How to Prepare for your Headshot

Your headshot is often the first impression you make—ensure it’s a great one. Preparing both yourself and your wardrobe is key to looking and feeling your best. Confidence shines through in your photos, so follow these tips to achieve outstanding results.

Grooming

Sleep
A well-rested appearance helps you look fresh and reduces dark circles or puffiness under the eyes. The most common critique people have about their own headshots is under-eye bags, so prioritize good sleep for at least one or two nights before your session.

Skincare & Shaving

  • Acne and other skin blemishes can be minimized with makeup or retouching.

  • If getting a haircut, do so at least a day in advance, and rinse your face, neck, and hair to remove any stray clippings.

  • Trim ear, nose, and eyebrow hairs if necessary.

  • If shaving, do so within four hours of your session to avoid visible stubble. If maintaining facial hair, ensure it is neatly groomed.

Hair & Makeup

Your headshot represents you professionally, so attention to detail is essential. Studio lighting is similar to professional video lighting, meaning shine, redness, or stray hairs will be visible. The retouching we’ll do on your final selected images includes skin retouching that will reduce shine, balance out skin tone, correct complexion, and remove any blemishes and stray hairs.

  • Makeup: Makeup minimizes shine, evens skin tone, and enhances your overall look. Bring your makeup for touch-ups. If you choose not to wear makeup, we provide oil-absorbing blotting wipes.

  • Hair: Get a haircut within three days of your session. If your hairstyle requires extensive styling, schedule a morning session to capture your hair at its best. Bring any styling products you prefer.

Clothing

Fit Matters
Properly fitting clothing is one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of a great headshot. Ill-fitting clothes—too loose or too tight—create an unpolished look that cannot be easily corrected in retouching. Ensure your suits and shirts fit well; tailoring is highly recommended.

What to Wear
Dress appropriately for your industry, but opt for timeless styles over trendy fashion that may date your headshot. Clothing should enhance—not distract from—your face.

  • Business attire: Suits or structured jackets enhance professionalism and confidence. Even if not part of your daily workwear, bring one for versatility.

  • Layers: A blazer or jacket adds structure and contrast, preventing solid colors from blending into the background.

  • Women’s attire: Choose fitted blouses, professional dresses, or tailored jackets. Avoid low-cut tops and billowy fabrics.

  • Men’s attire: Wear a dress shirt with or without a tie. If skipping a tie, opt for a V-neck undershirt instead of a crew neck.

  • Accessories: Keep jewelry minimal and professional.

Colors & Tones

  • Best Colors: Solid colors work best. Avoid bright, bold colors like red, orange, and yellow, as they can dominate the image. Opt for muted or darker shades.

  • Flattering Choices: Blue suits are modern and universally flattering. Earth tones like beige, olive, and brown add warmth and dimension.

  • Contrast: A darker jacket with a light shirt is a timeless choice.

  • Ties: Always choose a tie darker than your shirt.

Textures & Patterns

  • Textures: Add depth and warmth. Materials like wool, tweed, and silk can enhance the look.

  • Patterns: Best used in moderation, particularly on ties, pocket squares, or shirts under a jacket. Stick to subtle, repeating patterns.

  • Stripes: Pinstripes are flattering, especially for larger body types.

  • Matching Patterns: Limit to two patterns at most and ensure they differ in size and density.

What to Bring to your Session

  • Multiple shirt, tie, blouse, and jacket options for variety.

  • Accessories such as simple jewelry or pocket squares.

  • Makeup and hair products for touch-ups.

  • A razor if you need a last-minute shave.

  • If your company has headshot guidelines, bring them along or share them in advance.