Easy Tips to Make Your Portraits Look More Natural — A Guide for Business and Marketing Professionals

In today’s digital-first business world, professional portraits do more than capture a likeness—they tell your brand’s story. Whether it’s a corporate headshot, executive portrait, or a behind-the-scenes shot for your website or annual report, natural-looking portraits convey confidence, trust, and authenticity. But too often, stiff poses and forced smiles work against that goal.

At Haller Concepts, we’ve spent decades helping individuals and organizations in St. Louis and beyond look their best in front of the lens. Here are expert-backed tips to help your team look natural, composed, and confident in every portrait session—whether you’re hiring a photographer or planning in-house.

1. Start with the Right Environment

The location sets the tone. Studio portraits allow for complete control over lighting and background, while on-location settings (like your office or workspace) can add context and personality. The key to looking natural? Making the subject feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Tip: Avoid busy or cluttered backgrounds unless they serve a visual storytelling purpose. A shallow depth of field can help separate the subject from the environment.

2. Use Flattering, Natural Lighting

Lighting can make or break a portrait. Harsh lighting can cause unflattering shadows, while flat lighting can make the image feel lifeless. Soft, diffused lighting—like window light or a well-placed key light in the studio—brings out skin tones and textures naturally.

Tip: Position the key light slightly off-center and higher than eye level to mimic natural sunlight. Use reflectors or fill lights to soften shadows.

3. Encourage Relaxed Body Language

Stiff postures often result from unclear direction. To get a more natural pose, encourage movement. Ask your subject to shift their weight, adjust their stance, or move their hands while you photograph them. This keeps energy flowing and avoids static, forced poses.

Tip: Give simple prompts like “turn slightly toward the light,” or “imagine you’re talking to a colleague you like”—small mental cues that help the subject relax and project authenticity.

4. Focus on Expression, Not Just Smiles

A natural portrait isn’t just about a grin. Sometimes a confident, neutral expression or a thoughtful gaze communicates more effectively, especially for executive or leadership imagery. Let the personality lead the expression.

Tip: Instead of saying “Smile!” try “Think about a win you had this week.” The result is a more genuine expression that fits the subject’s role and brand.

5. Wardrobe and Styling Matter

Clothing should match the subject’s role, your company’s brand, and the mood you want to project—professional, creative, approachable, etc. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns and avoid distracting accessories. Keep grooming neat and natural.

Tip: Have a lint roller and compact mirror on hand during shoots, and offer wardrobe guidance before the session.

6. Use Light Retouching and Cropping Thoughtfully

Post-production should enhance, not alter. Retouching should be subtle—cleaning up blemishes, adjusting lighting, and ensuring color consistency. Over-editing leads to an unnatural or unrecognizable final product.

Tip: Crop strategically to draw the eye to the subject’s face and eyes. Avoid odd cuts at joints or cropping too tight.

7. Build Trust Before the Camera Clicks

Whether your subject is a CEO or a first-time intern, comfort and confidence come from trust. A quick pre-shoot conversation, a little humor, or explaining the process can go a long way in helping your subject relax—and that always shows in the final image.

How Haller Concepts Makes Portraits Look Natural—Every Time

At Haller Concepts, we specialize in creating authentic, brand-aligned portraits that reflect your team’s personality and professionalism. Our team combines decades of experience with the latest in studio lighting, AI-assisted post-production, and drone-supported visuals. Whether on-location or in our fully-equipped private studio, we bring out the best in every subject through careful preparation, creative direction, and a calming, professional approach.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, editing and post-production, licensed drone pilots, and AI-enhanced media solutions. We repurpose existing branding visuals, ensuring consistency across all platforms. Since 1982, we’ve worked with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area—customizing productions to meet a wide range of media goals.

From private, custom interview studio setups to sound and camera operators and indoor drone footage, Haller Concepts supports every phase of your production. With the right equipment, the right crew, and the right approach, we ensure every portrait—and every image—feels natural, compelling, and aligned with your brand.

Let us help you create visual content that truly represents who you are.

(314) 913-5626   Mike Haller   mikeh@hallerconcepts.com

Ready to elevate your business portraits?
Contact Haller Concepts today for a custom portrait or video session that’s tailored to your message and audience.