Knowing how to prepare for a headshot is the difference between a photo you put up with and one you’re proud to use. The good news is that it doesn’t take much. A little planning, a few sensible outfit choices and a relaxed mindset go a long way. Here’s the advice I give clients before every headshot session.
Start with where the photo will be used
When you prepare for a headshot, start by thinking about where it will live. For example, a speaker page on a conference website calls for a different feel than a yoga studio’s Instagram.
So make a quick list: your website, LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, email signature, speaker bios or press. Then share it with your photographer. It shapes the background, the crop and how formal the photo should feel. It also means you’ll get both horizontal and vertical versions if you need them.
If the photo is for your website, it will likely end up on a team, speaker or guest page. Those people pages are one of the ten features in my guide to business website design.
How to prepare for a headshot: what to wear
Clothes matter more than most people expect, because they frame your face. Here’s what works best:
- Choose solid colors. Mid-tones and deeper shades, like navy, charcoal, burgundy and forest green, flatter most skin tones. In contrast, busy patterns, thin stripes and big logos pull attention away from your face.
- Dress one step above everyday. Wear what you’d wear to meet an important client. Your headshot should look like you on a good day, not like a different person.
- Mind the neckline. A headshot shows mostly your face and shoulders, so collars and necklines matter most. Jackets and collared shirts hold their shape well.
- Put fit before brand. Clothes that fit well look sharper than expensive ones that don’t. Also, press or steam everything the night before.
- Bring options. Pack two or three outfits, including one lighter and one darker top. That way, your photographer can choose what works best against the background.
Hair, makeup and grooming tips to prepare for a headshot
The goal is to look like yourself, just well rested. These small steps help:
- Time your haircut. Get it cut about a week before, so it has time to settle.
- Keep makeup natural. A matte foundation or powder cuts shine under the lights. However, skip anything with a lot of shimmer.
- Plan your shave. Shave or trim on the morning of the shoot. If your skin gets irritated, do it a day or two before instead.
- Keep your glasses on. If you usually wear glasses, wear them, so people recognize you. Just mention them to your photographer, who can angle the lights to avoid glare.
- Pack a small kit. A comb or brush, powder, lip balm, a lint roller and a bottle of water cover most last-minute fixes.
How to feel relaxed in front of the camera
Part of how you prepare for a headshot is mental. Almost everyone feels awkward in front of a camera, and that’s completely normal. Besides, it’s my job, not yours, to make the session feel easy. Still, a few things help:
- Rest up. Sleep well and drink plenty of water the day before, because it shows in your eyes and skin.
- Arrive a few minutes early. That way, you won’t rush in feeling flustered.
- Treat the first shots as a warm-up. The first few frames are always the stiffest. So breathe out, drop your shoulders and let them go.
- Think of someone you like. A real thought gives you a real expression, while a forced “cheese” smile rarely looks natural.
- Push your chin slightly forward and down. It feels odd, but it defines your jawline and looks natural on camera.
- Ask to see a few shots. A quick look early on helps you relax and adjust.
How to prepare for a team headshot
If you’re photographing a whole team, consistency matters more than anything. Mismatched headshots make a team page look messy, even when each photo is good on its own. Here’s how to keep them consistent:
- Use the same background, lighting and crop for everyone.
- Agree on a simple dress code, such as “dark jacket, no patterns” or “company colors, smart casual.”
- Book a single day with short time slots, so the shoot barely disrupts the workday.
- Ask your photographer to keep notes on the setup. Then new hires can be photographed later to match.
Using your headshot online
Once you have your photos, put them to work everywhere people look you up:
- Your website: your About page, team page and any bios. Ask for web-sized files as well, so your pages stay fast.
- Social profiles: many platforms, including LinkedIn, show profile photos in a circle. So leave some space around your head when you crop.
- Email signatures and bios: use the same photo everywhere, so people recognize you from one place to the next.
- Alt text: on your website, describe the photo, for example “Jane Smith, event director.” It helps people who use screen readers, and W3C’s guide to image alt text explains more.
Finally, plan to update your headshot every few years, or whenever your look changes. After all, people should recognize you when you first meet.
Ready for a headshot you’ll actually like?
In the end, how you prepare for a headshot comes down to a few simple choices. Know where the photo will be used, wear solid colors that fit well, keep grooming natural and give yourself time to relax. Your photographer takes care of the rest.
I offer professional headshots and team photos on location, edited and sized for your website. Because I also design websites, I can make sure your new photos look great wherever they end up. Get in touch to plan your session, with no pressure and no jargon.
