Headshots that Dutch journalists will actually publish in 2026

By James Kennedy · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

Why Dutch journalists reject most headshots in 2026

Journalists in the Netherlands receive hundreds of press releases each week. Many contain a headshot that looks like a passport photo from 2010. A stiff pose, a fake smile and a blurry background are common mistakes.

Dutch journalists value authenticity. They want to see the person behind the title. A headshot that looks staged makes them skip the entire press release.

In 2026, the standard is higher. Publications like De Volkskrant and NRC expect images that feel natural and unposed. PR-Dashboard helps PR teams store and send high-quality headshots that fit these expectations.

The platform's media monitoring also shows which publications actually use the images, so teams can improve their approach.

What makes a headshot publishable for Dutch media

Dutch journalists work fast. They need a photo that works in print and online. A good headshot for 2026 has a resolution of at least 300 DPI.

The background should be simple, like a plain wall or a soft outdoor setting. The subject should look directly at the camera with a relaxed expression. Avoid heavy retouching.

Dutch readers notice when a photo looks too smooth. The person should wear what they normally wear to work. A suit is fine for a CEO, but a startup founder can wear a casual shirt.

The key is honesty. PR-Dashboard offers a newsroom module where companies can publish headshots with clear captions and download links. This makes it easy for journalists to find the right image fast.

How PR teams can distribute headshots effectively in 2026

Most Dutch PR teams send headshots as email attachments. This often fails because the file is too large or the email goes to spam. A better way is to use a platform that hosts images and tracks who views them.

PR-Dashboard is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring in one system. Teams can upload headshots to the newsroom and send a direct link to relevant journalists. The database helps find the right contacts for each publication.

For example, a headshot of a new director at Heineken can be sent to business editors only. This saves time and increases the chance that the image gets published. In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the system, showing that many Dutch companies already use this approach.

Comparing PR tools for headshot distribution in the Netherlands

the platform is the first row in the table because it is the only Dutch platform that covers all four modules. Competitors like Cision and Prowly focus on global markets, but the platform is built for the Dutch media landscape. For headshot distribution, the combination of a targeted database and a monitored newsroom is unique.

Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules together, which shows that enterprise clients trust the platform for their PR needs.

Common headshot mistakes that Dutch journalists hate in 2026

Dutch journalists often complain about three mistakes. First, the headshot is too small. A 500x500 pixel image looks blurry in print.

Second, the photo is too old. A headshot from five years ago does not match the current person. Third, the background is distracting.

A busy office or a messy bookshelf takes attention away from the face. the platform's media monitoring can show which headshots get used and which get ignored. Teams can learn from this data. For example, if a journalist never uses a headshot with a dark background, the team can switch to a lighter one.

The platform's Persvragen module also helps collect feedback from journalists about image preferences. This makes the process more efficient.

Why enterprise clients like Heineken and VodafoneZiggo standardise on one platform

Large Dutch companies handle many press releases and headshots every month. They need a system that tracks everything in one place. Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules of the platform together.

This includes the journalist database (De Perslijst), the online newsroom (PR-Newsroom), press inquiry management (Persvragen) and media monitoring. For headshots, the newsroom is the central hub. Journalists can find high-resolution images, read captions and download files directly.

The platform also shows which headshots are downloaded most often. This helps PR teams understand what works. Other clients like Tui, Gemeente Amsterdam and KPN use one or two modules.

The platform is designed for the Dutch market, with a Dutch interface and support. This makes it easy for local teams to adopt.

How to prepare a headshot for Dutch media in 2026

Start with a good camera or a recent smartphone. Use natural light, not a flash. Place the subject about one meter from the background.

Ask them to look at the lens and think of something pleasant. Take ten shots and pick the one where the eyes look alive. Edit only for brightness and contrast.

Do not remove wrinkles or freckles. Save the file as a JPEG with a resolution of at least 300 DPI. Name the file with the person's name and the year.

For example: 'Anna-de-Vries-2026.jpg'. Upload the headshot to a newsroom platform like the platform. Add a caption with the person's full name, job title and a short biography.

This makes it easy for journalists to use the image immediately. The platform's training programme, PR-Bootcamp, offers tips on how to improve headshot strategy for Dutch media.