Prepping For Your Professional Headshot Session
Getting new headshots can feel a little intimidating, but with the right prep, it doesn’t have to be! The more thought you put in ahead of time, the smoother your session will be and the more you’ll love the final images. Here are my best tips to help you show up feeling comfortable, polished, and ready to look your best in front of the camera.
Choosing Your Outfit
Your outfit sets the tone for how others see you and can either elevate the impression you want to make. Even though your headshot is often framed pretty tight (waist up), it is still important to pick a fully cohesive outfit just in case we include a few different poses where your pants/bottoms and shoes are showing.
When selecting your outfit, think about how you want to be seen professionally and what makes the most sense for the job you do. That could mean you need to wear a more tailored suit, a colorful blouse or maybe even a cozy sweater. Wearing clothing that is tailored to you, fits you well and makes you feel comfortable and confident in is key. Other things to consider:
Choose clothing that fits well (not too tight or too baggy)
Solid colors, neutral/earth tones, and jewel tones are best
Make sure clothing is ironed and lint-free
Avoid bright colors like oranges, reds, and neons as they can wash you out or cast color on your skin
Think about layers and/or texture (knitted sweaters, tweed coats, or silk tops can look really polished and professional and add visual interest without distraction)
Avoid busy, vibrant patterns and stripes
Avoid large logos or clothing with printed graphics on them
Accessorize with simple, classic pieces of jewelry to elevate your look but not to distract from the photos
Hair, Makeup & Grooming
Makeup
Keep it true to you. You don’t need to go heavy, just slightly elevated from your everyday look. A little extra mascara, some natural-looking blush, and a defined lip color can make a big difference on camera.
If makeup isn’t your thing, or you want an extra confidence boost, hiring a makeup artist can take the stress off. I can always recommend someone if needed.
Hair
Same rule as makeup: keep it simple and styled in a way that feels comfortable for you. I don’t recommend doing something totally unique or different than you normally would! Fresh trims or a quick blowout before your session can help you feel more confident. However, it’s not a bad idea to plan for a haircut or hair appointment a week or two before your headshot session. That way you have time to settle into the new style and won’t be dealing with the “fresh cut” look on picture day.
Grooming
For the guys, make sure your facial hair is well-groomed and shaved in the way you prefer.
Intentional Planning
Before your session, it is also worth thinking about any little extras that help you feel your best. Maybe that’s a manicure, buying a new pair of glasses, whitening your teeth, or even booking a facial. By no means are any of these things required, but if they’ll give you an extra boost of confidence, it’s smart to plan them ahead so you’re feeling completely ready when it’s time to step in front of the camera.
Time To Practice
As awkward and silly as it may feel, standing in front of a mirror in your headshot outfit practicing different poses and smiles will help you prepare for your shoot! It will also get you comfortable with how your body will look in your clothing and how it works with your posing. During your headshot, I’ll walk you through what to do, but your mirror practice goes a long way and can help build your confidence.
What to Expect
I am very aware that headshot day is typically not everyone’s favorite day. That’s why I do my best to make you as comfortable as possible while working quickly and efficiently. You’re going to look great! Here’s what you can expect:
I will walk you through a few different poses and give you clear direction and instructions
I will show you your images on the back of my camera so you can see what the photos look like and make adjustments as needed (adjust a pose, move a piece of hair, etc.)
I’m a big fan of “modern” style headshots, so it’s possible we’ll include the setting you’re in to create more of a lifestyle feel. These photos will seem very personal and approachable!
You will likely spend just about 5-10 minutes with me. If I’m doing my job well, it should be fast!
Photo Editing & Touch-Up
For headshots, I want my images to feel natural but also clean and polished. When editing the images, I’ll gently retouch each photo - things like softening under-eye circles, reducing shine, and removing any temporary blemishes or flyaway hairs. I won’t alter your features or make you look like someone you’re not; the goal is to highlight you at your best while keeping the images true to life.
With a little intentional prep and the right mindset, your headshot session can be quick, stress-free, and leave you with images that feel like the best version of you.
Is it time to book your headshot? Let’s chat!
Hey! I’m Lynsey
I'm so glad you're here! As a brand photographer, nothing lights me up more than helping other business owners wade through the challenges of entrepreneurship. I truly believe building a personal brand is the key to success in business and I want to share everything I know. Take a look around and reach out with any questions. Cheers to you!