5 Tips for Great Headshots

3. Makeup and Hair

Grooming and Hygiene: Details Make a Big Impact
Professional headshots are high-resolution, which means every detail is captured. Proper grooming helps you look sharp and polished.

Grooming checklist before your session:

• Get a haircut or beard trim at least 2–3 days before (not the night before!)
• Style your hair naturally and avoid dramatic changes before the shoot
• Keep eyebrows groomed and lips moisturized
• Men: consider a fresh shave or well-groomed beard
• Women: keep makeup natural and matte to avoid shine (a makeup artist is a great option)

Bonus tip: If your skin is feeling dry, consider a light exfoliation a couple of days ahead and stay hydrated in the days leading up to your shoot.

I recommend coming in with makeup and hair done, but keep it light. Don’t get a new hair cut the day before and go easy on the makeup. We want you to look like you. One other very important thing to focus on is shine…

Yes men, you too. As a man with little hair on top, I often find my head providing a little bit of extra reflection of light (not bad for an extra lighting modifier) but having extreme shine presents issues and calls for additional retouching that can easily be avoided prior to the photoshoot.

Here are my tips to help you get the most out of our session together.

1. Be Rested

Sleep, Hydration & Self-Care: Prep Your Face and Energy
Your energy and skin reflect how you feel. A tired or stressed expression can show in your eyes, posture, and overall demeanor. Preparing your body and mind will help you look your best in front of the camera.

The night before your headshot session:

• Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep
• Avoid alcohol and salty foods that cause puffiness
• Drink water throughout the day to hydrate your skin
• Prepare your wardrobe, so you're not rushing the next day

Day-of tip: Eat a light, healthy meal and arrive with time to spare so you can relax before the session begins.

2. What to Wear?

Wear the Right Clothing for Your Industry and Brand
What you wear in your headshot directly impacts how your audience perceives you. Your outfit should align with your personal brand, your industry, and the message you want to communicate.

Tips for choosing your headshot wardrobe:

• Stick to solid colors – neutrals, jewel tones, or brand colors work best
• Avoid busy patterns, logos, graphics, or anything that distracts from your face
• Bring multiple outfit options (2–3 looks), especially if you're doing a personal branding session
• Make sure clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and well-fitted

Examples:

For a lawyer or financial professional: navy blazer, white shirt, and subtle accessories
For a creative or entrepreneur: something more expressive, on-brand, and stylish
For corporate teams: consistent tones and clean, professional looks

Pro tip: I offer wardrobe guidance as part of your session, and you're welcome to bring extra looks for review at the studio

4. Communication

Communicate Your Goals and Brand Identity
One of the most important (yet overlooked) steps is to tell your photographer what you’re hoping to achieve. The more I understand about your industry, intended use, and personal style, the more effectively I can deliver images that work for you.

Helpful things to share before your session:

• Where you’ll use the headshots (LinkedIn, press, website, etc.)
• Your brand tone: formal, approachable, creative, etc.
• Any specific requests (lighting preferences, background colors, features you want emphasized or downplayed)
• Reference images or mood boards if you have them (often, companies have a set of specs)

I specialize in tailoring each headshot session to match your professional and personal goals, whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a member of a corporate team, or a creative building a personal brand.

“I don’t like having my photo taken” - Does this sound like you? Yes, I know, we’re all been there, me included, but this isn’t brain surgery, it’s a photo. Let’s make the best out of it. This is an investment in YOU and your brand or business. So it’s in your best interest to rock this thing so that I can help you. Of course, I’ll coach you through it, we’ll have a blast and you might be surprised how much fun you actually had.

5. Trust The Process

I Got You Covered!
For many clients, especially those who don’t spend much time in front of a camera, the idea of getting professional headshots can feel intimidating. You might be wondering:

“What if I don’t know how to pose?”
“What should I do with my hands?”
“Will the lighting be flattering?”
“What if I’m not photogenic?”

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to have any modeling experience to look confident, professional, and authentic in your headshots. That’s my job—and I’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Guided Posing and Natural Direction
I’ll give you clear, simple direction throughout the shoot.
No stiff, awkward poses—just natural, subtle adjustments to help you look relaxed and confident. I’ll coach your expression, posture, and angles in real-time so you don’t have to overthink anything.

Reviewing Images Together
During or after the session, we’ll review images together. You’ll have a chance to see how everything’s coming together, give input, and select your favorites. You’re part of the process—so the final images truly reflect your personality and brand.

Polished Final Edits – Still You, Just Refined
Once you’ve selected your headshots, I apply natural, high-end retouching. This means:

• Removing temporary blemishes
• Minimizing shine
• Softening under-eye circles
• Enhancing skin tone and sharpness

The result? A clean, professional image that still looks like you—on your best day.

Remember: You Don’t Have to Be “Photogenic”—You Just Have to Be You
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about being photographed. Most of my clients start out that way. But by trusting the process, following some basic prep tips, and showing up as yourself, you’ll leave with headshots that reflect who you are—and help you stand out with confidence.