Conference Headshots Prep Guide:

Everything you need to know about what to wear, how to pose, and what backgrounds to use for the best conference headshots.

After you’re done reading this prep guide:

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About Our Photoshoots

What Are Conference Headshots?

Conference headshots are a type of business portrait photograph typically used for company websites, LinkedIn profiles, and conference speaking engagements.

Conference speaker headshots focus on showcasing the subject’s professionalism, friendliness, and competence.

In general, the goal is to look both interesting and credible in your field. A selfie or other low-quality image can instantly disqualify your credibility in front of a large audience – particularly if many of the attendees haven’t met you before!

Why Are Conference Headshots Important?

Have you ever met someone that you instantly either liked, or disliked?

Perhaps you knew why you felt that way about them, or perhaps you didn’t, but most people are prone to generating “first impressions” of other people in just 1/8th of a single second. These first impressions can have dramatic impact on who they hire, buy from, and otherwise listen to.

In a conference environment, headshots are oftentimes projected on large screens in front of an audience and/or distributed in print-materials to attendees.

A great headshot is critical for making a good first impression with both your audience and the conference organizer.

What Do I Wear for Conference Headshots?

It depends on your personality, industry and where the photos will be placed!

For more conservative industries like law and finance, we recommend the standard suit-and-tie, or female equivalent.

Otherwise, the best rule-of-thumb is to take a look around LinkedIn to see how peers and senior executives in your industry are dressed. Make sure to pay closer attention to people who are successful vs whomever is in your immediate network.

Remember, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you’re still not sure, then ask us! We’re always happy to provide guidance.

How Do I Pose for Conference Headshots?

No need to go crazy on your poses for your professional headshots. In our sessions, we tend to focus on minimalist poses. We’ve seen other photographers force clients into some truly bizarre poses. But, we avoid this practice like the plague.

We are, after all, showcasing your professionalism — not our photography.

At the beginning of your session, you should warm up with simple and straightforward poses. Simply stand there and smile.

Later, we will work toward some arms-crossed headshots and perhaps a couple candids.

What Backdrops are Best for Conference Headshots?

For more conservative industries like law and finance, we recommend neutral backdrops based in white, gray or black. With those colors, we can get some really crisp shots that convey reliability and consistency. Visit our headshot backgrounds page to see previews of all studio background options.

If you work in creative industries, non-profits, or tech, and you’d like your photos to have a bit more “pop,” feel free to pick a colored studio backdrop or try an outdoor/in-office session. These photos often have a bit more personality.

If you’re a senior executive, entrepreneur or thought-leader, you should probably have several photos of yourself that you can use across platforms. Ideally, you would have a couple outdoor photos to supplement your studio headshots.

If you have the same exact headshot on LinkedIn, the company website, and your conference materials, it can look a bit amateurish.

HeadShots Inc Offers 11 Studio Backdrop Options

How Should I Prepare for Conference Headshots?

There are three keys to preparing for your headshot ahead of time.

First, if possible, try to get some sleep, exercise, and sunshine in the weeks before your session. Our editing team airbrushes your selected photos before delivering them to you, but your preparation will help ensure that the photos look as natural as possible.

Second, make sure to briefly wear your desired clothing a couple days before your session. You want to make sure that your outfits still fits properly and doesn’t need dry cleaning.

Third, take a look at some prior photos of yourself and see if there are any that you particularly like. When you arrive at the studio, show those photos to your photographer, and that will help us find an angle that you find flattering.

What If I’m Not Photogenic or Hate Getting My Photo Taken?

We’ve got you covered! Most portrait photographers are unfortunately guilty of creating a cringe-y environment for their clients. They force you into awkward poses and don’t truly understand what clients are looking for from their session. Either that, or they rush you through the session.

At HeadShots Inc, we strive to create a fun & stress-free environment for every client. At our studio, we play upbeat music and constantly get feedback from the client so that we can work towards an amazing headshot that you’ll be proud to show online.

How Much Do Conference Headshots Cost?

Conference headshots can cost anywhere between $89 and $1500 depending on geography, package, and provider.

When considering pricing, remember to look at a) licensing (who owns the photos) and b) retouching fees.

In terms of licensing, photographers typically only give you ownership for photos that you buy from them. This fee is separate from your “session fee,” which just covers the time spent inside their studio.

If you want to use your photos on a press release, advertisement, magazine, or book cover, you may have to pay additional licensing fees.

For retouching, many photographers charge between $50 and $150 per photo. Calculate those fees into your total session cost.

If you’re looking for a less expensive option, there are also Virtual Headshot services that start at $49/photo.