How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

The single biggest variable in headshot quality isn't the photographer, the lighting, or the background, it's how prepared the subject is. A relaxed, well-dressed, well-rested person who knows what to expect produces dramatically better headshots than someone who showed up stressed and unsure. Here's how to be ready.

Day of the session, what to expect

Most people feel at least slightly nervous before a headshot session, even people who are comfortable on camera. That's completely normal, and a good photographer's job is to put you at ease quickly. Here's what a typical session looks like:

We'll start with a brief conversation about how you want to be perceived, where you'll primarily use the photos, and any preferences you have. This takes about 5 minutes and sets up the session so the photos match what you need.

Guided posing throughout. You don't need to know how to pose. The photographer will direct your position, head angle, shoulder placement, and expression for every shot. If something isn't working, we'll adjust immediately. You'll see the photos as we go.

Expression and energy matter most. The technical elements, lighting, background, focus, are handled on the photographer's side. What produces the best headshots is genuine relaxed energy from you. If you're thinking "what do I do with my face," you'll be tense. Trust the direction and let the photographer guide you.

What to wear

• Solid colors photograph best. Avoid tight patterns, stripes, and logos, they distract from your face and can shimmer on camera.
• Choose colors that contrast with the background so you don't blend in. For a light background, mid-to-dark tones work well.
• Fit matters more than formality. Well-fitted clothes read as polished; baggy or too-tight clothes are obvious in a cropped headshot.
• Bring two or three options. Even in a short session, a change of top or adding a jacket gives you variety to choose from.
• Mind the neckline and shoulders, that's most of what's in frame. Necklines that sit well and structured shoulders (a blazer, a collared shirt) photograph cleanly.

Grooming and the day before

• Get a good night's sleep. Rest shows in the eyes and skin more than any retouching can fix.
• Hair and any grooming should be done a day or two before, not the morning of, so nothing looks too fresh or uneven.
• Hydrate and go easy on salt the night before to minimize puffiness.
• We do natural retouching, clearing temporary blemishes and softening distractions while keeping you looking like you. You don't need to be camera-ready to perfection; that's part of our job.

What to bring

• Your two or three wardrobe options.
• A comb or brush and any touch-up items you like.
• If it's a branded shoot, note your brand colors so we can keep the look on-brand.

After the session

You'll review images during the shoot, and we deliver the finished, retouched selects within one to three business days, web- and print-ready, sized for LinkedIn, your website, email signatures, and press. If you need a specific crop or format, just ask.