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