Free Guide
The Complete Guide to Professional Headshot Preparation
Everything you and your team need to know before photo day, from what to wear and grooming tips to what happens during the session. Used by marketing teams at Fortune 500 companies.
The Night Before
Preparation starts the day before your session. What you do tonight shows on camera tomorrow.
Get 7–8 Hours of Sleep
This isn't optional. Dark circles, puffy eyes, and tired expressions are the number one thing that undermines an otherwise great headshot. Studio lighting reveals everything, including exhaustion.
Moisturize
Apply a good moisturizer to your face and neck. Hydrated skin photographs dramatically better under studio lighting. Dry, flaky skin catches light in unflattering ways.
Hydrate (Skip the Extras)
Drink plenty of water. Avoid excess alcohol and salty food, as both cause puffiness and dehydration that shows on camera. Your morning coffee is fine.
Lay Out Your Outfit
Don't leave this to the morning. Iron or steam your clothing now, hang it, and let any wrinkles fall out overnight. Check for lint, stains, and missing buttons.
What to Wear
Your clothing choice is the single biggest factor in how professional your headshot looks, even more than the lighting or background.
Best Colors
Navy, charcoal, black, and deep jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, sapphire) photograph beautifully. These colors convey authority without distracting from your face.
What to Avoid
Skip busy patterns, thin stripes (they create a moire effect on camera), large logos, neon colors, and all-white outfits. White competes with studio lighting and washes out skin tones.
Dress for Your Role
Wear what your clients, partners, or colleagues expect to see you in. For executives: suit jacket and collared shirt. For creative industries: smart casual is appropriate. When in doubt, dress one level up.
Bring Options
We recommend 1-2 outfits. This gives you flexibility and ensures you have a backup. If you're unsure about a piece, bring it. Your photographer can advise on the spot.
Fit Matters More Than Brand
A well-fitting $50 shirt photographs better than an ill-fitting $500 blazer. Everything should lay flat: no bunching at the shoulders, no collar gaps, no pulling across the chest.
Iron Everything
This is non-negotiable. Wrinkles are visible in every headshot and they look unprofessional. Steam or iron everything the night before, including undershirts and collars.
Color Theory for Headshots
The right color doesn't just look good. It communicates something about you before you say a word.
Navy Blue
Universally flattering, conveys trust and competence. This is the safest choice for anyone unsure. It works on every skin tone and every background.
Charcoal & Dark Gray
Modern, sophisticated, and versatile. Works particularly well for executive portraits where authority matters.
Black
Classic and slimming, but requires good lighting to avoid looking flat. Works best with a lighter background or when paired with a colored undershirt.
Jewel Tones
Emerald, burgundy, sapphire, and plum add visual interest without being distracting. Great for adding personality while staying professional.
Earth Tones
Tan, olive, and rust can work well for environmental or lifestyle headshots. Less traditional but increasingly popular for modern brand imagery.
Grooming
Studio lighting is unforgiving. Small details that go unnoticed in person become visible on camera.
Haircut Timing
Schedule your haircut 1-2 weeks before the session. A fresh cut needs a few days to settle and look natural. Same-day haircuts often look too sharp and unnatural in photos.
Facial Hair
If you have a beard, trim and shape it the morning of your session. If you're clean-shaven, shave that morning. Five o'clock shadow is visible under studio lighting.
Skin Care
Stick to your normal routine. Now is not the time to try new products. If you have blemishes, don't worry, we handle that in professional retouching.
Nails
Clean and trimmed. Hands may appear in some poses, and unkempt nails are surprisingly noticeable in close-up shots.
Teeth
Brush and floss before your session. Avoid coffee and red wine the morning of. Stained teeth are hard to fix naturally in retouching.
Eyebrows
If you typically maintain your eyebrows, do so a few days before (not the morning of). Redness or irritation will show on camera.
Hair & Makeup
The goal is to look like your best, most polished professional self, not someone else.
