LinkedIn Headshot: How We Deliver Professional Corporate Photography in New York City
Key Takeaways
Match Production delivers LinkedIn headshots in NYC studios, on-location, or remotely with 24-48 hour turnaround
Our corporate headshot sessions range from USD $1449-$4499 per person depending on volume and location requirements
Executive portraits require specialized lighting setups and typically include 3-5 final retouched images
Remote headshot coordination allows us to maintain brand consistency across distributed teams nationwide
Professional LinkedIn headshots increase profile engagement by 300% compared to smartphone selfies in our client data
Good lighting involves natural, soft, and front-facing illumination for a LinkedIn headshot, ensuring a flattering and professional appearance.
Why LinkedIn Headshots Matter More Than Ever in 2026
Your LinkedIn headshot is working around the clock, making first impressions while you sleep. In my years running corporate photography for Manhattan’s top companies, I’ve watched the stakes for professional image quality rise dramatically. LinkedIn data shows profiles with professional headshots receive up to 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests than those without. A high-quality LinkedIn photo should be sharp, clear, and recent, not blurry or pixelated. It takes just one tenth of a second for people to make lasting judgments about you based on your photograph, making a compelling headshot essential.
Remote work shifted everything. Your LinkedIn profile picture now carries the weight that a firm handshake and corner office once did. When executives meet virtually first, that headshot becomes your business card, elevator pitch, and conference room presence rolled into one frame. Your face should fill at least 60% of the frame in your LinkedIn profile picture to ensure clarity and focus. A compelling headshot helps you stand out in a competitive job market, making it a critical tool for professional success.
At Match Production, we track client outcomes after headshot updates. Our corporate clients typically see 300% increases in LinkedIn engagement within 30 days of uploading photos. One Manhattan law firm partner told me her new executive portrait generated more meaningful connection requests in two weeks than her previous photo had in two years. Your LinkedIn profile picture should look like you and be recent, reflecting your current appearance to ensure authenticity and relevance.
Our Corporate Headshot Process in New York City
I start every linkedin headshot project with a 48-hour consultation window. We discuss your industry, company culture, and where these images will live beyond LinkedIn. A tech startup CEO needs different energy than a private equity managing director, and we adjust our approach accordingly.
For on-location sessions across Manhattan and the boroughs, our team scouts your office space two days prior. We map natural light sources, identify power outlets, and plan backup positions for weather changes or construction noise.
Studio sessions at our Manhattan facility offer complete environmental control. We maintain three different backdrop options and can accommodate team headshots for up to 80 professionals in a single day. The headshot session includes real-time coaching for authentic expressions and confident posing that translates well across social media platforms.
During the shoot, we capture multiple variations: classic professional styles for conservative industries, and more relaxed approaches for creative or tech companies. Smiling in your LinkedIn profile picture can make you appear more approachable and likable, which is why we encourage natural, confident expressions during the session. You should be the only person in your LinkedIn profile picture to avoid confusion about your identity. Avoid selfies in favor of having someone else take your LinkedIn headshot for a more natural pose and professional result.
Same-day preview sessions happen on-location via laptop or tablet. Clients see edited samples within two hours and can request additional shots if needed. This eliminates revision cycles and ensures everyone leaves confident about their professional image.
Studio vs On-Location vs Remote LinkedIn Headshots
Studio Sessions (USD $449-$949 per person)
Our Times Square area studio provides controlled lighting, consistent backgrounds, and rapid processing for large teams. Studio headshots work best for companies wanting uniform professional styles across their linkedin profiles.
Technical advantages include color-managed monitors for accurate skin tone, climate control for comfort, and backup equipment on-site. Hair and makeup services are available for executive-level sessions. Studio delivery typically runs 24-48 hours for basic retouching and 72 hours for enhanced post-production.
On-Location Corporate Headshots (USD $1449-$4499)
Location sessions integrate your actual workspace into the professional headshot. This approach works particularly well for companies wanting to showcase their Manhattan offices, unique architecture, or company culture. We bring Profoto studio lighting that creates polished results while preserving environmental context. We can photograph 10-15 executives per hour with matching lighting and backdrop consistency, similar to our corporate headshots session for Maximor AI in NYC.
Logistical planning includes security clearance, elevator access during business hours, and space requirements for equipment setup. Manhattan offices often present interesting challenges: floor-to-ceiling windows provide beautiful natural light but require careful positioning to avoid harsh shadows or blown-out backgrounds.
Remote Headshots (USD $100-$300 per person)
For distributed teams or executives traveling frequently, we coordinate remote headshot sessions. Our quality control process ensures consistent lighting, framing, and editing standards regardless of location.
Remote sessions include video coaching for posing and expression, digital backdrop options, and the same post-production pipeline we use for in-person shoots. This maintains brand consistency when your team spans multiple time zones or when travel schedules make in-person sessions impractical.
Executive Portrait Sessions: Beyond Basic LinkedIn Headshots
Executive portraits require additional planning beyond standard corporate headshots. These sessions typically run 90-120 minutes and include wardrobe consultation, multiple backdrop changes, and specialized lighting for different usage scenarios.
We photograph executives in both traditional business attire and more relaxed professional styles. This provides options for different contexts: the formal headshot for annual reports and board profiles, and the approachable version for LinkedIn and company website about pages.
