How to Prepare for Headshot Photoshoot

Congratulations on booking your headshot session! Now that you have taken the first step, what’s next? How do I prepare for my headshots? These are some of the questions that I get asked frequently. I know it can be nerve-wracking to be in front of a camera and not know what to expect, which is why I poured my 20+ years of experience as a Headshot Photographer to create this guide to help you prepare for a successful headshot session.

A good headshot is all about reflecting your essence in a photograph; it should look like YOU and showcase your confidence, your personality, and how you’re a great fit for the role. All this can be achieved with a little preparation and proper communication with your photographer. I recommend my clients to do a bit of research and self-reflection, so that you can be your most authentic self, while getting the perfect photographs you want.

This guide is aimed to help you prepare for a professional headshot session. While each headshot session I do is unique and tailored to each client, some key elements remain the same throughout. These are the ones that I am listing, that will help you be prepared for your shoot with me, or any other headshot photographer in general.

Know Yourself & Your Goals

Before you begin, it is very important for you to have an idea of yourself, what your personal brand is, and how you wish for it to be reflected in your photographs. For you to understand that, here are a few questions to consider:

What do you want your headshot to say about you?
Is there a specific look you want to go for in your headshot?
What types of roles are you going out for?
Is there a person, living or not, who is living your dream career, doing what you’d like to do? Who is it?
How would your friends, family, or people who know you best, describe your personality?

These questions will help the photographer understand who you are and what you’re aiming for, and if there’s a specific look you want to achieve with your headshots. Plus, it also gives you clarity about yourself. If this all feels overwhelming, then I would recommend booking a consultation with me so that I can help you figure out what would work best for you.

What to Wear ?

Ah, the biggest dilemma—what to wear for a headshot session? How to look good in headshots? Trust me, the kind of clothes you choose to wear makes a huge difference in how you look and feel during your shoot, and in your final photographs!

TIP: If you’re buying new clothes, make sure to do so a few weeks before your shoot, so that you have plenty of time to try them out and see what looks great on you! [When you book with me, my on-set Wardrobe Stylist will expertly guide you on what colors & clothes to wear so that you achieve your dream look for your headshot session!]

I recommend keeping your clothes simple, fitted, cleaned, ironed, and distraction-free (no bold prints or patterns, or baggy clothes) for your headshots. Solid colors work best in most cases, and I’d also ask you to bring a variety of styles and layers (such as blazers / coats / jackets / over button-ups / over tank tops, etc.) to try out and see which ones photograph best.

Hair & Makeup

For your headshot preparation, I recommend going with a classic yet natural look in makeup, as it enhances your best features and keeps you recognizable in your photographs. Women should avoid glitter and shimmer in your makeup; it takes away your natural look. TIP: If you’re booking a makeup artist for your headshot, make sure to have a practice session with them a few weeks before your shoot to see how you will look on shoot day. [I offer an on-set Hair & Makeup artist for those who book their session with me!]

For hair, men and women should keep their hairstyles classic & professional and avoid trendy / dramatic / overstyled hairdos. Any haircut or trim should be done at least a week before your shoot. If you are new to the city, and don’t have a stylist, ask your friends for a recommendation. TIP: Avoid any drastic changes to your hair, including colors that do not look flattering on you, as you near your shoot day.

Another advice I give my clients is to get rid of any unwanted facial hair a little over a week before the shoot, as it will show up in the pictures. Be careful though, if you have never been waxed before, try not to get waxed right before your shoot, as it may cause breakouts and/or redness and irritation.

Pre-Shoot Self-Care

The self-care routine you do before your headshot session is essential to make you look glowing and amazing in your photoshoot! While makeup can cover many of your imperfections, it is no substitute for a tired, dull skin which will be easily visible on camera and in your pictures. Here are a few tips to look your best in your headshots:

Wash your face with a gentle moisturizing cleanser instead of an abrasive soap or chemicals. Ladies, avoid going to bed with makeup on—and men, please wash your face once a day to keep it looking fresh.
Exfoliate your facial skin gently at least once a week to keep your skin smooth and maintain that natural glow. Avoid using products you’re not familiar with, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Moisturization is your friend—use a good facial lotion according to your skin type, and don’t forget to wear SPF/sunscreen when you step out of your house—you’ll thank yourself for preventing early wrinkles!
Avoid smoking and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep for healthy, radiant skin.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate—I cannot stress this enough, drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking plump and healthy.
Last but not the least, avoid alcohol and salty foods a few days before your shoot, as it can lead to puffiness.

Shoot Day!

Finally your shoot day has arrived! I suggest arriving a bit early, so that you don’t feel rushed and have plenty of time to relax and get ready. Bring props if you can, along with a touch-up kit with the essentials so that you can adjust your makeup and hair in case it is required.

Trust your photographer’s expertise; they will guide you and deliver your best headshot. Take the time to really connect with yourself and your photographer, and convey your vision for the photoshoot. Let them guide you through different poses, and relaxation techniques. Most importantly, don’t forget to relax and have fun on your shoot!

I hope this guide was helpful to everyone reading. As a Philadelphia-based Headshot Photographer with over two decades of experience, I offer a personalized shoot consultation, as well as Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe Stylists on-set when you book with me, so that you don’t have to worry about anything. If you’d like to book my headshot services, you can do that by filling up this form here.