How To Prepare For A Headshot Session
A professional headshot is one of the most powerful tools you have for your personal branding, networking, and career advancement. Whether you need one for LinkedIn, a company website, or social media, making the right preparations can ensure you get the best results. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for a professional headshot session, from choosing the right photographer to selecting the perfect outfit and posing with confidence.
Why Does a Professional Headshot Matter Anyway?
In today’s online world, first impressions often happen before we get to meet people. A professional headshot can:
Make your brand stronger
Make you appear more professional, confident, and approachable
Help potential employers, clients, or collaborators connect with you
Increase engagement on social media and networking platforms
By preparing well, you can make sure your headshot represents you in the best possible way.
1. Choose the Right Photographer
The first step in preparing for a professional headshot and the most important is selecting a photographer who specializes in this type of photography. Here’s what to look for:
Research and Reviews
Look at online portfolios and read client testimonials to find a photographer whose style matches what you’re looking for. Do a Google search for “best headshot photographer near me” to find professionals in your area.
Style and Background Options
Consider what kind of look you want to have in your headshots. Are you looking for a more corporate look, with a solid color backdrop? Or a more relaxed look with a colored backdrop, or headshots taken outside. I don’t have many outdoor headshots on my site, but I do them all the time!
Pricing and Packages
You’ll find pricing for headshots is all over the map. Some charge a flat fee and you get all the images, some have packages, and others are a la carte. I prefer the A La Carte way, I’d prefer that you buy only what you love, no more no less. I do offer collections of 4-8 and 12 images if you find a handful of headshots that you love.
2. What to Wear for a professional Headshot
Your outfit or outfits are an important part of the final look of your headshot. Here’s how to choose wisely:
General Clothing Tips
Stick to solid colors and avoid busy patterns (best outfit for headshots)
Choose classic, timeless styles. Stay away from dated or trendy pieces
Ensure a proper fit—clothing that’s too tight or too loose can be unflattering. Make sure you feel like a million bucks in it!
For Women
Neutral or jewel-toned tops work well
A tailored blazer or other layers adds a professional touch
Avoid jewelry that may distract. Something small is perfect
For Men
A well-fitted dress shirt or a blazer is a solid choice. Have them ironed and ready to go! Don’t shove them in a backpack.
If wearing a tie, choose a subtle pattern or a solid color
Make sure clothes are ironed or pressed and fit you well.
Consider Your Brand
If you work in a creative industry, a casual and relaxed look may suit you better than formal business attire. Consider the message you want to send with your headshot. Personal Branding might be a better option if you’re looking for a more creative way to show off your brand.
3. Grooming and Personal Care
Looking polished is key to a professional headshot. Here are some grooming tips:
Hair & Makeup
Keep you makeup natural and avoid overly shiny or matte finishes. Less is more with these high res cameras (headshot makeup tips)
Use translucent powder to reduce shine on your face
For hair, opt for a well-groomed, natural look. Don’t be shy to shoot both hair up and down for variety
Facial Hair for Men
If you have a beard, keep it trimmed and shaped neatly
If clean-shaven, shave a few hours before your session to avoid irritation, also, it’s a royal pain to clean up that shadow in post.
Keep yourself Hydrated by drinking plenty of water the day before
Get a good night’s sleep to reduce dark circles
Exfoliate and moisturize for a fresh look (how to look good in headshots)
4. Posing and Expression Tips
If you’re not used to being in front of the camera, a headshot session can lead to anxiety and nerves. Think back to when you hired a pro to do something like fix an appliance or replace the transmission on your car. Is that work you knew how to do? Probably not. So, when you come in for a headshot session, why would you know how to pose, or what a flattering position is, or how the light should fall on your face?
The good news is, you don’t need to know how to pose or how to look great in front of a camera. It’s my job to make sure you look amazing! I do that through coaching on pose and facial expression. I will help find positions that make you look great, and I’ll most likely say something silly to get you to laugh. I never say “Cheese! or Smile.”
Everything we shoot will show up on a large monitor, so you can see exactly how everything is looking. From here, I’ll coach you on facial expressions and make adjustments to your position.
So you can relax and enjoy the session while I ask you to “give me a look like you just experienced a coincidence, a happier coincidence than that”!
5. What should you Bring to Your Session?
Bringing the right items can help you feel prepared and reduce stress. Here’s a checklist
Bring extra outfits for variety, anything you feel amazing in
Oil-blotting sheets or powder
Lip balm or gloss for hydration
A comb or brush to fix flyaways
If you wear glasses, bring a few different frames in. This sounds odd, but if you have a pair with no glass, bring them in!
Having these essentials ensures you’re ready for any last-minute adjustments.
6. What to Expect on the Day of the Shoot
To get the best results, follow these final preparation steps:
try to Arrive Early
Give yourself enough time to settle in and do last-minute touch-ups (how to feel comfortable in front of the camera).
Discuss Your Goals with the Photographer
We’ll chat for a few minutes about how you plan to use the headshot, though we’ve probably already talked about this on the phone or through email. This helps us both get comfortable, and it will help me tailor the background, lighting. (best lighting for headshots).
Stay Relaxed
Stay relaxed and have some fun. Though we want to have headshots that make you look like a leader, we also want to show some personality!
7. After the Session: Choosing Your Best Headshot
Once your session is done, we’ll have a chance to go through the final images and narrow it down to your favorites.
Look for a natural, confident expression
Ensure your posture is strong but relaxed
Check for distractions or awkward angles
Retouching Considerations
I will retouch every image you purchase. I do light skin softening, blemish removal, and color correcting. I’ll whiten the eyes and teeth if they need it, take away any parts of my gear that are in the photos and take out fly-away hairs.