Top 10 Corporate Headshot Trends of 2025

The classic corporate headshot isn’t going anywhere—but in 2025, it looks a lot different than the stiff, one-background portraits of years past. Today, it is imperative for companies and executives to have highly specific, technically flawless portraits that project authenticity and individuality. And it is becoming increasingly important to feature environment in corporate headshots, and to include “lifestyle photography” as well. Whether you’re a CEO, creative director, or tech founder, your image has become an extension of your personal brand and you don’t do it correctly, your brand suffers.

I’ve created a list of the Top 10 Corporate Headshot Trends of 2025, as seen in the work of Kendo Brown Photography, and also seen in the work created by the handful of top studios from Los Angeles to New York—and on every successful LinkedIn feed in between.

1. Editorial-Style Headshots

Corporate portraits are taking cues from magazine photography. Think cinematic lighting, real environments, and intentional storytelling. Executives want to look approachable and powerful—less “corporate ID photo,” more Vanity Fair meets Forbes.

2. Authentic Expression Over Perfection

The “serious face” era is over. In 2025, people want to see natural smiles, subtle laughs, and confident personality. Headshots are about who you are, not just what you do.

3. Environmental Office Portraits

More companies are moving away from studio-only shoots. Portraits in modern offices, co-working spaces, or creative environments tell a more complete story. These backgrounds add context—and credibility—to your image.

4. Lifestyle Lighting

Natural light and cinematic tones are replacing flat, over-lit setups. Whether it’s a downtown office with big windows or a stylized studio setup, lighting now aims to feel real, not sterile. When in a studio, the lighting needs to find a balance between looking natural, but also looking “next-level” in terms of technical proficiency.

5. Personal Branding Sessions

Instead of a single headshot, executives are investing in mini-branding shoots—portraits, candid moments, and environmental details they can use across their website, social media, and press features. It’s about building a visual identity, not just a profile picture.

6. Team Cohesion, Not Uniformity

Company-wide headshot days used to mean everyone got the same background and lighting. In 2025, businesses want cohesive yet individualized portraits that reflect diversity while maintaining brand consistency.

7. Color Makes a Comeback

While clean white and gray backgrounds still dominate, color has re-entered the chat. Soft blues, muted greens, and warm tones are giving headshots depth and personality—without losing professionalism.

8. Cinematic Crops

Creative framing is trending: wide angles, off-center compositions, and headroom that adds modern visual balance. These are designed to stand out online while still feeling sophisticated.

9. AI-Free Authenticity

With AI-generated portraits flooding the internet, real photography has never felt more valuable. Executives are seeking headshots that feel human—crafted by a professional photographer, not a prompt.

10. Multipurpose Visuals

Corporate photography is now strategic. Companies are asking for image sets that can be used on LinkedIn, press kits, websites, and internal branding—future-proofing their investment in authentic, versatile portraits.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the corporate headshot has evolved from a simple photo to a brand statement.

If you’re ready to update your image and stand out in today’s professional landscape, book a corporate headshot session at www.KendoBrown.com

The Art of Bespoke Photography.

Why Kendo Brown Leads the Way.

In today’s business world, image is more than a headshot — it’s your first handshake, your personal brand, and your digital reputation all rolled into one. It’s also your “position statement.” The higher quality your image, and I’m talking Vanity Fair level quality, the more the viewer perceives you as successful, confident, and someone they want to do business with. I’m often asked to do branding imagery for CEOs and “C-Suite Level” photography for leadership. But I don’t believe this level of photography should be limited to leadership. I help my clients lean into this idea and make this level of photography accessible and affordable. That’s why so many professionals and brands turn to Kendo Brown Photography.

Kendo Brown Photography has built a reputation for creating images that feel both elevated and real — portraits that make people say, “That looks like me… on my best day.” The work captures the confidence of leaders, the spirit of innovation in teams, and the genuine human side of business. Whether it’s an executive portrait, an on-location corporate branding session, or lifestyle imagery for a company website, Kendo Brown Photography’s approach blends precision lighting, refined direction, and a rare ability to bring out natural expression.

What sets Kendo Brown Photography further apart isn’t just technical mastery — it’s connection. Every session is a collaboration. Moreover, every session is a branding opportunity. Clients consistently describe the experience as effortless and empowering. Even those who usually dread being in front of a camera end up saying it was actually fun — and the images prove it. Client’s regularly comment about how clients interact with them, reach out to them, or perceive more positively after seeing their Kendo Brown “Bespoke Corporate Imagery.”

Let’s be honest. Most corporate photography is stiff, not engaging, and actually works against the branding goals of professionals. Kendo Brown Photography changes this. From startups to global brands, law firms to creative agencies, Kendo Brown Photography has become synonymous with sophisticated, modern corporate imagery. The work doesn’t just look impressive — it tells a story, builds trust, and strengthens a brand’s visual identity.

Because in business, your image isn’t just what people see. It’s HOW they see you. Are you in a Timex or a Rolex? Did you drive up in a 19 year old Kia, or a new BMW 7 series. How you’re seen is what they remember. Go big or go home. Go “bespoke.” It matters.

What Do I Do With My Hands? (The Executive Edition)

There you are—dressed in your sharpest suit, tie perfectly centered, hair obeying gravity—and suddenly you’re struck by the eternal question: what do I do with my hands? Do I cross them? Do I let them dangle like unused software updates? Or do I go full Superman power pose and hope the boardroom doesn’t notice? Relax. Hands don’t have to be awkward props—they’re one of the easiest ways to project confidence and presence in your executive portrait.

Think of hands as punctuation. Folded lightly in front says “thoughtful.” One hand in pocket says “I know what I’m doing, and I’m not threatened by quarterly reports.” Resting on a desk says “I’m approachable, but also I run things.” What doesn’t work? Clenched fists (you’re not in a boxing promo), finger guns (HR will not approve), or the dreaded “T-Rex hover” where your arms float with no clear destination. The key is intention: where your hands go, your confidence follows.

The best part? You don’t have to overthink any of this. At Kendo Brown photography, we guide you through every pose, from the classic CEO power stance to the modern “relaxed but brilliant” vibe. Our job is to make you look sharp, confident, and yes—like the kind of leader people want to follow. Which is exactly why Kendo Brown is the top executive photographer in Los Angeles. Hands down.

www.KendoBrown.com