We’ve all been there, scrolling through a company’s “About” page or scanning a LinkedIn feed when you stumble across a profile photo that makes you pause. Maybe it's dimly lit, a little too casual, or was clearly cropped from a beach vacation. You squint. Is that a glass of wine in their hand? Is that… a Snapchat filter?

It begs the question: when it comes to professional headshot photography, is a less-than-perfect photo worse than having no photo at all?

This question isn’t just about vanity, it’s about first impressions, trust, and how much visual identity matters in the modern business world. Whether you’re a real estate agent, a corporate executive, or a freelance designer, your headshot photo for work carries more weight than you might think.

The Psychology of Presence 

Let’s start with the obvious: humans trust faces. Profiles with photos are more likely to be clicked, messaged, or remembered. Even a slightly awkward or outdated picture can signal authenticity, while a missing image might raise questions: Is this person inactive? Hiding something? Still with the company?

In that sense, even “unprofessional” headshot photos, think poorly cropped selfies or awkward lighting, can perform better than total absence. But that doesn’t make them ideal.

Bad headshot photos can send the wrong message entirely: unprepared, outdated, or out of touch. In industries that rely heavily on relationships or client-facing roles, a low-quality photo can erode trust before a conversation even begins.

The Case for Going Faceless (Temporarily, at Least)

On the other hand, a blank profile image avoids the risk of sending the wrong signal. It's neutral. Mysterious. You get to delay your visual first impression until you're ready to make it count.

But here’s the thing: that delay can cost you, especially in competitive spaces where people are skimming dozens of profiles. In a grid of faces, no image often means no engagement. You may not lose credibility, but you may lose the chance to be noticed at all.

What’s Holding People Back?

So, why do so many professionals settle for unprofessional images or none at all?

One word: access.

Not everyone knows where to get a headshot photo taken, let alone how to find a good headshot photographer. In some cities, prices for a simple headshot photoshoot can run from $200 to $1,000+, depending on location, styling, and retouching. Add the cost of time, travel, and indecision about what to wear, and suddenly it feels easier to stick with that old iPhone selfie.

And yes, for those wondering, how much is a headshot photo? The answer really does vary. Corporate headshot photographers often offer package deals for teams, while a commercial headshot photographer may charge more for branding strategy and post-production polish.

This is where AI tools are stepping in to fill the void. Tools like Studioshot.ai have made it dramatically easier to get good professional headshot photos without stepping into a studio. Starting from $29, users can upload a few selfies and receive a full set of stylized, work-appropriate portraits.