If you've ever wondered what expression you should make in your headshot session then this is for you!
Before anyone reads your bio, your resume, or your caption, they read your expression. In a fraction of a second, it communicates confidence, warmth, authority, approachability—or hesitation.
And this is where most people get it wrong. As a Nashville headshot photographer with 15 years of experience, I've spent years helping professionals and creatives create the perfect expression for their professional headshot.
Expression Is Strategy, Not Guesswork
Many clients walk into a headshot session thinking there are only two options:
- A big smile 😁
- A serious face 😐
In reality, expression is nuanced. It’s layered. And when done intentionally, it aligns with how the world experiences you.
Your expression should answer one core question:
How do you want to be perceived before you ever speak?
The Most Common Expression Mistake
Trying to “look professional” by freezing.
A stiff smile or blank face usually comes from overthinking:
- Is my smile too big?
- Do I look confident enough?
- What should I be doing with my face?
That uncertainty of yourself shows up immediately in a photo—especially in the eyes.
Smiling With Your Eyes: The Difference Between Polite and Powerful
A genuine headshot smile doesn’t start with the mouth.
It starts with the eyes.
When people say, “I hate my smile in photos,” what they usually mean is:
My face is smiling, but my eyes aren’t.
Smiling with your eyes creates:
- Warmth without trying too hard
- Confidence without overperforming
- Approachability without losing professionalism
It’s the difference between a posed smile and a connected one.
What “Smiling With Your Eyes” Actually Means
This isn’t about forcing emotion. It’s about presence.
It shows up as:
- Softened eyelids (not wide or tense)
- A relaxed brow
- Subtle engagement—like you’re mid-conversation
This expression reads as authentic, calm, and trustworthy on camera.
When combining your eyes and smile there are three expressions for headshots.
the expression spectrum
the confident neutral
Eyes relaxed, jaw soft, mouth neutral.
This communicates authority and self-assurance. This is ideal for:
- executives
- leaders
The soft smile
A slight smile paired with engaged eyes.
This is one of the most powerful expressions for:
- Coaches
- Therapists
- Creative entrepreneurs
- Women returning to the workforce
It says: I’m confident—and I’m human.
the full expression
Open eyes, genuine smile, natural energy.
these are ideal for:
- speakers
- educators
- creatives
- community-facing brands who want connection at first glance
None of these are “better.” Often we will do all of these in your session. Depending on where they are posted, you typically want different expressions. LinkedIn wants more polished representing authority with socials more welcoming.
However, they’re intentional choices.
Why Smiling With Your Eyes Can’t Be Faked?
This is why expression coaching matters.
You can’t “turn on” a real smile by saying cheese.
But you can access it through:
- Breath
- Grounded posture
- Gentle prompts that bring you out of your head and into your body
This is where guided headshot sessions make all the difference. You’re not being told to smile—you’re being supported into ease.
Expression Matters More Than Retouching
You can retouch skin.
You can’t retouch connection.
A perfectly lit headshot with disengaged eyes will always feel flat.
A photo with authentic presence—even minimal retouching—will always land.
People trust faces that feel real.
Choosing the Right Expression for Your Brand
Before your session, ask yourself:
Where will this image live?
How do I want people to feel when they see me?
What version of myself am I stepping into right now?
Your expression should reflect who you are becoming, not who you were trying to be.
Your headshot isn’t about performing confidence.
It’s about allowing it to show.
✨ If your current headshot feels stiff, forced, or disconnected, it’s not you—it’s the expression. It's time to create an image that reflects your confidence and clarity.
A powerful headshot starts when you stop trying to look right and allow yourself to be seen. Inquire here to chat about updating your headshots today!
