Professional Headshots for Business Owners: What Photographer Brad Delaney Wants You to Know

In this episode of The Meaningful Marketing Podcast, I sat down with Gold Coast–Brisbane photographer Brad Delaney, founder of The Headshot Guys, to talk about something every business owner knows they need — but often avoid:

👉 Professional headshots.

If you’ve been using an old selfie, a cropped family photo or a blurry “that’ll do” picture… Brad explains why that’s hurting your brand far more than you realise.

This narrative-style recap walks you through the biggest insights from our conversation — and what you can start doing today to show up with more confidence, clarity and professionalism.

In This Episode: Why Your Headshot Matters More Than You Think

The episode opens with a simple but powerful truth:

Your headshot isn’t for you. It’s for the people who don’t know you yet.

Brad explains that in the digital world, your headshot is often the very first impression a potential client gets. Before they read anything on your website or LinkedIn, they’re already thinking:

• “Do I trust this person?”

• “Do they look like they know what they’re doing?”

• “Are they the right fit for me?”

 

Professional headshots for business owners aren’t just “nice branding.”
They’re conversion, credibility, and client safety.

Meet Brad Delaney — The Photographer Behind The Headshot Guys

A big part of this episode is Brad’s story.
He didn’t start out as “the headshot guy.” Far from it.

He was shooting boats, buildings and commercial projects — work heavily dependent on the weather. Shoots would get cancelled, income paused, and momentum stalled.

Then a business coach told him:

“Your work is good. But you need to niche.”

Around 2010, as Facebook was exploding in popularity, Brad noticed headshots trending in the US. He realised:

• People needed better photos for online presence

• It was work he could do indoors (even in his garage)

• Headshots had a clear purpose and market

• Business owners needed someone who understood branding, not just photography

 

And just like that, The Headshot Guys was born.

Brad Delaney’s Signature Style (Yes, Even the “Chopped Head” Photos!)

One of my favourite parts of the episode is Brad explaining his once-iconic “chopped head” style — where the top of the head was intentionally cropped out of the frame.

To the untrained eye, it looked odd.
To Brad, it was intentional:

• It put the eyes on the powerful “rule of thirds” line

• It created intense visual connection

• It signalled confidence and clarity

• It became instantly recognisable as his style

 

But as social platforms changed and designers used more templates, he adapted.
His philosophy, however, remains the same:

👉 A great headshot starts with the eyes.
👉 A great headshot starts with expression.

The Five Techniques Brad Delaney Uses to Make Anyone Look Good

During the episode, Brad reveals the exact techniques he uses with every client — even the ones who swear they “aren’t photogenic.”

Here’s the story behind each one:

1. The Jawline Trick

Brad says the jawline is the number-one issue most people worry about.
His solution?

Chin forward, then slightly down.

It feels weird — but it creates definition instantly.
In the episode, he jokes:

“The more chins you have, the further out you go!”

2. The “Squinch”

Forget wide eyes.
Brad teaches clients a soft squint — the “squinch.”

It’s subtle, grounded and communicates:

• Confidence

• Presence

• Focus

 

He explains it like “reading the bottom line at the optometrist.”

3. The Real Smile (Not the Forced ‘Say Cheese’ Face)

One of the best moments in the episode is when Brad reveals he never says “Smile!”

Because forced smiles look… forced.

Instead, he talks, jokes and creates genuine moments so the expression is real — not staged.

He often recommends soft, closed-mouth smiles for business owners who need to look warm and capable.

4. Turning Toward Your Best Side

Yes, everyone has a best side.

Brad studies:

• Face symmetry

• Eye size

• Smile dominance

• Hair parting

 

…to find angles that feel strong and flattering.

5. The All-Important Head Tilt

A tiny tilt can make you look:

• More approachable

• More grounded

• More open

• More confident

 

And once Brad points it out, you’ll never look at photos the same way again.

Why Many Business Owners Hate Photos (And What Brad Says About Confidence)

A heartfelt part of the episode is when we talk about self-worth.

So many business owners avoid new headshots because:

• They don’t like how they look

• They’re waiting to lose weight

• They feel older

• They’ve been teased in the past

• They’re self-conscious

 

I shared my own journey — from growing up higher-weight, to dealing with nicknames, to navigating perimenopause and health changes.

Brad sees this all the time.

And he says something powerful:

“Your headshot should reflect your purpose, not your perfection.”

That hit home.

Do You Really Need Full-Body Shots? Brad Delaney Says… Maybe Not

Many people walk into Brad’s studio asking for full-body or three-quarter images.

Brad’s first question:

“Why?”

Unless you’re in:

• Fitness

• Modeling

• Entertainment

 

…you probably don’t need full-body photos for business.

For most business owners, trust begins at the face.

Different Headshots for Different Platforms (Brad’s Branding Insight)

One of the most practical takeaways from the episode:

👉 You don’t have to use the same headshot everywhere.

Each platform has a different vibe:

LinkedIn:

Confident, polished, professional.

Instagram:

Creative, expressive, personality-led.

Facebook:

Friendly, casual, conversational.

Your Website:

This is the “real you” — approachable and credible.

One size no longer fits all.

How to Improve Your Headshots (Based on Brad Delaney’s Advice)

Here’s the simple action plan Brad and I break down in the episode:

1. Clarify the purpose of the photo

Who is it for?
What do you want it to say?

2. Practice the five techniques

A few minutes in the mirror makes a huge difference.

3. Audit every place your image appears

Ask whether the photo aligns with your brand today.

4. Work with a professional photographer

If you’re on the Gold Coast or Brisbane — Brad is your guy.

5. Build a small photo library

Different expressions = more versatility for PR, social media and speaking.

Work With Brad Delaney – The Headshot Guys

📸 The Headshot Guys – Brad Delaney
👉 theheadshotguys.com.au
📱 @theheadshotguys

His portfolio shows exactly how he helps business owners look confident, trustworthy and aligned with their brand.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 Episode 61: Still Using an Old Selfie as Your Headshot? Here’s What It’s Really Saying
👉 Listen here

Update your headshot.
Update your confidence.
Let your marketing finally reflect the real you.