How to Prepare for Professional Headshots

Your professional headshot can be your first introduction to a new client, business partner, customer, and more. Ensure it reflects your personality and professionalism by being prepared for your professional headshot session. Read through our tips and FAQs for getting your professional headshot below.

Professional headshot of young person with red background
Professional headshot of man with red tie
professional headshot of smiling woman in black dress
Professional headshot of woman in striped blazer

What should I wear for my professional headshots?


Are you looking for business casual, or business formal? How do professionals in your industry present themselves? How do you communicate your company culture through your attire?

Think Interviews

Choose an outfit you would wear to an interview, or a sales pitch meeting, or if you were being interviewed on television. Consider what's standard in your industry, and what's a good reflection of your role, job title, and company.


Consider Your Colors

Darker jackets, blouses, dress shirts, or dresses are a great options. Avoid very light pastel colors unless they’re combined with dark clothing. Don't wear all black or all white - have some color and contrast.


Consider the Impact of Patterns

Only use subtle patterns to keep the focus on your face. Stronger patterns can distract, but if they reflect your personal taste and style, go for it!

Present Your True Self

Keep your clothing in line with your true personality and aesthetic! Wear something that makes you look and feel your best.

What about hair, makeup, grooming, and accessories?

Accessories

Bring a few options of whatever accessories you choose. If wearing a tie or jewelry, keep them understated and classic in design. We want the focus to be on you!


 If you wear glasses every day, you should wear them in the photo. We can do photos with and without glasses if you like. If your lenses have anti-glare coating that is preferred, but we can work with it if not. 


Note: if you have adaptive lenses that turn into your regular lenses into sunglasses, please let us know in advance so we can discuss your options. Adaptive lenses cannot be photographed outside


Hair

You’ll want to time any hair cuts, coloring, or styling so that you’ll look your best on the day of the photoshoot. You know your hair best! Keep in mind the date of our photoshoot when scheduling your hair appointments.


Don't wear your hair wildly different from what you normally do! Professional headshots should be a reflection of your true self.


Grooming

You should shave on the day of the session. We’ll retouch out any nicks or scratches if they happen to occur that morning. We can’t edit out stubble after the fact, so make sure your facial hair looks just right for the session.


Makeup

Your makeup should be light and basic as if you were going to a nice function. In many cases, less makeup is more classy. Bring your favorite lipstick and some powder if possible for touchups.


Don't wear your makeup wildly different from what you normally do! Professional headshots should be a reflection of your true self.


How else should I prepare for my professional headshots?

Get a Good Night's Rest

If you feel tired, you'll look tired! Rest up the night before your photo shoot to ensure you look refreshed in your pictures.

Avoid Alchohol the Night Before

Alcohol can dehydrate you and change the lines of your skin, add puffiness, redness, etc. Hydrate with water instead to ensure your skin looks its best.

Reschedule if You're Under the Weather

If you're not feeling your best, you won't look your best. Contact us and we can easily reschedule when you are feeling better.