It’s all about the body language.

Body language is hugely significant in business portraits

After all, when a prospect sees your business portrait online, they will make assumptions based on what’s in front of them. And that includes reading details into your body language. What’s that conveying? At the end of the day, the goal of a business portrait is to make you look friendly and approachable. Is your business portrait doing that?

Here are some of the body language factors you need to take into consideration when planning your business portrait session.

Should you smile with your mouth open – or with your mouth closed?
In most instances, it’s more appropriate to smile with your mouth open: after all, you’re putting your photo on your website to give your company a human face. And as you want people to contact you, it’s appropriate to look friendly and approachable.
Should you have your arms crossed or uncrossed?
Jacket on or jacket off?

Cross your arms very loosely, to portray a look of confidence and strength
Alternatively, place one hand over the other
Lift your arms just slightly from your torso so that it does not look larger than it actually is
Add a slight tilt to your hip
Drop your shoulder closest to the camera (This will help to soften up a harsh-feeling pose and avoid giving a severe and cold feel)
Turn your shoulders slightly too for a slimmer profile look in the camera
Bring your chin down slightly, and forward

Cross your arms firmly to portray a confident and strong look.
Alternatively, interlock your fingers or simply place one hand over the other
Drop your shoulder closest to the camera to soft a harsh-feeling pose
Turn your shoulders slightly too for a slimmer profile look in the camera
Bring your chin down slightly, and forward