Headshot Prep Guide
Everything you need to feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared for your headshot session.
Professional photos that still feel like you.
Your headshots should feel polished and elevated without feeling stiff or overly posed. A little preparation ahead of time makes a huge difference, and I’ll guide you through the rest during your session.
What to wear
The best headshot outfits are simple, flattering, and comfortable. You want your face and personality to stand out first.
Keep it clean
Solid colors and clean lines photograph best. Avoid loud patterns, tiny stripes, large logos, or neon colors.
Bring options
If your session includes outfit changes, bring 2–3 options with different necklines, layers, or tones.
Stay true to you
Choose clothing that feels polished but still natural to your personality and brand.
Indoor headshots
Studio headshots are timeless, polished, and clean. Clothing choice can vary depending on the backdrop color.
White background
- Medium and darker tones photograph beautifully against white.
- Navy, olive, camel, charcoal, burgundy, denim, and black are all great choices.
- Structured layers like blazers and jackets add polish and shape.
- Avoid pure white tops unless layered with something darker.
Black background
- Rich colors and deeper neutrals create a more elevated look.
- Black can work beautifully when paired with texture or layering.
- Tailored pieces and clean silhouettes photograph especially well.
- Avoid overly shiny fabrics or very pale pastels.
Outdoor headshots
Outdoor sessions feel relaxed, approachable, and natural while still looking professional.
- Soft neutrals, olive, denim, rust, camel, cream, muted green, and soft blue photograph beautifully outdoors.
- Bold color choices can also look incredible outdoors and help your photos stand out — especially vibrant tones like bright pink, cobalt blue, emerald, or orange.
- Layers and texture help add movement and depth to your images.
- Dress for the weather and choose shoes you can comfortably walk in.
- Avoid distracting prints and anything that needs constant adjusting.
Team photos
The goal for team photos is coordinated — not perfectly matching.
- For team photos, coordinated always photographs better than perfectly matching. Think cohesive color palette rather than identical outfits.
- Neutral tones with a few complementary colors or statement pieces help the group feel polished while still letting everyone’s personality come through.
- Mixing textures, layers, and different outfit silhouettes adds depth and keeps the group photo visually interesting.
- Keep the overall level of formality consistent across the team so the images feel balanced and professional.
- Simple accessories and intentional styling photograph beautifully, especially in outdoor or lifestyle-style team sessions.
Hair & makeup
Natural, polished styling photographs beautifully and helps you feel confident in front of the camera.
Makeup tips
- Camera lighting softens makeup, so slightly more than everyday makeup often photographs best.
- Matte products help reduce shine.
- Avoid heavy glitter or shimmer.
- Bring powder, lip color, or touch-up products if desired.
Hair tips
- If getting a haircut, schedule it 1–2 weeks before your session if possible.
- Bring a brush, comb, clips, or hairspray for touch-ups.
- For outdoor sessions, softer styles usually move best in the wind.
- Most importantly, wear your hair in a way that still feels like you.
Final checklist
- Steam or iron your clothing beforehand.
- Try on outfits ahead of time.
- Clean glasses if you wear them.
- Remove phones, wallets, and keys from pockets.
- Moisturize skin and lips.
- Drink water and get a good night’s sleep.
- Bring a backup outfit if your session includes outfit changes.
You don’t need to know how to pose.
I’ll guide you through the entire session so everything feels relaxed, natural, and easy — from posture and angles to expression and movement.
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