‍The Essential Guide to Military Portraits

Military portraits are trending towards being a non-negotiable in 2025, whether you're active duty or not.

With that in mind, we wrote this with the goal of having it be an essential guide for folks needing to know what makes a good headshot vs. some of the less than desirable portraits we've seen over the years.

TLDR: if you're active duty, veteran or even a spouse of someone who's been in the military, there's a special discount code for 30% off headshots.

What Makes a Great Military Portrait?

Before we get into the technical stuff, first and foremost your photo should look and "feel" like you.

Skip the filters, exaggerated expressions, or awkward head tilt. Just be natural.

That aside, stick to these general guidelines:

‍Lighting: watch the lighting—stick to to natural or soft studio lighting. Either way, make sure you do play around with different lighting to keep your photo from turning out too dark. Just check out the two photos below: the photo on the left has a poor lighting vs. the photo on the right.

Expression: Smiling to the camera might not come natural for you. We get it, it can feel awkward. You don't have to try too hard, just aim for approachable. If you're not sure what we mean, take a look at the two photos below. Which of these seem more approachable to you?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Cropped photos

🚫 Selfies

🚫 Grainy, low-quality images

🚫 Screenshots of photos

Where to Use Your Military Headshot

You might be surprised how many places a good headshot is useful. Here are a few:

• Your LinkedIn profile
• USAJOBS and federal application portals
• DoD SkillBridge and transition assistance programs
• Command or base directories
• Speaker bios, podcasts, or personal websites
• Military award ceremonies or internal features
• Veteran service organizations or networking events

Can You Use Your Phone for a Headshot?

Yes—and it can look pretty dang good with the right setup.

• Use your rear camera, not the selfie cam
• Set your phone at eye level (stack books or use a tripod)
• Shoot near indirect natural light like a bright window
• Choose a solid, neutral background
• Take multiple shots with different expressions and angles

Or—skip the setup entirely.

‍Bettershot takes your everyday phone photos (just 10 minimum) and turns them into over 70+ AI-generated, professional headshots.

Choose military-inspired styles, business casual, outdoor, or classic studio looks. It’s fast, affordable, and perfect for service members on the go.

Where to Get Military Portraits Done

Here are a few great options for

Walmart Photo Studios

Depending on your location, Walmart still does offer headshots! Despite Walmart not offering a military discount on regular purchase, the photo studio might offer a military discount, but you'll need to check with your preferred store first.

Austen Miller Photography

We did a quick Google search for 'military headshots'. Among the top pages was former service member turned photographer, Austen Miller.

He specializes in capturing portraits for military personnel. We suspect his background gives him a unique understanding of what makes a great military headshot so definitely worth checking out!

AI Headshots Made for Military Personnel

If you want high-end edits and professional lighting, hiring a photographer might be worth it. But if you’re on a budget or want a quick solution, AI can generate photos for way cheaper and quicker turnarounds.

‍Bettershot offers 30% off for all active duty, veterans, and spouses—no need to schedule anything or leave your home.

The process is pretty simple—just upload 10 photos, pick your styles, and get 70+ studio-style headshots sent to your email in less than 2 hours.

Military Portrait Style Guide

Looking for inspiration or photoshoot ideas for your next military portraits, check out these customizable background and outfit options available through Bettershot.

Patriotic

Outdoors

Corporate

Business Casual

There are over 100 outfit and background combinations available through Bettershot. Use the code MILITARY2025 to get 30% off any headshot package. Sign up today!

Final Word: Your Headshot Is a Tool, Not a Vanity Project

Call it what you will —a portrait, headshot or professional photo—they all function in the same way.

Whether you're applying to your next role or showing up for your community, your photo reflects the same level of professionalism and pride you bring to everything else.

Need a headshot today?

‍Bettershot makes it easy. No studio needed. No stress. Just upload your photos and we’ll do the rest—with a 30% military discount. Use the code MILITARY2025 at checkout.