Speaker Headshots: Preparation, Formats and Event Handoff
TL;DR: Speaker headshots are professional portraits supplied with your bio. Your headshot might be the first impression you make with an audience. Having an up-to-date headshot helps event attendees recognize you, and provides conference and event organizers a professional headshot to accompany your bio and use for speaker promotion. For public speakers, podcast hosts and communications teams, this article will walk you through planning speaker headshots, from expression and lighting to media kit formatting and sharing your speaker headshot with event organizers.
Where conference speaker headshots are used
Professional headshots of speakers can be used by event organizers to promote events, on speaker pages, event pages, in printed programs, and more. Make sure you’re comfortable with how they’ll be using your photo. Ask event planners if they’ll be featuring your headshot on a website/app and/or in promotional materials. Get details on size (in pixels), aspect ratio, file format, and when they need it by. Remember that an image that’s perfect as a small square on a website may not translate well on a poster that runs the height of a page.
You can use your professional speaker headshot(s) on your speaker one sheet, in your media/press kit, on your website, in your speaker reel, as artwork for your podcast, on your book covers, etc. Just make sure the image is cropped appropriately and you have permissions to use it.
Photos of you speaking serve a different purpose from professional speaker headshots. While images of you in action are great for event recaps, you’ll still want to have professional speaker headshots available in case organizers would like to include one with your bio.
Your first impression: expression, lighting and personal brand
Lighting
Lighting in your headshot should be flattering and professional. Check focus, resolution and whether the lighting direction and contrast fit the portrait.
Expression
You want your headshot to reflect who you are now, in terms of appearance as well as your speaking style and personality. Think about what expression will convey your professional image while also letting your personality shine through and helping your audience recognize you.
Framing
Plan ahead for different uses by making sure there’s plenty of room above your head and around your head and shoulders so organizers can crop as needed. Think about how a square crop will look as well as a wider image (with room for your talk title, etc.). Always make sure the full-res file and thumbnail look good, and you can’t add in areas that weren’t included in the original image.
Professional headshots for busy speakers
Professional speaker headshots can be done by any photographer you like, including Match. We offer in-studio (in our Midtown studio), on-location and remote speaker headshots (remote sessions are directed by our photographer). Learn more about booking speaker headshots.
Before booking a headshot session, be sure to check out the photographer’s portfolio and past client work to make sure you like their style, from lighting and retouching to posing and expression.
Media kit formats, retouching and organizer handoff
Many times event organizers will request a headshot when you’re accepted to speak at their event, but other times they won’t. If you have a headshot you love, consider offering it up. You can also include your headshot in your speaker one sheet or media/press kit to make it readily available. Choose who approves the photo, label the approved file with the person’s name, crop and version, and store it with the current bio. Use the same approved portrait on the event site and online pre-event networking profiles.
Placement | Confirm before delivery |
|---|---|
Event website or app | Square or portrait crop, pixel dimensions and upload limit |
Speaker one sheet or press kit | Layout, image size, file format and usage permission |
Printed program or poster | Final print size and the designer's resolution requirements |
Social profiles and podcast artwork | Safe crop area, small-size clarity and space for graphics |
Public speaker headshots for keynote speakers
Wondering what makes a great headshot for keynote speakers? Plenty. Check out portrait examples to help plan speaker headshots, from classic black and white portraits to environmental headshots, below.
Speaker headshot examples
Folded arms and a direct, smiling expression.
An off-camera profile against a warm background.
Suit and tie in a wider portrait.
A seated portrait with hands on a table.
Hands together against a colored background.
A standing portrait with a pale backdrop.
A wider seated black-and-white portrait.
A relaxed smile and a green shirt.
An environmental portrait with room around the subject.
A seated portrait in a red jacket.
Speaker Headshots FAQ
What should I wear to my speaker headshot session?
You’ll want to wear something that fits with your personal brand, think about what you’d typically wear to speak at an event and how you’d want to be introduced to that audience. We recommend starting with solid colors or subtle textures. You can always test out more statement-making pieces like bold patterns and colors, metallics or large accessories, just be sure to review your images at their intended display size to make sure they look professional even when displayed small. If you’re unsure what to wear, finance headshots can be a great resource for inspiration. Compare different outfits within the selected session’s outfit allowance.
How should I pose for speaker headshots?
When trying poses for speaker headshots, less is typically more. While you don’t want to look stiff, you also don’t want to overthink it or worry about acting out a stage performance. Stand (or sit) up straight with relaxed shoulders. From there you can experiment with facing the camera head on for a classic look or turning your body slightly for a more dynamic image. Let your photographer guide you through subtle adjustments to your chin and eye line.
