Headshot Preparation Tips: How to Look Your Best for Professional Portraits
Why Preparing for Your Headshot Matters
Headshot Preparation Tips
Preparing for a professional headshot session is key to capturing a photo that conveys confidence, approachability, and your personal brand. When you’re scheduling a corporate headshot, the fundamentals remain the same: wear the right outfit, mind your grooming, and arrive confident and well-rested. Below, we break down the essential headshot preparation tips, from what clothes to wear (and avoid) to how to groom and pose, so you can look and feel your best in front of the camera.
Consult with Your Photographer and Plan Ahead
Before your session, take time to consult with your headshot photographer. Professionals often offer guidance on outfit choices and styling to match your personal or corporate brand. Bring a few outfit options to your shoot and discuss them with your photographer in advance. This collaboration helps ensure you choose clothing that makes you feel confident and aligns with the image you want to project. A local professional headshot photographer will also know what works best for the setting and audience, for example, a tech executive might dress differently than a downtown finance professional. Clear communication with your photographer means you’ll arrive on the day of the shoot prepared and on the same page regarding style, background, and overall vibe.
Grooming Tips
Hair
Schedule a haircut about a week before your session to allow the style to settle. If you color your hair, do so at least a week in advance to ensure a natural look.
Skin
Wash your face before your session to remove dirt and oil, reducing shine. If you have dry skin, apply moisturizer the night before to maintain a balanced complexion. However, avoid applying moisturizer on the day of your session, as it can make your skin appear shiny.
Facial Hair
If you shave, do so within four hours of your session to maintain a clean look. If you have a beard or mustache, ensure it’s neatly trimmed and well-groomed. Choose a style that aligns with your personal brand and enhances your overall appearance.
Wardrobe: Choosing the Right Outfit for Headshots
Your clothing plays a major role in a headshot. The goal is to highlight you, not distract from you, so keep your outfit simple, well-fitted, and reflective of your personality and profession. Here are key wardrobe tips:
Best Color to Wear
Wear colors that complement your complexion and hair, these will help your features stand out in a flattering way. You likely have an idea of which hues earn you compliments; if not, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or your photographer for input. Often, solid, lighter shades or mid-tone colors work well, as very dark colors (like solid black) can sometimes look harsh or make you appear tired. The focus should remain on your face, so choose colors that make your eyes and skin tone pop gently, without overpowering your look.
Colors and Patterns to Avoid
Steer clear of neon or extremely bright colors, as they can reflect unnatural light onto your face and distort your skin tone in photos. Similarly, avoid flesh-toned clothes that match too closely with your skin, you don’t want an optical illusion of being bare in your photo. Loud patterns or busy prints can also pull attention away from your face. The safest choice is usually solid colors or subtle patterns that don’t dominate the image. If bold colors or distinct patterns are part of your personal brand, you can incorporate them in small doses, but make sure they don’t steal the spotlight from you. Also avoid any large logos or branding on your clothing, which can be distracting and make the photo look less professional.
Fit and Outfit Selection
Wear well fitting clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Attire that is too tight might pinch or highlight areas in unflattering ways, while overly loose garments can look sloppy or as if you’re “swimming” in fabric. For a polished, professional appearance, ensure that layered pieces fit nicely together, for example, if you plan to wear a blazer or jacket over a shirt, both should be appropriately sized. A common mistake is pairing a baggy shirt with a snug blazer, which can cause awkward bunching or wrinkles. It’s a good idea to bring multiple outfit options (e.g. a casual-business look and a more formal look) to the studio. This way, you and the photographer can choose the most photogenic ensemble or even shoot a few looks for variety. Whatever you choose, make sure you feel like yourself in the outfit, being at ease in your clothing will help you appear natural and self-assured in the photos.
Final Preparation: Rest, Relaxation and Last-Minute Details
- Get Plenty of Rest – A good night’s sleep before your session helps you look fresh and energized, reducing dark circles and puffiness.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session to keep your skin clear and glowing.
- Avoid Alcohol & Excessive Caffeine – These can dehydrate your skin and cause puffiness or redness. Stick to water and herbal tea instead.
- Test Your Outfits in Natural Light – Try on your selected outfits in front of a mirror near a window to see how the colors complement your skin tone.
- Bring a Lint Roller – Ensure your clothing is free from lint, pet hair, or dust, as these can be distracting in high-resolution images.
- Wear Minimal Jewelry – Keep accessories simple and classic to avoid distractions from your face.
- Bring Your Glasses: If you normally wear glasses, bring them to the session. Our photographers have techniques to eliminate any glare or color tint (from blue-light coatings) on your lenses, so you can comfortably wear your glasses in your headshots without worry.