How to Prepare for a Professional Headshot Session: A Complete Guide
Whether you're an entrepreneur, corporate executive, or creative professional, a well-crafted headshot is essential to present your best self to the world. A professional headshot is often the first impression others will have of you, so it's worth taking the time to prepare. In this guide, we’ll walk you through actionable steps to ensure you’re camera-ready for your professional headshot session.
1. Choose the Right Wardrobe
The clothes you wear in your headshot will help define your professional image. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Keep It Classic: Solid colors in neutral tones such as navy, black, white, or gray work best. Avoid busy patterns or logos that may distract from your face.
Dress for Your Industry: A business professional might opt for a suit and tie, while someone in a creative field might go for a more relaxed, casual look.
Multiple Outfits: If possible, bring a few outfit options to your session. A mix of formal and casual looks can provide more variety in your final shots.
Proper Fit: Make sure your clothes fit well and are ironed. Loose or wrinkled clothing can make you look unprofessional.
2. Grooming and Appearance
Your appearance should be polished but still authentic to who you are:
Hair: Get a haircut a few days before your session, so it looks fresh but natural. For long hair, consider whether you want it styled up or down.
Makeup: For women, light, natural makeup is usually best. If makeup isn’t your expertise, consider hiring a professional makeup artist who can give you a camera-ready look.
Shaving: For men, shave or groom facial hair the day of the shoot. Make sure to trim stray hairs and moisturize to prevent dry skin.
Rest and Hydration: Drink plenty of water and get a good night's sleep before your session. Puffy eyes and dry skin are hard to hide in photos.
3. Practice Facial Expressions
Before your headshot session, practice different facial expressions in front of a mirror. Here’s what you should aim for:
Friendly and Approachable: A subtle smile often works well to convey warmth.
Confident but Relaxed: You want to look composed without appearing stiff.
Professional: Keep your chin slightly down and your shoulders relaxed to convey confidence without seeming too serious.
4. Communicate with Your Photographer
Discuss your expectations and goals with your photographer ahead of time. This will help them understand what style of headshot you’re aiming for:
Background Preferences: Let your photographer know if you want a studio shot with a plain background or something more dynamic, like an outdoor location.
Retouching and Lighting: Ask about lighting options and how much retouching will be done on your final images.
Branding Alignment: Make sure your headshot aligns with your personal or company brand. For example, do you want a formal, corporate look or a more approachable, casual vibe?
5. Get Comfortable Before the Shoot
The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will turn out. Arrive at your headshot session early, so you have time to settle in:
Breathing Exercises: If you're nervous, try some deep breathing exercises to calm yourself.
Music and Conversation: Some photographers may play music during the shoot or engage in light conversation to help you feel more comfortable.
6. Final Touches
Before stepping in front of the camera, take a moment to check for:
Shiny Skin: Blot any excess oil from your face with a tissue or oil-absorbing sheet.
Wardrobe Adjustments: Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure everything is properly tucked and aligned.
Hair and Makeup Check: Make sure your hair is in place and touch up any makeup if necessary.
Other Helpful Tips: Be sure to get a good night’s rest the night prior to the shoot. Also, you should not arrive to the shoot hungry (or over-fed). Lastly, come with a positive attitude as it often shows in the photos.
Conclusion
Taking the time to prepare for your professional headshot session will ensure you walk away with a polished, professional image that represents you at your best. Remember to communicate with your photographer, dress appropriately, and relax to let your true personality shine through. A well-prepared session leads to headshots that not only look good but also help you make a lasting impression in your professional life.
By following these steps, you can walk into your headshot session feeling confident and prepared. If you're looking for expert headshot photography, feel free to reach out to us to schedule a session today!