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Writer's picturePierre Frevol

A Fraction of a Second: The Science Behind Professional Headshots

Imagine you're reviewing election pamphlets for the next commissioner. As you scan through five candidates' photos, you make quick judgments about each one. But how qualified are you to make these assessments based on photos alone? The answer might surprise you.

The Science behind professional headshots: First Impressions

Research by Willis and Todorov reveals that it takes just 46 milliseconds of exposure to a face to form judgments about attractiveness, likeability, trustworthiness, competence, and aggressiveness. More striking still, additional viewing time only increases confidence in these initial judgments rather than significantly changing them. As their research notes, "trait inferences from facial appearance can be characterized as fast, intuitive, System 1 (unconscious) processes."

These split-second evaluations aren't just casual observations. Using MRI technology, the same research team demonstrated that our brains process these facial evaluations automatically and systematically, even without prompting. The process appears to be largely beyond our conscious control.

While we know that appearance encompasses many elements—clothing, context, body language—the face remains our primary source of information. And while physical traits like proportions, age, and skin color play a role, the real driver of our judgments is the emotion expressed by the subject or implied by their features.

Pierre' headshot - what's your first impression?
Pierre' headshot - what's your first impression?

How Science Should Impact Your Next Headshot

Understanding how our brains process headshots leads to several practical implications. The science behind professional headshots tells us that:


1. It Should Be All About Your Face

The density of visual cues in the face far exceeds that of any other feature. Ensure your face is clearly visible even in thumbnail-sized images. Your facial expression matters infinitely more than details like shoe color or background elements.

Make your headshot truly about your head—direct viewers to your facial expression. Avoid hiding behind heavy makeup or posed hands. Keep your outfit professional and simple to avoid drawing attention away from your face.


2. Simplicity is Key, Ambiguity is the Enemy

Follow these guidelines for clarity:

  • Be the only person in the picture

  • Display a clear, unambiguous expression of warmth

  • Use a clean, simple background

  • Minimize accessories and jewelry

  • Keep clothing professional but understated

Remember: confusion suggests risk, risk suggests danger, and danger triggers negative judgments. Clarity breeds confidence.


3. You Don't Have to Be "Photogenic"

First, let's clarify that "being photogenic" is not a fact but a perception. While some people may align more closely with contemporary beauty standards, this has little to do with photographing well. "Photogenic" people are typically those who feel confident in their own skin—it's why young children often photograph so naturally.

A skilled photographer will use proper lighting and positioning to highlight your best features. However, what truly elicits positive judgments of confidence, trustworthiness, and likeability is your natural, genuine expression of happiness.


4. A Glamour Headshot? That's an Oxymoron

It's important to distinguish between headshots and glamour portraits. Glamour photography aims to create an alluring, often mysterious image. These photos typically feature:

  • Half-body or Full-body poses

  • Sophisticated makeup

  • Abundant jewelry

  • Props or posed hands

  • Mysterious or disengaged expressions

While glamour shots can be beautiful and confidence-boosting, they create a fabricated illusion that's inappropriate for professional use. They prioritize artistry over authenticity and ambiguity over clarity—the opposite of what makes an effective headshot.

Save your glamour shots for personal use. When it comes to professional representation, stick to clear, authentic headshots that showcase the real you.


References: (1) Willis and Todorov, 2006 - First Impressions: Making Up Your Mind After a 100-ms Exposure to a Face (2) Todorov, Baron, Oosterhof, 2008 - Evaluating face trustworthiness: a model based approach

(3) R. Hassin & Y. Trope, 2000 - Facing faces: Studies on the cognitive aspects of physiognomy

(4) Montepare & Dobish 2003 - The Contribution Of Emotion Perceptions And Their Overgeneralizations To Trait Impressions

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