How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session
Great headshots are the result of preparation. This guide covers everything you need to know before your session so we make the most of your time in the studio.
Wardrobe
The goal is simple: your clothes should support your face, not compete with it.
What works:
Dress for your audience. If you work in finance or law, a suit or formal attire is appropriate. If you're a founder or creative, a blazer over a clean shirt hits the right note. When in doubt, dress for the meeting you most want to be in.
Wear solids. Solid colors draw the eye to your face. Deep blues, greens, and burgundy are strong choices. Navy is particularly reliable — it photographs rich, flattering, and timeless on almost everyone.
Bring layers. A blazer or jacket adds dimension and gives us options. On, it reads corporate authority. Off, it reads approachable and confident. Both are useful.
Prioritize fit. Clothes that are too loose look sloppy. Clothes that are too tight look uncomfortable. Try everything on before the day of your session. If something needs steaming or tailoring, handle it now.
What to avoid:
Busy patterns. Tight grids, small herringbones, and busy prints cause a moiré effect on screen — a shimmering distortion that pulls attention away from your face. Skip them.
Scarves. They add bulk and can overwhelm the neckline in a tight frame. Keep the neckline clean.
Outdated ties. If you wear a tie, make sure it's current. Dated patterns age a photo instantly.
Visible undershirts. If you're wearing a dress shirt without a tie, the undershirt should be a V-neck and not visible at the collar.
Grooming
Your face is the focal point. Here's how to prepare it.
Hair and skin:
Schedule your haircut about one week before your session. This gives it time to settle naturally and avoids the freshly-cut look or tan lines at the neck and hairline.
If you color your hair, do it at least a week before your session to avoid any residual skin staining.
Don't experiment. Now is not the time for a new hairstyle. You want to look like yourself — the version people recognize when you walk into the room.
Don't touch blemishes. If you wake up with a spot, leave it alone. It's straightforward to retouch in post-processing. Picking it makes it harder to work with.
Hydrate the day before. Drink plenty of water the day before your session. Hydrated skin photographs smoother and younger.
Skip the spray tan. Artificial tans often read orange under studio lights. Your natural skin tone photographs better.
Makeup:
The benchmark is an important corporate meeting, not a special occasion. Your makeup should look like the best, most polished version of your daily self.
Use a matte finish. Studio lights are powerful. Heavy highlighters and luminous finishes can read as shine or perspiration on camera. Matte products keep the focus where it belongs.
Keep lips natural. A touch of your everyday lip product is usually all you need.
For those with a beard or stubble: Trim and groom it before your session so it looks intentional. A well-maintained beard photographs well. An unkempt one is a distraction.
The Morning of Your Session
Steam or iron your clothes. The camera picks up wrinkles the eye misses. Transport your outfits on hangers.
Eat before you arrive. A meal a few hours before the session keeps your energy steady. Don't show up on an empty stomach.
Arrive as yourself. You don't need to practice expressions or figure out your angles in advance. That's what the session is for.
One Last Thing
If you've ever thought "I'm not photogenic" — that's not a you problem. It's a process problem. Most people have never had someone guide them through lighting, positioning, and expression coaching in real time. That's exactly what I'm here to do.
Arrive prepared. I'll handle the rest.