Headshots for Women: 15 Years, Hundreds of Businesswomen, Executives and Founders

That is the sentence I hear more than any other. From senior lawyers, from doctors, from founders, from executives. Talented women, confident in their field — and tense in front of a camera.

So here is what I've learned after 15 years: they're not right. They simply never got the right direction.

Why a headshot matters especially for businesswomen

In a business world where a first impression is decided in seconds, a professional headshot isn't a luxury — it's a business tool. Businesswomen, executives, founders and freelancers who invest in a professional headshot report more inquiries, the ability to charge higher rates, and above all — a feeling that the photo finally reflects who they really are.

A profile with a professional photo gets 14 times more inquiries. And for a woman who is the "face of her business" — the photo is the shop window.

The unique challenge of headshots for women

Most of the women who come to me say exactly the same sentence: "I don't photograph well." That isn't true. What is true is that most women never got the right direction in front of the camera. And without the right direction, no one photographs well.

There's an added challenge: women are often more aware of how they look, and bring more tension to the shoot. My job is to break that tension down before the camera starts shooting.

Makeup — not an option, an investment

The camera picks up everything — including redness, shine and uneven skin that you'd never notice in everyday life. Professional makeup for photography is different from everyday makeup — it's matched to the studio's strong lighting, neutralises problem areas and highlights features in a flattering way.

An important clarification: the makeup doesn't show in the photos. In the photos you look natural — that's exactly the goal.

Another tip: avoid facial treatments or hair removal in the week before the shoot. Give your skin time to recover.

Hair — almost as important as the makeup

Hair matters a great deal in a headshot, and it's very hard to fix in editing. It's best to book a haircut or colour about 5-7 days before the shoot — not the day before — so the hair looks natural and not "too fresh."

Wardrobe — three simple rules

Solid colour — avoid prints, stripes and busy patterns. They pull the eye away from your face — and that's where the story is.

Flattering fit — a garment that sits right makes you look and feel good. One that sits badly steals the show.

Several sets — bring two or three different sets. We'll choose together based on the message you want to convey. Sometimes the set we end up choosing is exactly the one you never thought you'd wear.

As for jewellery — delicate earrings yes; necklaces and large pieces usually distract from the face.

Body language — what the camera picks up

Gaze — straight into the camera, not looking away. That conveys confidence.

Shoulders — open, not tensed. Tensed shoulders convey insecurity.

Expression — a smile that reaches the eyes, not just the mouth. The difference between a genuine smile and a forced one registers instantly.

Angle — a slight tilt of the head to the side adds life and softens the look. A completely straight gaze feels more formal — each woman according to the message she wants to convey.

Not every businesswoman needs the same photo

Lawyer — authority and seriousness. A suit, a direct gaze, classic lighting.

Therapist or psychologist — warmth and approachability. A soft expression, soft lighting, a slightly tilted head.

Tech founder — confidence and energy. Smart clothing, an energetic look.

Public figure — a blend of professionalism and humanity. A photo that says "you can rely on me, and you can also talk to me."

Preparing before the shoot — a checklist

A week before: haircut or colour, brow shaping, preparing clothes.

Two days before: drink plenty of water, sleep well, avoid salt and alcohol.

The day of the shoot: arrive relaxed, professional makeup, three sets on hangers.

Sharon Gabay — headshots for women

For 15 years I've photographed women from every field — politicians, lawyers, doctors, founders and media professionals. I know most women arrive tense in front of the camera — and I know how to break that tension down.

➜ Let's plan a relaxed session that finally shows the confident professional you already are →

Questions and Answers

1. Do I have to bring a makeup artist to a women's headshot session? It's highly recommended. Professional makeup for photography is matched to the studio's strong lighting. In the way I work, the lighting is set up so that even without a professional makeup artist the photo comes out natural and flattering.

2. What should I wear for a women's headshot? Solid-colour clothing without prints, that sits well on the body. Bring two or three different sets and we'll choose together based on the message you want to convey.

3. How do you deal with feeling insecure in front of the camera? A briefing conversation before the shoot, direction throughout the session and a relaxed working pace all help release the tension and reach the natural, genuine photo.

4. Is it worth having facial treatments before the shoot? Yes — but not in the week before. Give your skin time to recover. Two weeks before the shoot is the recommended timing.

5. How long does a women's headshot session last? A standard session lasts 60-90 minutes, depending on the package and the number of sets.