust Your Photographer – A professional photographer knows how to capture your best angles. If you’re worried about blinking, let them know—they can work around it!
The Best Posing Techniques for Natural Expressions in Headshots
When preparing for your corporate, branding, or LinkedIn headshot, keep these posing techniques in mind:
📸 Relax Your Shoulders & Jaw – Tension in these areas can make your expression look stiff.
📸 Smile Naturally – Avoid forced smiles; think of a positive thought to create genuine expressions.
📸 Use the “Squinch” Technique – A subtle squint (narrowing the lower eyelids slightly) adds a confident, engaging look to your photos.
📸 Angle Your Face Slightly – Instead of facing the camera head-on, turn slightly to one side for a more flattering and professional composition.
Why a Professional Headshot is Essential for Your Brand
In today’s digital world, your headshot is your online handshake. Whether you’re a business professional, entrepreneur, actor, or influencer, people judge your credibility based on your profile picture.
A high-quality headshot can help you:
✔ Stand out on LinkedIn and business profiles
✔ Make a strong first impression on clients and colleagues
✔ Increase engagement on social media and personal websites
✔ Boost confidence in networking and personal branding
If you’re in need of a professional headshot session, I offer high-quality corporate, business, and personal branding headshots in New Jersey and New York City. My goal is to make you look your best by capturing your most natural and confident self.
📅 Book your headshot session today! Contact me to schedule your shoot and let’s create a professional image that truly represents you.
Final Thoughts
Blinking during headshots can be frustrating, but with this simple blink-before-the-shot trick, you can ensure that your eyes look bright, open, and natural in every photo. Combined with expert lighting, proper posing, and a relaxed mindset, this technique will help you achieve the perfect headshot for LinkedIn, business websites, acting portfolios, and personal branding.
If you’re looking for top-tier headshot photography in NYC or New Jersey, I’m here to help. Let’s create a standout professional image that elevates your brand.
📩 Ready for a new headshot? Contact me today!