How to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot Session

Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your business website, or building your personal brand, a professional headshot is often the first impression people have of you. The good news? You don’t need to be a model to look confident and polished on camera. A little preparation goes a long way.

Here are my top tips for preparing for your professional headshot session so you can walk in feeling relaxed, confident, and camera-ready.

1. Dressing for your session

The best outfits for professional headshots are clean, simple, and timeless. Solid colors typically photograph better than busy patterns or large logos. Neutral tones, jewel tones, and classic black, white, navy, or earth tones are always safe choices.

A few wardrobe tips:

• Wear something that fits well and makes you feel confident
• Avoid neon colors or overly trendy styles
• Bring layers like a blazer, cardigan, or jacket for variety
• Make sure clothing is wrinkle-free before your session

Most importantly, choose clothing that reflects your personality and profession. A realtor, therapist, photographer, and corporate executive may all style themselves differently - and that’s okay.

Do not wait until the last minute to make your final decision. Try your outfit on ahead of time, check the fit, and make sure everything works together as a complete look.

A little preparation helps your session feel smooth, relaxed, and enjoyable from the moment you arrive.

When you feel prepared, you can focus on what matters most: being present and enjoying the experience.

2. Bring a Few Outfit Options

If your session allows time for multiple looks, bring a few different options. This gives you variety and helps create images for different uses.

Good options may include:

• A professional business look
• A more casual but polished outfit
• Different jacket or shirt colors
• Simple accessories

Avoid bringing your entire closet - a few carefully chosen outfits work best.

3. Avoid Distracting Details

The goal of your session is to highlight your connection, not your clothing. Try to avoid anything that draws attention away from the face and overall image.

Some of the most common distractions include:

• Large logos or graphic text
• Neon or overly bright colors
• Busy, high-contrast patterns

These elements can compete with the rest of the image and distract from the moment.

4. Prioritize Grooming the Day Before

You don’t need a dramatic makeover for a great headshot. Small details simply help you look polished and refreshed.

Before your session:

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Drink plenty of water
• Moisturize your skin
• Trim facial hair if applicable
• Freshly done nails or completely clean nails (no chipped polish)
• Avoid trying new skincare treatments right before your session

If you color your hair, try to schedule touch-ups about a week before your photos.

5. Think About Your Brand and Goals

Before your headshot session, think about where these images will be used:

• LinkedIn
• Business cards
• Company websites
• Social media
• Marketing materials

Your final look should match the message you want to communicate. Friendly and approachable? Bold and creative? Clean and corporate? Your outfit, expression, and posing all help tell that story.

6. Practice Relaxing Your Expression

One of the biggest worries people have before a professional headshot session is feeling awkward in front of the camera. Totally normal.

Instead of forcing a smile, focus on relaxing your face and breathing naturally. A good photographer will guide you through posing and expressions the entire time.

It can even help to:

• Practice smiling naturally in a mirror
• Loosen your shoulders before photos
• Listen to music on the drive over
• Remind yourself you do not need to know how to pose

7. Ready to Update Your Professional Headshot?

Professional headshots are an investment in your personal brand and can make a huge difference in how you present yourself online and professionally. With a little preparation, your session can feel easy, comfortable, and even fun.

If you’re ready to book your professional headshot session, I’d love to help you create images that feel polished, natural, and uniquely you.