How to Prepare for
Your Headshot Session

  1. Choose an outfit or 2 that you feel comfortable in/look good in

  2. Clothing with textures or layers are good options

  3. Select colors that are complimentary to your features, skin tone, hair color, etc.

  4. Make sure everything is lint rolled & pressed or ironed

  5. If wearing a tie, come with it already tied and tightened

  6. Clean your glasses lenses!

  7. For women: makeup can be everyday and simple. A good base layer of powder or foundation will provide a polished look. Feel free to bump up your everyday look too! Lipstick brings your whole look together and balances your facial features.

  8. Transitions lenses & blue light/UV light lenses do not often work well for photos (but can be dealt with in post if needed). Consider using an alternate pair, or not wearing any glasses for your headshots (when possible).

  9. Get a good night’s sleep and drink plenty of water the day before your session

  10. SMILE! We want to see your REAL smile! A fake or “camera” smile will not look authentic and will show in your photos.

  11. Don’t worry or stress about posing! I will coach you into your stance and slight movements of shoulders, hands, elbows, etc.

*Remember — some of the things listed above can be fixed in Photoshop,
but may be billed extra. The best practice is to get everything right
before you step in front of the camera lens.

What to Wear

If you don’t wear a suit and tie every day, then don’t wear a suit and tie! (unless of course you need to/are required to); here are some other great options to consider:

Things that typically look great in photos:

  • layers - jackets, blazers, cardigans, vests, etc.

  • textured tops or blouses

  • button-up shirts with small plaid/pattern

  • women’s tops with small patterns (avoid large patterns or stripes unless under a jacket)

  • accessories (lapel pins, earrings, necklaces)

  • bright colors that complement you (and then pair with neutrals as needed)

Things that don’t look great in photos:

  • reds/oranges or any similar color that will reflect back on your skin

  • bright white (unless it has a texture); bright white is ok if you have a layer over it

  • Transitions lenses (if your headshots will be outside); also blue light glasses will show blue/purple in the photos with both natural light AND artificial light (flash)

  • inexpensive cotton clothing (generally try to avoid cotton when possible for photos)

  • clothing or trendy items that will date your photos (ie. 70s bell bottoms)

HBP headshot examples