How to Use Your Headshot to Get Booked on a Podcast

Podcasts are an incredible way to share your expertise, promote your business, and reach new audiences.

As a small business owner, landing the right podcast feature can boost your visibility and build your credibility. But before you even get the chance to share your story, there’s one thing that can make or break your pitch: your headshot.

Your headshot is often the first impression a podcast host will have of you. It’s a small detail that can have a big impact on whether they see you as the right fit for their show.

To explore what makes a headshot work for podcast pitches, I spoke with Liz Mosley, host of Building Your Brand, a podcast all about branding and marketing for small businesses. Liz has featured countless guests, so she knows exactly what podcast hosts look for when choosing speakers.

Here, she shares her top five tips to make sure your headshot helps you stand out—and secure that podcast booking.

1. Keep the Background Clean and Simple

Your headshot should be visually clear and easy to process. Liz explains, “A busy or cluttered background can be distracting and take attention away from you. A clean, plain background makes sure the focus stays on your face.”

Some great options include:

✅ A plain, neutral-coloured wall (white, grey, or soft pastels work well)
✅ A lightly textured surface that adds depth without distraction
✅ A blurred office or home setting that subtly hints at your workspace.

If you’re taking your headshot in a café or co-working space, try to find a spot with some depth so the background melts into a soft blur. The goal is to keep the focus on you—not what’s happening behind you!

Backgrounds with too much going on—stacks of books, messy rooms, or a busy café – can make the image feel cluttered and unprofessional. A simple setting also makes it easier to use the photo across different platforms and promotional materials.

2. Use Natural, Even Light

Lighting makes all the difference in photography. Liz’s second tip? Prioritise soft, flattering light. “Podcast hosts want to see your face clearly,” she says. “Good lighting is key to making that happen.”

The best lighting options include:

☀️ Standing near a window with soft, indirect daylight
💡 A well-balanced indoor setup using a ring light or softbox
🌥️ An outdoor shaded area on a bright but cloudy day.

Direct sunlight can create harsh shadows on your face, so aim for diffused light that flatters your features.

Lighting also sets the mood—soft, natural light feels warm and approachable, while stronger, contrasty lighting gives a more dramatic, authoritative look.

Think about how you want to be perceived and use light to match that vibe.

3. Make Sure Your Face is Clearly Visible

When it comes to headshots, clarity is everything. Liz advises that your face should always be front and centre. “We want to be able to see your personality! Your face is your best asset, and podcast hosts want to connect with you visually before they even hear your voice.”

While you don’t necessarily have to be looking directly at the camera, make sure your face is well-lit, focused, and unobstructed.

Some quick do’s and don’ts:

✅ Keep your whole face visible, even if you’re looking slightly off-camera
✅ Go for a natural expression—warm and approachable is always a winner
❌ Avoid sunglasses, hats, or anything that obscures your features.

If you love a more relaxed, candid look, that’s fine—just make sure your face remains the focal point. Think of your headshot as your introduction before you even say a word!

4. Leave Some Space Around Your Head

A common mistake people make with headshots? Cropping too close. Liz shares that podcast hosts often use guest photos in promotional graphics, social media posts, and website banners. “Hosts will often add text—like the episode title, your name, or your business—to your headshot,” she explains.

To make sure your image is versatile:

✅ Leave some space around your head and shoulders
✅ Make sure your image can be resized without losing quality
✅ Choose an image that works well in both square and rectangular formats.

If you’re working with a photographer, let them know you need some breathing room around your face. And if you’re taking the photo yourself, step back slightly so your head isn’t right at the edge of the frame.

5. Opt for a Professional Image (Not a Casual Selfie)

It’s tempting to use a quick selfie from a recent event or a nice snap taken at home, but Liz warns against it: “Your headshot should reflect the level of professionalism expected for a podcast guest. A grainy phone selfie taken in bad lighting won’t cut it.”

That doesn’t mean your image needs to be overly formal—it just needs to be polished and well-lit.

If hiring a photographer isn’t an option, try this:

📱 Use a tripod (or lean your phone against a book or propped up in a shoe!)
⏳ Set a timer to avoid awkward arm angles
💡 Make sure you’re in good, natural light.

Every detail—from your expression to your outfit—contributes to the impression you make. The more thought you put into it, the stronger your personal brand will come across.

Bonus Tip: Match Your Headshot to Your Brand

Your headshot isn’t just a photo—it’s a representation of you. It’s a powerful tool to help you land your dream podcast booking, so it should align with how you want to be perceived.

Liz recommends, “If you’re in a creative industry, a bit of personality in your headshot is great. If you’re in finance or law, you might want something a little more polished and traditional.”

Consider:

👚Your outfit—choose something that represents your brand and makes you feel confident.
👋🏼The mood—are you going for friendly and approachable, or serious and authoritative?
🌿Consistency—does your headshot match the vibe of your website and social media profiles?

A well-thought-out headshot makes you look professional, polished, and ready to connect and can help you stand out when pitching yourself as a podcast guest.

Ready to Refresh Your Headshot?

A great headshot can be the key to getting noticed and landing that dream podcast interview. By following these expert tips from Liz—keeping the background simple, using good lighting, ensuring your face is visible, leaving space for graphics, and opting for a professional shot—you’ll be in the best possible position to make a strong first impression.

If your current headshot isn’t quite cutting it, let’s fix that. I specialise in personal branding photography that helps small business owners feel confident and look their best.

📸 Need an updated headshot? Let’s chat! Book a free discovery call today.