Foundation & Coverage
Matte or semi-matte foundation prevents shine under studio lights. Avoid dewy finishes, as they create hot spots that are difficult to correct. Our studio does have a makeup station available.
Eyes
Natural, defined eyes photograph best. Soft liner and neutral eyeshadow. Avoid heavy smokey eyes or dramatic lashes. They overpower the image.
Lips
A natural lip color close to your actual shade. Bold lipstick can work if it's part of your professional identity, but when in doubt, go natural.
Powder & Touch-Ups
Bring blotting papers or translucent powder for touch-ups between shots, especially if you tend to get shiny. Our studio has a makeup station, but it helps to have your own products.
Hair Styling
Style your hair as you'd normally wear it to work. Avoid trying a brand-new hairstyle on photo day. Bring a comb or small brush for touch-ups.
Accessories
Accessories should complement your look, not compete for attention.
Jewelry
Less is more. Simple studs, a watch, or a thin necklace work well. Avoid large dangling earrings, chunky necklaces, or anything that catches light and creates distracting reflections.
Glasses
If you wear glasses daily, wear them in your headshot. People should recognize you. Clean them thoroughly before your session. We'll angle them to minimize reflections and glare.
What to Remove
Lanyards, name badges, AirPods, smartwatch notifications, and sunglasses on top of your head. These are the most common offenders.
Ties & Scarves
A well-chosen tie or scarf adds a subtle layer of personality. Solid colors or very subtle patterns. Make sure it's clean, pressed, and properly knotted.
Day of Your Session
You've prepared. Now it's time to show up and let us do what we do best.
Arrive On Time
Arriving rushed and flustered shows on camera. Give yourself plenty of buffer. If you're early, that's perfect. Use the time to relax and settle in.
Trust the Process
Expression coaching is built into every session. Your photographer will demonstrate positions, guide you through natural expressions, and show you what's working in real time. You don't need to know how to pose.
Real-Time Review
You'll see your images on a tethered monitor as we shoot. No guessing, no surprises. You'll know you got the shot before you leave.
Pick Your Favorite
At the end of your session, you'll review and select your preferred image right there. No waiting for proofs, no follow-up emails. Decision made, done.
It Takes 5–10 Minutes
For team headshot days, each person typically spends just 5-10 minutes in front of the camera. It's fast, efficient, and (most people are surprised to learn) actually fun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After photographing thousands of professionals, these are the most common mistakes we see.
Trying a new hairstyle or haircut the day of the session
Wearing a wrinkled shirt because you didn't check the night before
Skipping sleep (dark circles don't retouch naturally)
Wearing all white (it competes with studio lighting)
Keeping a lanyard or badge around your neck
Forgetting to clean your glasses
Heavy contouring or dramatic makeup
Arriving stressed and rushed with no buffer time
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about headshot preparation.
What should I wear for a professional headshot?
Solid colors photograph best: navy, charcoal, black, and jewel tones are excellent choices. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, and all-white outfits. Dress as you would for an important client meeting.
How far in advance should I get a haircut?
Get your haircut 1-2 weeks before the session, not the day before. This gives your hair time to settle into its natural shape and avoids the 'just cut' look.
Should I wear makeup for my headshot?
Natural, polished makeup works best. Matte foundation prevents shine under studio lighting. Avoid heavy contouring or dramatic looks. The goal is to look like your best professional self.
How long does a headshot session take?
Individual sessions take 5-10 minutes per person for standard headshots. You'll review your images in real time on a tethered monitor and choose your favorite before leaving.
What if I don't know how to pose?
That's completely normal. Expression coaching is built into every session. Your photographer will demonstrate positions and guide you through natural, confident expressions. You just mirror what they do.
Can I bring multiple outfits?
Yes. We recommend bringing 1-2 outfit options. This gives you flexibility and ensures you have a backup in case something doesn't photograph as expected.
Ready to Book Your Session?
Now that you know how to prepare, let's make it happen. Whether it's one executive or 500 team members, we handle the logistics. You just show up.