The white coat ceremony is more than a rite of passage; it’s the moment you officially step into the world of medicine. Alongside the excitement, emotion and pride of this day, there’s another opportunity you shouldn’t overlook—capturing a professional headshot in your new white coat. This single image can serve as both a keepsake and a powerful tool for your future career, and it can be boosted after consulting headshot tips for medical students.

Your first white coat headshot is often the inaugural professional photo you’ll use to network, apply for research opportunities or update to a more professional online presence. “A polished, high-quality image sets you apart,” explains St. Louis-based photographer, Phoebe Landrum. 

“It’s the first impression a person gets. Your photograph should convey trust and confidence, as well as warmth and approachability. A professional headshot ensures proper lighting, flattering angles and a clean background. These details make a big difference when relying on your headshot to convey professionalism and dedication in your medical journey.”

Makeup

Wearing makeup can boost confidence by enhancing your self-esteem and, when applied correctly, refining your appearance. Some argue makeup on physicians and other professionals where a polished image is expected is a sign of vanity or a lack of professionalism. Others insist makeup is necessary to avoid appearing washed out, meaning the contrast or saturation in your headshot is low or the natural colors of your skin tone are muted.

To make the right call, Landrum encourages starting from a standpoint of what feels most authentic to you. “If someone comes to me in no makeup, it would be my job to light them in a way that brings depth to their face. Conversely, if you feel more comfortable with makeup, you should wear it. In fact, lightly accentuating your features with a bit of makeup can create depth.” 

Additionally, a professional photographer should be able to adjust and control lighting, so you’re not washed out. “For a lot of head shots I do nowadays,” Landrum says, “I use natural light instead of a flash. Natural light gives a softer focus which really helps even out the skin. As a result, there isn’t as much need to enhance your features with makeup. But again, if wearing makeup is really more authentically you, I would say, less is more. Thick makeup can distort the natural skin texture, making it appear uneven or unnatural. It may also create shadows that detract from the overall look.” 

Teeth vs no teeth

Whether it’s a quick snapshot, selfie or a professional headshot, smiling can significantly impact how you are perceived. A genuine smile is often seen as a sign of competence, trust and approachability, making you appear more professional. However, the way in which smiling impacts your perceived professionalism can vary depending on the industry. Medical professionals may benefit from a warm, reassuring smile. 

“I think it really depends on the individual,” Landrum explains. “If you are someone who really has that outstanding smile and when you are with clients or patients, you show it, then I think you would have the headshot. In my sessions, you’ll get a variety of those things. So, you would have one with you smiling with teeth—I’ll try to say something that makes you smile and laugh so that it’s natural—and some with your closed mouth, in which your eyes will speak.

“Importantly, respectability should come forth in your photos to instill trust and credibility. Professionalism comes across in photos when the background is clean and you are in focus. By using depth of field, when the background is blurred, the photographer can evoke a sense of location where you work, which tells the story without having to say words.”

Colors and patterns

“What you wear matters,” Landrum explains. “Beware of highly contrasting colors,” she said, meaning colors that are far apart on the color wheel. Examples are red and yellow, black and white, grey and purple, and orange and green. Stark contrasts can create a lack of harmony and balance in your headshot and detract from the overall composition.

“I love wild patterns and highly contrasting colors, but stripes and diagonals can be very distracting,” Landrum continues. “Certain colors may complement you beautifully; for instance, peach and blue might bring out the pink in your lips.”

“Headshots should draw people to your eyes—your presence,” Landrum says. “When it comes to stripes and other repetitive patterns, those contrasting lines naturally draw our eyes. For a headshot, you really want people to look at your eyes and the energy of your image.

“If you really love an outfit with stripes and you feel confident, I’d rather you bring it to the photoshoot. I think wear it because that’s the authenticity. That’s important. But I would suggest you also bring a few backup options to play with, maybe something that can be layered like a sweater.”

Jewelry, accessories and tattoos

When it comes to wearing jewelry and other accessories, or showing tattoos in professional headshots, it’s important to choose wisely. Simple, understated jewelry like studs or small earrings offer simple accents without becoming the focus of attention.

Choose minimalism for necklaces and bracelets, as well. Bulky or stacked necklaces, charms and bracelets can be distracting. Alternatively, modest pieces can complement your features.

Body art, such as tattoos, might be great representation of your personal brand but are not considered professional in headshots. Tattoos stand out, naturally drawing the eye and often distorting the overall goal of a polished, trustworthy look.

Landrum advises physicians to take test shots with the photographer first. “This ensures your choices look good in the final image.”

Shaving

“For men, I suggest getting a haircut and shaving in advance because it gives you a few days,” Landrum says. “If you still need to shave the day of, do your best not to cut yourself.”

Posing and posture

How you hold yourself during a headshot can greatly influence the impression you leave. Keeping your shoulders straight but relaxed projects confidence and professionalism without appearing stiff. Keeping your arms gently at your sides or loosely crossed avoids a rigid look and allows your natural personality to come through.

“I always remind my clients that small adjustments make a big difference,” Landrum explains. “Leaning slightly forward, toward the camera helps you appear more approachable and engaged, as though you’re leaning into a conversation. Tilting your chin down just a bit can prevent shadows under your eyes and create a more open, welcoming expression.”

Sleeping and drinking the night before

For your headshot, sleeping well the night before is crucial. Adequate sleep enhances reaction time, so when the camera clicks, you’re ready. Getting enough sleep also helps you look your best on the day of the shoot.

“You also probably shouldn’t drink the night before,” advises Landrum. “That’s not true. You can drink a lot the night before, as long as it’s water and other hydrating beverages. Drink water for a whole day before the shoot. You really want to give your body as much hydration as possible, because that brings out the glow.”

You also want to be mindful of what you eat. “Some foods can make you bloated,” Landrum advises. “It’s important to know that about yourself—to know how foods effect you. For some people it might be watermelon. For others it might be beans, cucumbers, salt or bread.”

Beyond the professional benefits, this photo becomes a lasting memory of one of your earliest milestones in medicine. It’s a moment you’ll look back on with pride, a symbol of your commitment to caring for others and your first tangible step toward becoming a physician. Investing in a professional headshot during your white coat ceremony allows you to celebrate this important day while preparing for the many doors you’ll soon be opening.

For tips on updating your CV, preparing for medical boards or getting ready for job interviews, visit PracticeLink’s Resource Center.