YOUR HEADSHOT PREP GUIDE

Professional headshots are more important today than ever before. When you get the best photos of yourself you attract the right clients or get the job interview you applied for.

In this easy-to-read headshot prep guide, we break it down:


  • What to wear
  • What to do one week before your headshot session
  • The day before
  • The morning of your session
  • What to do during your headshots

what to wear

  • What should I wear for my headshot is the number one asked question I get. The best advice I can give is to wear what you are comfortable with. It should be appropriate to your job type. Well-fitted clothing is important. Not too loose or too tight.
  • Office attire is usually most common, a suit is a great choice for corporate jobs, including attorneys, or doctors. However, depending on your field the outfits could vary. Medical field scrubs might be a good choice.
  • Keep colors in mind. Plain colors are the best choice. Patterns are too busy and distracting for a headshot photo. These photos are often times only viewed for less than 3 seconds. You don't want to distract the viewer with a loud pattern. Avoid flesh tones, beige, peach, browns or yellows. As these will blend your face and arms into the outfit. Keep color choices in the mid-tone range. Purples, blues, and greens can be flattering. Black and grey are a safe bet.
  • Before you decide on the perfect outfit know the background that will be in the photo. For example, if you decide to wear green and your background is a parkway with greenery and shrubs you might blend in and not stand out enough. Studio portrait backgrounds also need to be taken into consideration. A black suit against a black backdrop won't work. You will blend right in.


one week before

Hair cut/color 

  • When cutting and coloring hair have this done about a week before your headshots are taken. This allows for time to look more natural.

Make sure you have the right outfit

  • See what's in your closet first
  • Avoid loud colors and patterns
  • Stick with grays and blacks to play it safe


the day before

Stay hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid drinking alcohol

8 hours of sleep

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Limit caffeine

Lay out your clothes

  • Know which outfits you will be wearing
  • Iron and press them 
  • Make sure they are well fitted. Not too tight or too big.


the morning of

Arrive Camera Ready

  • Come to your session wearing your first outfit (if coming in for an extended session)
  • Bring back-up shirts or jackets
  • Clean eyeglasses of dirt and smudgeRelax and have fun
  • When you are relaxed it shows in your photos
  • Know we will help guide you throughout the process


during your session

  • Relax
  • Follow our guidance and posing suggestions
  • Stand tall
  • We always show you a peek at the photos during the session. This helps you see what we are doing
  • At this point, you can provide feedback if needed
  • I will teach you my posing techniques
  • Don't worry about how to pose or if you should smile we will guide you. 
  • If you have a favorite side just let us know we will work with your comfort level.