Lighting setups for executive sessions involve three-point systems that create depth and dimensionality. We use larger softboxes and sometimes add hair lights or background separation techniques that wouldn’t be necessary for standard team headshots. The goal is creating photographs that work equally well as 2x2 inch newspaper headshots or large-format lobby displays.
Post-production for executive portraits includes skin retouching, color correction, and background optimization. We deliver multiple crops and resolutions: square formats for social media platforms, vertical orientations for website headers, and horizontal versions for presentations or marketing materials.
Executive sessions often include additional deliverables like business portrait photography for press use, conference speaker headshots, and professional photos optimized for different industry publications.
Real Results: A Recent LinkedIn Headshot Project
Last month, we photographed the entire executive team for a Manhattan fintech company preparing for a Series B announcement. Their existing linkedin photos were a mix of conference snapshots, ai generated images, and smartphone selfies that undermined their growth-stage credibility.
The challenge involved coordinating schedules for twelve executives across three floors of a Midtown office building. We set up our portable studio in their main conference room and photographed each person in 10-minute intervals throughout the day.
We coached each executive on confident expressions and authentic poses that aligned with their roles: the CEO needed authoritative but approachable energy, while the head of product development required more creative and innovative positioning. Everyone received the same professional lighting and background treatment for visual consistency.
Within two weeks of updating their linkedin profile pictures, the company reported increased engagement from potential investors and partners. The CEO’s profile views increased 400% in the first month, and three executives received speaking invitations at major industry conferences.
The consistent professional image across their team profiles strengthened their company brand presentation during investor meetings and press interviews surrounding their funding announcement.
Delivery and Post-Production Timeline
Our standard turnaround runs 24-48 hours for linkedin headshot delivery. This includes basic color correction, skin smoothing, and professional retouching that maintains authentic appearance while ensuring polished presentation.
Post-production work happens in our color-managed editing suite. We adjust exposure, contrast, and skin tones for optimal reproduction across different social media platforms and print applications. Background cleanup removes distracting elements and ensures solid colors or subtle gradients that don’t compete with the subject. Using a simple background helps ensure that you are the focal point of your LinkedIn profile picture, keeping the focus on your professional image.
File delivery includes multiple formats optimized for different usage: high-resolution versions for print materials, web-optimized files for linkedin and other social media platforms, and mobile-friendly crops for profile picture applications. We also provide both color and black-and-white versions when requested.
Clients receive private online galleries with download access for 30 days. All photographs include unlimited usage rights for professional and personal brand applications. Rush delivery is available for same-day needs, typically required for press announcements or conference deadlines.
Booking Your LinkedIn Headshot Session
Booking starts with a scope conversation about your specific needs. Individual executives typically book our standard session, while corporate teams benefit from group scheduling and volume pricing. Remote teams often coordinate multiple cities simultaneously through our network.
Current availability in New York City runs 4-7 days advance notice for studio sessions, with on-location bookings requiring 2-4 days for proper planning and equipment coordination. Holiday seasons and earnings announcement periods book fastest, so early planning helps secure preferred dates.
Your initial inquiry should include team size, preferred timing, location preferences, and any deadline requirements. We provide detailed proposals within 24 hours that outline pricing, timeline, and deliverable specifications.
For immediate booking or project scoping, reach out to hello@match-production.com with your requirements. We handle everything from individual executive sessions to company-wide headshot days across multiple locations.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book a LinkedIn headshot session in NYC?
For studio sessions, we typically need 4-7 days advance notice. On-location corporate shoots require 2-4 days for proper planning and equipment coordination. During busy periods like year-end or earnings seasons, booking 2-3 weeks ahead ensures your preferred timing.
What should I wear for a corporate headshot that will work across different industries?
Solid colors in your professional wardrobe work best. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or distracting jewelry. Navy, charcoal, and professional blues photograph well, while white or light colors can wash out under studio lighting. Solid colors also help maintain focus on the individual, ensuring the headshot remains professional and impactful. We provide specific wardrobe guidance during booking based on your industry and intended usage.
Solid colors in your professional wardrobe work best. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or distracting jewelry. Navy, charcoal, and professional blues photograph well, while white or light colors can wash out under studio lighting. We provide specific wardrobe guidance during booking based on your industry and intended usage.
Can you coordinate LinkedIn headshots for my entire team across multiple locations?
Yes, we regularly coordinate multi-city headshot projects for distributed teams. Our remote headshot process maintains consistent lighting, framing, and editing standards through our photographer network nationwide. Teams receive the same visual consistency whether photographed in our NYC studio or through remote coordination.
What’s the difference between a $449 LinkedIn headshot and a $949 executive portrait session?
The $449 studio session includes 30 minutes of shooting time, basic retouching, and standard delivery. Executive portrait sessions at $949 include extended shooting time, multiple outfit changes, specialized lighting setups, premium retouching, and additional deliverables like press-ready formats. Executive sessions also include wardrobe consultation and multiple backdrop options.
Do you provide hair and makeup services for corporate headshot sessions?
Hair and makeup services are available for executive-level sessions and larger corporate groups upon request. For standard individual sessions, we recommend professional grooming before arriving. We provide specific preparation guidelines during booking, including optimal makeup choices for photography and hair styling recommendations.
By Lisa,
making hybrid teams look like one office since the first remote session.
