Preparation Makes the Difference
The best headshot sessions feel effortless, but that ease comes from thoughtful preparation. When you show up knowing what to wear, what to expect, and how to relax, we can focus entirely on capturing your best look rather than troubleshooting wardrobe issues or working through nerves. Here is everything you need to do before your session.
What to Wear
Your wardrobe choices have a bigger impact on your headshot than almost anything else. The right outfit disappears into the background and lets your face take center stage. The wrong outfit becomes a distraction.
Colors That Work
Solid colors are your best friend. They photograph cleanly and keep the focus on your face. Navy blue, charcoal gray, deep green, burgundy, and black are universally flattering. White and cream can work beautifully but require careful lighting to avoid blowing out. Jewel tones -- emerald, sapphire, ruby -- add richness without competing with your skin tone.
Avoid colors that are too close to your skin tone, as they can make you look washed out. If you have fair skin, pure white can sometimes create that effect. If you have a deeper skin tone, very dark colors without texture can lose definition.
Patterns and Textures
Avoid busy patterns, especially small stripes, herringbone, and tight checks. These create a visual effect called moire in photographs, producing a distracting shimmer or rainbow pattern that cannot be fixed in editing. Large, subtle patterns can work in some cases, but when in doubt, go solid.
Texture, on the other hand, can be great. A knit sweater, a linen blazer, or a textured sport coat adds visual interest without creating pattern problems.
Fit and Style
Wear clothes that fit well. This sounds obvious, but many people show up in something slightly too large because it is comfortable, or slightly too small because they are hoping to project a certain image. Neither photographs well. Your clothes should sit naturally on your body without pulling, bunching, or gaping.
Bring layers. A well-fitted blazer or jacket can transform a simple outfit and gives us options to shoot different looks. Even if you think you just want one look, having a backup option is always smart.
What to Avoid
- Large logos or graphics -- They date your photo and distract from your face
- Shiny or metallic fabrics -- They create hot spots under studio lighting
- Sleeveless tops -- For headshots, having a sleeve visible at the edge of the frame looks more polished
- Brand-new clothes you have never worn -- If they do not fit right or feel uncomfortable, you will look uncomfortable
- Clothing that does not match your industry -- A t-shirt might be perfect for a startup founder but wrong for a corporate attorney
Grooming Tips
Skin
Start hydrating your skin two to three days before your session. Drink plenty of water and moisturize morning and night. Well-hydrated skin photographs beautifully because it reflects light more evenly. If you are prone to breakouts, avoid trying new skincare products in the week before your shoot. Stick with what works.
On the day of your session, apply a lightweight moisturizer and let it absorb fully before applying any makeup. Avoid heavy sunscreen on your face, as many formulas contain zinc oxide that can create a white cast in photos.
Hair
Get your haircut at least a week before your session, not the day before. Fresh cuts can look too sharp in photos, and you want time to style it into its natural shape. If you color your hair, touch up your roots at least a few days in advance.
On session day, style your hair the way you normally wear it. Your headshot should look like the best version of your everyday self, not someone else entirely. Bring a comb and any products you use for touch-ups between shots.
Facial Hair
If you have a beard, trim and shape it the day before. If you are clean-shaven, shave the morning of your session. If you get razor burn easily, shave the night before and use a soothing aftershave balm. Five o'clock shadow can photograph as ungroomed even if it looks fine in the mirror.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, apply it slightly more defined than you would for a normal day. Cameras tend to flatten makeup, so what looks like "a lot" in the mirror often looks perfect on camera. Focus on evening out your skin tone and defining your eyes. Avoid heavy shimmer or glitter, which creates distracting sparkle in photos. Matte or satin finishes photograph best.
If you do not normally wear makeup, you do not need to start for your headshot. We light for natural skin and can address minor blemishes in editing.
What to Bring
- Two to three outfit options in solid colors
- A blazer or jacket for layering
- Touch-up supplies -- comb, lip balm, blotting papers, hair products
- Reference photos of headshots you like (even if they are someone else's)
- A positive attitude -- we handle the rest
Day-Of Checklist
- Get a good night's sleep. Under-eye circles and puffiness are difficult to fully correct in editing. Aim for seven-plus hours.
- Eat a proper meal. Low blood sugar makes you look tired and unfocused. Do not skip breakfast or lunch before an afternoon session.
- Stay hydrated. Water, not just coffee. Dehydration shows in your skin and eyes.
- Iron or steam your outfits. Wrinkles are visible in photos and tedious to remove in editing.
- Arrive on time. Rushing in stressed creates tension that shows in your face and shoulders.
- Leave your stress at the door. Take a few deep breaths in the car before you walk in. Your mental state directly affects how you photograph.
How to Prepare Mentally
Most people's headshot anxiety peaks in the days leading up to the session, not during it. Once we start shooting, the process is actually fun. But if you are feeling nervous beforehand, here are some things that help:
Practice in the mirror. Not to rehearse poses, but to get comfortable seeing yourself. Smile naturally, relax your face, notice what feels right. The goal is familiarity, not perfection.
Remember that you are not alone. We photograph people every week who tell us they hate having their picture taken. By the end of the session, most of them are surprised by how much they enjoyed it. Our job is to make you comfortable, and we are good at it.
Think about why you are doing this. Whether it is a career move, a business launch, or simply updating an outdated photo, keep the purpose in mind. It is not about vanity. It is about presenting yourself with intention.
Preparation is not about being perfect. It is about removing the small obstacles that can get between you and a great headshot. Do the basics, trust the process, and show up ready to have a good time.