Smiling or Serious in Your Headshot? A Dallas Photographer’s Funny Take on What Really Matters
Smiling or Serious in Your Headshot?
A Dallas Photographer’s Guide to Getting the Message Right
Let’s settle a question that’s been haunting photo studios across Dallas and the rest of planet Earth:
Should you smile or keep a serious face in your headshot?
You’ve probably stood in front of the camera wondering, “Do I look friendly enough?” or “Do I look like I run a law firm and drive a company jet?” Relax, you’re not the only one. Even confident Dallas CEOs freeze up when it’s time to pick a face.
Here’s the truth: it depends.
(Yeah, I know. But stay with me.)
Your headshot is more than just a photo, it’s your nonverbal handshake. It introduces you before you ever speak. The goal isn’t to look perfect; it’s to look like the version of yourself that tells the right story.
Team Smile: “I’m Friendly, Trustworthy, and Probably Fun at Company Lunches”
If your job involves helping, teaching, selling, or leading people, smiling is your secret weapon.
A real smile (not the “I’m smiling because I have to” one) tells viewers you’re open, kind, and confident. It literally makes people’s brains release feel-good chemicals.
Here in Dallas, smiling headshots work great for:
Realtors and mortgage pros who need clients to trust them quickly
Teachers, coaches, and healthcare workers who work face-to-face every day
Job seekers updating LinkedIn after a layoff or career change
Entrepreneurs who are their brand and want to attract friendly energy
A smile says, “You’ll like me.”
And if people like you, they’re more likely to do business with you.
Just keep it real, your eyes should smile too. Think about something that makes you happy… tacos, maybe. We’ve got plenty in Dallas.
Team Serious: “I’m Professional, Confident, and Definitely in Charge”
Then there’s the other side: the calm, serious expression.
A composed look can say confidence, focus, and authority. You’re not mad, you just know what you’re doing. It’s great for anyone who wants to project stability and strength.
In the DFW area, serious headshots often work best for:
Attorneys, executives, and financial advisors who want to convey reliability
Corporate leaders who need a strong, steady image for press or presentations
Actors and creatives who want to show range or depth
Consultants or entrepreneurs who want to look sharp and strategic
The trick is subtlety. You’re not glaring at the camera like it owes you money. You’re just saying, “I’ve got this handled.”
So… Which One’s Better?
Neither!
The real answer is whatever fits your message.
Think about your audience and the vibe you want to give:
Do you want people to feel like they can trust you? → Smile.
Do you want them to believe you’re an expert? → Go serious.
Do you need both? → Book a session with two looks.
Because when someone sees your headshot online, whether it’s on LinkedIn, your business card, or your company website, they make a snap judgment in less than one second. Not about your looks, but about your message.
Your headshot is saying something, even when you’re not.
A smile says, “I care.”
A serious look says, “I deliver.”
And both say, “I’m professional,” if done with intention.
Your Face Talks Before You Do
Before anyone knows your skills, your degree, or your years of experience, they get a feeling from your photo. That’s nonverbal communication in action.
Here’s the fun part: people rarely remember your exact features, but they do remember how your photo made them feel.
So don’t stress about perfection, focus on connection.
Ask yourself:
Who’s going to see this photo?
What do I want them to feel?
What story do I want it to tell?
That story is what sells you. Not your jawline, not your hair, not your lighting—your message.
The Final Answer (and a Dallas Secret)
So, smiling or serious?
The answer is: it depends on your story.
Want people to see you as friendly, approachable, and trustworthy? Flash those pearly whites.
Want to project confidence, leadership, and focus? Go serious.
Or better yet…do both.
Many Dallas professionals keep two versions: one smiling for LinkedIn and another serious for speaking engagements or company press kits.
Because in a city full of talent and competition, your headshot has to speak for you before you even enter the room.
At TRG Headshots, we help you find that sweet spot—between approachable and professional, between real and refined, so your headshot sends exactly the message you want.
After all, it’s not about how you look; it’s about what your photo says.
And if your headshot could talk, wouldn’t you want it saying all the right things?
