Should You Smile in Your Professional Headshot?

Your smile is probably the thing that changes the vibe of your headshot the most. People ask me all the time, should I smile in my headshot? Teeth? No Teeth?

The short answer? 9 out of 10 times yes, you should smile. How you smile matters just as much as whether you do though!

Why the Right Kind of Smile Works

A genuine smile (when you can see it in the eyes) can make you look open and confident. It helps people feel like they’re meeting you, not just a posed version of you. When your smile feels forced, though, the photo can feel stiff no matter what else is working in the photo.

It is on your photographer to work with you to get a genuine energetic smile. Don’t over think it, it isn’t your job, that is why you hire a professional photographer.

Now the Big Question: How Much Should You Smile?

Different fields call for different tones. Here’s how I usually break it down (in the most general way possible):

Broader smile (teeth showing): Great if you work in people-focused roles—sales, hospitality, teaching, therapy. It reads as approachable and upbeat.

Subtle smile (closed mouth or softer): Works well for executives, attorneys, or anyone whose work leans more formal. It still shows warmth but keeps things professional.

Neutral or serious look: Usually not what I would recommend. Fine if it fits your brand, but it can come across distant if not done carefully. Ideally, you have some level of smile in your headshot, even a tiny smirk can make a huge difference.

Keep in mind, what matters the most is your personality. What feels like you. People need to look at your headshot and recognize you immediately. If you are a big smiler, then smile. If you never show teeth when taking photos with friends, then you shouldn’t in your headshot.

A Few Tips from Behind the Camera:

Relax your jaw and shoulders. Tension sneaks in fast, especially if you’re thinking too much about smiling “right.” This is most often seen in people who are trying to force a closed mouth smile.

Let your eyes do the work. The best smiles come from the eyes; the mouth just follows. You can tell a genuine from a not genuine smile based on if the eyes are connected to the mouth. Ideally your eyes have some energy in them while smiling.

Try different versions. During a session, experiment. Try some closed mouth smiles as well as open teeth smiles.

The Bottom Line

A good headshot isn’t about posing perfectly; it’s about connection. If you can forget about the camera for a moment, that is always when we get the best shot.

In my studio, I shoot such a wide range of people. Some are attorneys, some tech, healthcare, the arts etc. So the right expression depends on what story you want your photo to tell. Always some level of smile is highly recommended though.

And if you’re unsure, don’t worry. We can experiment during your session. You might be surprised by which image feels most like you.