How to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot
Your headshot is an investment in your professional future. Follow this guide to ensure you look and feel your absolute best on camera.
HEALTH & WELLNESS PREPARATION
5 Days Before (Starting Now!)
Hydrate consistently - Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to improve skin clarity and reduce puffiness
Get quality sleep - Aim for 7-9 hours nightly to reduce dark circles and improve overall appearance
Limit alcohol and sodium - Both cause facial bloating and can make skin look dull
Consider a sauna session - If available, 15-20 minutes can improve circulation and give skin a healthy glow
24-48 Hours Before
Double down on hydration - Your skin will thank you
Avoid trying new skincare products - Stick to your routine to prevent breakouts
Get a good night's sleep - This is crucial for looking refreshed
Light exercise - Improves circulation and gives you a natural, healthy glow
Day of Shoot
Morning hydration - Start with a large glass of water
Light, healthy breakfast - Avoid bloating foods
Brief walk or light stretching - Gets blood flowing and helps with nerves
GROOMING ESSENTIALS
Hair
Schedule haircuts within the next 2-3 days - Allows time to settle naturally before the event
Bring styling products - We can touch up between shots
Consider professional styling - Especially for important corporate headshots
Skincare
Moisturize well - Hydrated skin photographs beautifully
Use primer - Creates a smooth base for makeup/photography
Arrive makeup-free - Our photographer can recommend touch-ups if needed
Facial Hair
Fresh shave or well-groomed beard - Clean lines photograph best
Nose/ear hair trimmed - Small details matter in close-up shots
WARDROBE SELECTION
✅ DO WEAR:
Solid colors - Navy, charcoal, black, deep jewel tones, crisp white
Well-fitted clothing - Tailored look conveys professionalism
Classic styles - Timeless pieces won't date your headshot
Comfortable fabrics - You'll feel more confident and relaxed
Bring 2-3 outfit options - We'll choose the best on-camera look
❌ AVOID:
Logos or text - Distracting and can date your photo
Busy patterns - Stripes, plaids, and prints pull focus from your face
Trendy styles - Classic looks have longer shelf life
Ill-fitting clothes - Baggy or tight clothing is unflattering
Wrinkled garments - Always arrive pressed and polished
Color Psychology:
Navy/Dark Blue - Trustworthy, professional, authoritative
Charcoal/Gray - Sophisticated, modern, versatile
Black - Classic, powerful, sleek
White/Cream - Clean, fresh, approachable
Deep Colors - Rich burgundy, forest green, or deep purple add personality
MENTAL PREPARATION
Confidence Building
Practice your smile - Natural expressions start with feeling good
Prepare conversation topics - Relaxed conversation creates genuine expressions
Visualize success - Picture yourself confident and professional
Arrive early - Rushing creates stress that shows on camera
Mindset Tips
Remember your achievements - Confidence comes from within
Focus on your message - What do you want your headshot to communicate?
Trust the process - Professional photographers know how to make you look great
Embrace authenticity - The best headshots capture the real you
FINAL 24-HOUR CHECKLIST
The Night Before:
Lay out 2-3 outfit options
Charge phone (for reference photos if needed)
Get 8+ hours of sleep
Drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol
Morning Of:
Hydrate immediately upon waking
Light, non-bloating breakfast
Shower and complete grooming routine
Dress in your primary outfit choice
Arrive 15 minutes early
WHAT TO EXPECT ON SHOOT DAY
Efficient Session
Quick wardrobe check - Final outfit confirmation
Professional positioning - I'll guide you into the perfect pose
Expert direction - I'll coach you through expressions and angles
Multiple quality shots - Several options captured efficiently
Streamlined process - Designed to get your best look quickly
Your Part is Simple
Follow my direction - I know what works best on camera
Stay relaxed - I'll help you feel comfortable and confident
Trust the process - My job is to make you look amazing
Brief any concerns upfront - Mention preferences before we start shooting
Preview Options
iPad viewing available - Can connect for quick preview if requested
Focus on the session - Sometimes it's better to trust the process without seeing shots during
POST-SHOOT EXPECTATIONS
Professional editing - Color correction, minor retouching included
Multiple format delivery - High-res files for print, web-optimized versions
Quick turnaround - Processed efficiently after the event
Usage rights - Full permission for professional use across all platforms
REMEMBER
Your headshot is often the first impression you make professionally. This investment in your image is an investment in your career. Come prepared, stay relaxed, and trust the process.
