Preparing for Your Headshot Session

Your headshot is often created at a moment of movement — a promotion, a new venture, a fresh start.

The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s clarity and confidence.

This guide will help you arrive relaxed and ready.

First — A Few Simple Reminders

Tell us how you’ll use the image.
LinkedIn, website, speaking engagements, corporate directory - each use influences how we design the portrait.

Let us know the message you want the image to convey.
Approachable? Authoritative? Creative? Conservative? We’ll guide the rest.

Rest and hydrate.
A good night’s sleep and water the day before make more difference than any retouching ever could.

Arrive on time.
Please don’t arrive more than 10 minutes early — we may be finishing with another client. If you're running late, just give us a call.

What to Wear

Your clothing should support your face — not compete with it.

The image is about you, not your outfit.

General Guidelines

• Bring 2–3 options so we can compare on camera

• Choose clothing that fits well — especially around the collar and shoulders

• Solid colors photograph best

• Avoid busy patterns, bold stripes, or large logos

• Clothes should be pressed and in excellent condition

• Avoid pure white on its own — it can overpower the image

Most importantly:
Wear something that feels authentic to your role and makes you feel confident.

For Men

A traditional business look typically includes:

• Suit jacket, dress shirt, tie

A modern business look may include:

• Jacket and open collar

• Dress shirt without jacket

• Polished knit or sweater layered over a shirt

If going without a jacket, bring shirts darker than your skin tone for stronger contrast.

Avoid wearing a white shirt by itself unless it’s layered.

Bring options — jackets, ties, shirt colors — so we can refine the look together.

For Women

• Avoid large prints or busy patterns

• Bring a few neckline options (necklines influence facial framing)

• Solid colors typically photograph strongest

• Consider sleeve variations (sleeveless styles draw attention to shoulders and arms)

• Avoid bright white on its own

Style matters — but subtlety wins.

The portrait should feel current, polished, and focused on your expression.

Jewelry & Accessories

Keep it simple.

Small, minimal jewelry photographs best.
Avoid anything that distracts from your face or feels dated.

If your headshot will represent your company, consider whether visible piercings align with that environment.

Remember:
The image should lead with your presence — not your accessories.

Grooming

Details matter — especially in close-up portraits.

• Trim eyebrows if needed

• Check for stray hairs

• Men: check for visible chest hair with open collars

These are small things — but they make a difference.

Hair & Makeup

Natural and polished works best.

• Avoid shimmer, heavy sparkle, or frosted finishes

• Matte products photograph more cleanly

• Avoid trying new skincare or hair products just before your session

• If you get a haircut, allow a few days for it to settle in

Please arrive with hair styled and makeup applied.

Final Thought

You don’t need to overthink this.

Your session is guided. We review images together as we go. We adjust in real time.

The goal isn’t to create someone different.

It’s to create an image that feels like you — confident, capable, and aligned with where you’re headed.

If you have questions before your session, just reach out.

We’ll plan it together.