Should I smile in my speaker headshot?
That’s up to you. You want your headshot to convey professionalism and authenticity. Some speakers opt for a reserved expression while others prefer to showcase a bright smile. If you’re torn, have your photographer capture both and review the images together to decide which feels on-brand and captures your personality.
What’s the best lighting for speaker headshots?
The right speaker headshot lighting depends on the overall look you’re going for, and soft diffused lighting is one option. If natural light is too intense, your photographer can adjust the setup to soften harsh shadows.
What background should I choose for my speaker headshots?
There are plenty of great options here. Many speakers opt for a simple, neutral background for a classic image that can be used in a variety of ways. Others prefer incorporating an element of color or an environmental detail like a bookshelf or office equipment into their speaker headshots. There’s no wrong answer here, just keep in mind the overall aesthetic you’re going for and make sure the background complements your face and doesn’t compete with it for attention.
How many final speaker photos do I get?
The number of final speaker headshots you receive depends on the selected package or proposal. Confirm retouched finals separately from captured frames and proof-gallery images. Be sure to discuss how many images you’ll receive, as well as session length and other important details before booking the photoshoot.
Can I get speaker headshots remotely?
Absolutely. Remote headshots are captured on your phone with guidance from a professional photographer directing the shoot. This can be a great option if traveling to your photographer isn’t feasible. Be sure to discuss background, lighting and other expectations with your photographer before your appointment so you can prep your space accordingly. Send photos of the available space; the current package or proposal defines delivery and included files.
Where can I get professional speaker headshots in NYC?
You can book in person speaker headshots at our Midtown studio at 545 8th Ave, Suite 2111. Share travel and rehearsal windows, then confirm the session’s duration, outfit allowance and finished image count.
Need speaker headshots on-location?
We’d love to help. To get started with on-location speaker headshots just let us know:
- The event/office address
- Photos of the room(s) you’re envisioning shooting in (if available)
- Approximate dimensions of the space(s) you’re envisioning shooting in
- Any special access instructions
- How many people need to be photographed and a participant roster
Please note that on-location speaker headshots require additional set up and tear down time in addition to shooting time. One presenter and an entire team program have different scope. If you need headshots for multiple presenters, we recommend discussing how photos will be selected/approved in advance so we can best estimate the time required.
A close portrait with an office background.
Folded arms and a dark buttoned layer.
A patterned top in a close portrait.
How are speaker headshots different from executive headshots?
There’s no definitive answer here, some speakers will opt for very formal, corporate-style images while others will embrace more creative, editorial concepts. Ultimately you want your speaker headshot to convey professionalism, confidence, credibility and approachability.
Where can speaker headshots be used?
Speaker headshots can be used in a variety of ways including on event websites/apps, speaker one sheets/media kits, printed programs/posters, etc.
What style of speaker headshots should I choose?
There’s no wrong answer here. Some speakers will opt for more formal, business-focused images while others will go for more editorial or lifestyle concepts. Ultimately you want your speaker headshot to convey professionalism, confidence and approachability.
Do speaker headshots get retouched?
Depending on your photographer and/or retoucher, post-production may help create a polished photo after your speaker headshot session. Be sure to discuss expectations with your photographer in advance, for example some clients may want temporary blemishes and fly-aways removed but still want to retain natural skin texture and identifying features. It’s important to convey what you’re envisioning so your photographer/retoucher can provide images that align with your expectations. Keep skin tone and editing consistent across approved versions for different platforms.
Should I get black and white speaker headshots?
It can be handy to request a color version and, when the design needs it, a high-contrast black-and-white version of your speaker headshot for a media kit or printed program.
How often should I update my speaker headshots?
There’s no hard and fast rule here. If there’s been a significant change in your appearance, role, personal brand, or the available crop no longer fits a new event, it may be time to consider a new headshot.
Can I use the same speaker headshot on LinkedIn?
Yes, when the framing and usage terms fit both. Just be sure to check dimensions and company background requirements for LinkedIn profiles and other social profiles to ensure your speaker headshot will crop well.
Can I use AI generated headshots for speaking events?
AI generated headshots can alter details. Before using an AI generated headshot be sure to scrutinize it for accuracy (proportion of facial features, eye/hair color, etc.) and check with the event organizer about their stance on AI generated images. Generated images differ from remote headshots, which start with real camera capture directed by a photographer.
Need help deciding? Send us a note.
Not sure what type of speaker headshots you need? Send us a note at hello@match-production.com. Include any relevant details like:
- Date range for shooting
- Location (in studio, remote, on-location)
- How/where the images will be used
- When the images are due
- …anything else you can think of.
We can review the required scope before a booking is confirmed.
