Los Angeles Headshots for Professionals: What to Know Before You Book
If you’re thinking about getting headshots, you’ve probably seen a wide range of styles—from stiff corporate photos to overly styled shoots that don’t quite feel like you.
The truth is, a strong headshot isn’t just about looking polished. It’s about looking like someone people trust, want to work with, and remember.
That’s the difference between a photo you technically “have”… and one you actually use.
Solhaus Media’s Approach to Professional Headshots
I come from a background in photojournalism, which means I’m always looking for the real expression—not the overly posed version of you.
The goal isn’t to make you look like someone else.
It’s to capture you at your most grounded, confident, and natural.
Because those are the images that:
feel believable
translate across platforms
and actually support your work in the real world
Los Angeles Headshot Examples
A selection of headshots that reflect different styles, settings, and use cases—while still staying rooted in natural, believable expression.
Natural light, editorial feel
These tend to feel the most relaxed and approachable, using soft, available light to create images that feel less “posed” and more like a moment. This style works especially well for creatives, founders, and anyone wanting a more modern, less corporate look.
Clean, studio-style headshots
A more polished and controlled approach, typically with a simple background and intentional lighting. These are often used for corporate teams, speaker profiles, and situations where clarity and consistency are key.
Personality-forward / brand-driven
These lean a bit more into storytelling—incorporating movement, environment, or subtle styling choices to reflect someone’s personality or work. Ideal for personal brands, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants their images to feel a little more dynamic.
What Actually Makes a Headshot Work
Most people think it’s about the outfit or the background.
Those things matter—but they’re not the main thing.
Here’s what actually makes the difference:
Expression > pose
The micro-expression is everything. If it feels forced, people can tell.Styling that matches your work
A founder, a speaker, and a creative don’t need the same kind of image.Simplicity
The focus should be on you, not what’s happening behind you.Consistency (when needed)
If you’re building a brand or team presence, cohesion matters more than variety.
How Headshots Are Actually Used
Headshots aren’t just for your LinkedIn profile.
The clients I work with are often using these images for:
Speaker applications and conference bios
Press features and podcast interviews
Website “About” pages
Book covers and launches
Event marketing and promotional materials
So when we shoot, we’re not just thinking about one photo.
We’re thinking about how these images support your visibility long-term.
Think Beyond the Headshot
If you’re taking headshots to promote your business, it’s worth thinking beyond just one image, because most people won’t experience you through a single photo.
A strong headshot is important, but it’s only one piece of how people understand who you are and what you do.
Whether you work in a corporate environment or run your own business, your visuals should also show:
how you work
how you interact with clients or collaborators
what your day-to-day actually looks like
That can include:
behind-the-scenes working moments
client interactions (when appropriate)
lifestyle imagery for social media and marketing
These photos of therapist Sherri Hubbard show her interacting with her patients and illustrate what the day-to-day of her business look like.
If you’re building or refreshing your website, I break this down more in detail here in this blog post: What photos does a business website actually need?
And if you’re thinking about expanding beyond headshots, you can explore:
brand photography (for creatives, service providers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners)
how to prepare for a business/corporate photo shoot (for teams, organizations, companies and corporate enterprises)
how to prepare for a brand shoot (for creatives, service providers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners)
Los Angeles Headshots That Feel Aligned
Headshots aren’t just about keeping websites and LinkedIn profiles up to date. It’s about honoring where you are and where you’re going in your career.
If your organization is ready for its next level, professional Los Angeles corporate headshot session can help tell that story with clarity, consistency, and respect.
From executive headshots to recognition-driven portrait sessions, we create images that support both the moment and your long-term communications.
If you’re looking for headshots that feel natural, grounded, and actually usable across your brand, you can reach out here.
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MEET BERNADETTE
Hi! I'm Bernadette Marciniak, founder of Solhaus Media, specializing in strategic photo and video production for purpose-driven organizations, brands, and non-profits.
With roots in journalism and marketing, I help mission-focused leaders turn their work into powerful, story-driven media that builds trust, inspires donors, and drives impact. From event coverage to brand storytelling, I bring both a journalist's eye for narrative and a strategist's understanding of how content actually gets used.
When I'm not behind the camera, I'm a cat mom of two who loves good pizza, red wine, and way too many true crime documentaries.
Based in Los Angeles, the SF Bay Area, New York, and New Jersey. Working nationwide.
Looking for professional headshots in Los Angeles? See real examples and learn how to create images that feel natural, credible, and actually get used.