5 Reasons Why Women In Business Need Professional Headshots

I still remember it like it happened yesterday. I got a call from Lisa, the founder of a sustainable beauty brand.

“My business just hit 7 figures, Vikrant!” she said excitedly.

“Oh wow, Lisa, congratulations! This is huge!” I exclaimed.

“Thanks, but I’m worried about something else,” she sounded anxious.

“What happened?” I asked.

“A big business magazine approached me for a feature article about my recent milestone. They’ve asked me to share some headshots.”

“Wow, that’s fantastic!” I said excitedly.

“I don’t have a headshot. Nothing recent, at least. The ones I have are from 5 years ago, when I started my business. And they don’t feel like…me,” she added.

She sent me her current set of photos—behind-the-scenes, casual team shots, and a selfie included in her investor deck. But none of them reflected her true personality, authority, warmth, and fierceness.

I booked her session a week after our call, and we sat down for her pre-shoot consultation the next day. She didn’t want a glamor shoot—she wanted to show up as a dynamic visionary.

A week later, that’s exactly what we did. We captured images that portrayed her as a grounded leader who was confident, capable, and charismatic.

Her email inbox and social media DMs lit up when the magazine feature came out. Less than a week after the magazine was released, she secured two retail partnerships that she had been eyeing for a while. A few months later, she told me that the image became her most valuable brand asset.

This is just an example of how professional headshots step up your branding game. They are your first impression, so they don’t just “show” you, they “position” you. They pave the way for partnerships, press, investment, and growth. And often, they decide whether people will deem you worthy of meeting or not.

Previously reserved only for senior leadership or business owners, corporate headshots have now become integral to everybody. It builds trust, authority, and fosters storytelling, whether you’re a coach, an entrepreneur, or a corporate employee.

For women in leading roles, more often than not, I’ve noticed that they tend to shy away from getting professional headshots. That alone costs them a lot of growth opportunities. In this blog, I’m going to talk about five reasons why every corporate woman needs a professional headshot.

Making a Strong First Impression

Research suggests that having a professional headshot, especially on LinkedIn, can help you get 21x more profile views and 36x more messages.1

First impressions are everything, especially in a professional context. Social media, LinkedIn, and your website can help make that impression online. For corporate or business women, the right visuals are key in building trust and credibility with potential clients and partners.

In the US, women-owned businesses make up 39.1% of all businesses.2 While in corporate America, women leaders take 39% of mid-management and nearly 30% of senior & C-suite roles.3

Most women I’ve met are either hesitant to invest in themselves or simply don’t know what a good professional headshot can do. A high-quality headshot tells people that you’re confident, capable, and credible, and take your career seriously.

What most women don’t realize is that when you don’t use impactful business headshots, people often assume things about you. They think that adding a casual selfie or outdated portraits can do the job. After all, you just have to add a photo of yourself, right?

But that’s not the case. How you present yourself online is important because your executive headshot can open the right doors for you. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Look: Choose a look that matches your current brand. Your hair, makeup, and wardrobe aren’t just a vanity—they’re a powerful visual strategy. They show confidence, clarity, and care.

Energy: Make sure your headshot isn’t a stiff pose, but should reflect your personality. It should show your energy.

Impact: Your headshot should not feel disassociated from the job you do or the influence you hold on your work.

Building Trust & Credibility

You’ve spent years building your brand and your expertise. You’ve led teams and achieved results. But when it comes to that big promotion, media feature, or investor pitches, nothing speaks louder than a polished executive headshot.

I know some high-achieving women who still think, “It’s just a photo, what difference does it make?” Most of these women will use a cropped vacation picture or a selfie taken years ago, which no longer reflects who they are.

But here’s the thing: when it comes to leadership, image and credibility go hand-in-hand. Your headshot becomes the first proof of your professionalism, and answers a critical question: Can I trust her?

Pro Tip: Your headshot should reflect the level you’re working at. Whether you’re a corporate executive, a life coach, or an entrepreneur, your headshot should reflect that. Let your posture, expression, and gaze reflect the calm power you’ve earned. Don’t use images that don’t reflect your growth.

Strengthening Personal Branding

As a woman in business, your executive headshot is a key part of your personal branding in the long term. Your values, leadership style, and story—they all make up who you are. A professional headshot works hard to visually communicate your leadership—your confidence, authority, and approachability.

Especially for female leaders, a well-crafted headshot updated across social media, website, email signatures, and LinkedIn is critical in shaping their overall perception. It shows that you’re serious about your work, and how you show up—leading with intention. This matters a lot, whether you’re aiming for senior management or taking your business to the next level.

Pro Tip: Choose a photographer who takes time to know your brand as a leader and understands your vision. Before your session, ask yourself: What do I want people to feel when they see this photo? Make sure to align your styling and expression with your leadership style. As a headshot & branding photographer in Philadelphia, I work with you to create images that reflect not just how you look, but who you’ve become—and where you’re going next.

Empowering Women in Leadership Roles

Most women who have walked into my studio for a headshot tell me they’re not photogenic or are camera-shy. They see themselves in a whole different light once the session is completed. Not because I made them into something they’re not, but because I capture them at their most powerful, relaxed, and confident selves.

Long before the image others see, you see yourself. And confidence is contagious. People respond to what you project—whether it’s for a business pitch, networking, or online posts.

My sessions change the way women leaders see themselves—bold, confident, and approachable. And when you show up as a leader, doors open.

Your Most Versatile Brand Asset

Most of us update our wardrobes more often than we update our headshots. But a high-quality headshot is the one thing that shows up everywhere online, often without your physical presence.

As you grow and advance in your career, so does your brand image. Whether you get a promotion, change companies, or hit a major business milestone—each deserves a fresh visual narrative.

For women leaders, a polished business headshot is a worthwhile investment that they can make. Getting a headshot from a professional photographer saves you time, frustration, and substandard results.

As a woman in business, your professional headshots can be used in a variety of ways. It works for:

Your website/company website and leadership pages
Your social media platforms and LinkedIn
Conferences, Podcasts, and Author Bios
Speaking engagements and media kits
Pitches, Proposals, and Investor Decks
Featured blog posts and articles

Conclusion: Invest in Your Future

For women leaders, a headshot is more than just a photo—it is a strategic plan and an investment in your future. It’s a solid move that positions you for visibility, credibility, and connection in every space you step into.

By making a strong first impression, building trust & credibility, strengthening your brand, empowering yourself as a leader, and having a versatile brand asset, you are setting yourself up for success.

So ask yourself: Are you ready to be seen the way you deserve?

If you’re in the Philadelphia area—or open to traveling for the right result—I’d love to work with you. Let’s create headshots that feel like you, speak to your goals, and elevate your brand. Book your headshot session with Vikrant Photography to capture your confident, empowered self.

Sources:

Inspired by: