In the legal profession, credibility, trust, and authority are everything. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a national firm, your image—quite literally—matters. Your headshot isn’t just a photograph; it’s a tool that shapes perception. For attorneys, especially those who are client-facing, media-visible, or part of leadership, a poor headshot can silently erode the trust you’ve spent years building.
At St Louis Headshot Photographer, we’ve worked with countless law firms and attorneys over the decades. What we’ve found is that even the most detail-oriented legal professionals often overlook common mistakes in their headshots. Let’s break down the most frequent missteps and what firms can do to correct them.
Mistake #1: Using an Outdated or Inconsistent Headshot
Lawyers often put off updating their headshots for years. If your headshot is more than five years old or no longer resembles your current appearance, it can send the wrong message. Clients might subconsciously question your attention to detail—or feel a disconnect when meeting you in person.
The fix: Make updating headshots a regular part of your firm’s brand management cycle. Ensure all attorneys have recent, cohesive, and consistent images that reflect your current brand and culture.
Mistake #2: Inconsistent Team Presentation Across the Firm
A common issue for larger law firms is the “mismatched portrait syndrome”—where some attorneys have professional headshots, others have smartphone selfies, and some reuse cropped family photos. This inconsistency undermines the firm’s image and sends mixed messages to clients and partners.
The fix: Standardize your headshot process. Use the same lighting setup, background style, posture guidance, and expression coaching for each attorney. This creates brand cohesion and visual harmony on your website, pitch materials, and professional profiles.
Mistake #3: Posing Too Formally or Too Casually
The courtroom is formal, but your photo doesn’t need to look stiff or robotic. On the flip side, being too relaxed or quirky can hurt perceptions of competence and seriousness—especially in high-stakes practice areas like litigation, estate law, or corporate governance.
The fix: Strike a balanced tone. We guide attorneys into confident, approachable poses that convey both competence and professionalism. Posture, facial expression, and wardrobe play huge roles here—and we provide expert direction during each session to ensure the image aligns with your professional identity.
Mistake #4: Poor Lighting and Background Choices
Legal headshots demand a refined, distraction-free look. Harsh shadows, overly bright lighting, or cluttered backgrounds can degrade even the best-dressed attorney’s image. Natural light may work in some cases, but not when it sacrifices clarity or color balance.
The fix: Use a controlled studio or custom office setup with professional lighting designed specifically for portraiture. At St Louis Headshot Photographer, our private studio and mobile setups are calibrated to produce flattering, high-resolution portraits that print and publish cleanly across all platforms.
Mistake #5: Over-Retouching or Lack of Retouching
Excessive editing can make attorneys appear artificial or insincere. On the other hand, not retouching at all can leave distracting blemishes, flyaway hairs, or inconsistent tones that detract from the overall image.
The fix: Choose tasteful, professional retouching. We specialize in subtle post-production that enhances without altering. Skin tones stay natural, suits remain crisp, and the overall image remains polished—perfect for both print and digital use.
The Bigger Picture: Your Headshot Is a Brand Asset
For law firms, professional headshots aren’t just a “nice to have”—they’re essential branding assets. They appear in press kits, speaking engagement bios, website team pages, legal directories, LinkedIn profiles, and beyond. A bad headshot doesn’t just reflect poorly on the individual—it can weaken the credibility of the firm as a whole.
Why St Louis Headshot Photographer Is the Right Partner for Law Firms
At St Louis Headshot Photographer, we’ve specialized in producing high-impact portraits for professionals since 1982. We understand the nuances that separate a standard headshot from one that truly resonates in legal, corporate, and professional settings.
We’re not just photographers—we’re visual strategists. Our full-service commercial photography and video production company offers:
- Custom studio and on-location photography
- Professional lighting and custom backdrops
- Expert posing and styling guidance
- Subtle, high-end retouching
- Full editing and post-production services
- AI-enhanced workflow for accuracy and efficiency
- Indoor drone services for branding assets and office overviews
- Repurposing services to tailor your images and video content across print, web, and social media
Our private studio lighting and visual setup is ideal for attorneys looking for a quiet, professional space for refined portraits. Need custom branding visuals, marketing video content, or consistent team headshots across multiple offices? We’ve got it covered with scalable solutions and a creative crew that knows how to execute flawlessly.
From custom interview studios to full legal marketing asset creation, we support every aspect of image acquisition with precision, discretion, and professionalism.
Don’t let a simple photo send the wrong message.
Invest in headshots that reflect the integrity, experience, and credibility of your legal practice.
Work with St Louis Headshot Photographer—where image meets impact.
314-913-5626
Mike Haller
4501 Mattis Road 63128
St Louis HeadShot Photographer, Inc. 