How to Prepare for Professional Headshots

Getting professional headshots taken can be a daunting experience for many people, but with the right preparation, it can be a great experience that results in high-quality images that represent you well. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to prepare for your headshot session, including tips on what to wear, how to prepare your hair and makeup, and the importance of color psychology.

Choosing the Right Photographer

The first key to getting great headshots is choosing the right photographer. Look for someone who has a wealth of experience working with lots of different people and who can guide you through the process from start to finish. A great photographer should be proactive in setting you up for success and provide you with assistance every step of the way.

Preparing for Your Headshot Session

We all perform at higher levels when we feel thoroughly prepared. To ensure you look and feel your best, follow these tips leading up to your headshot session:

Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours before the session.
Practice good posture and stretch before the session.

What To Wear For Headshots

Choosing the right outfit for your headshot session can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

Be aware of the fit. Avoid oversized or baggy clothes and anything that’s too tight.
Avoid logos, giant prints and patterns, or anything else that will be distracting.
Bring 3 or more tops that we can mix and match.
Bring 2 or 3 professional jackets that are free of patterns.
Bring ties that go well with your dress shirt and jacket options, but avoid busy patterns that will distract from your face.
Consider casual looks like leather jackets, t-shirts, or sweaters that make you feel good.
Wear jewelry that is not distracting and that you would normally wear in a job interview.
If you wear glasses every day, wear them in your headshots too.

Hair and Makeup

Here are some tips for getting the right hair and makeup for your headshot session:

If you choose to add on hair and makeup when you book your session, my makeup artist will take care of everything for you.
Aim for a “slightly elevated, natural look” if you do your own hair and makeup.
Avoid heavy eyeliner, a lot of mascara, and false eyelashes.
Choose a foundation that is a good match for your skin tone and use it sparingly, if at all.
Avoid bringing foundations with an SPF as these tend to cause more shine.
Bring any styling products and tools you might need to maintain your hair throughout the session.
If you have facial hair, you are welcome to shave or trim it during the session to get some looks with different styles.

Color Psychology

The colors you wear can have a psychological impact on how others perceive you. Here are some tips on how to choose the right colors for your headshot:

Blue: The most popular color among both men and women, blue is a calming color associated with intelligence, focus, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Navy blues suggest more power and authority than lighter blues, making it a great choice for professional settings.
Green: A relaxing color associated with nature, balance, generosity, and peace. Dark green is associated with wealth, making it a good choice for financial or business-related settings.
Pink: A soothing color that’s often seen as innocent on women, but men who wear pink are seen as bold, assertive, in control, and confident. It’s a good choice when you want to stand out in a positive way.
Red: A powerful color that draws attention and creates a visual impact. It evokes strength and can be persuasive, but may also come off as assertive or aggressive. A bright red tie is known as the classic power tie and can be a great choice when you want to exude confidence and authority.
Purple: The color of royalty and evokes wealth, luxury, sophistication, mystery, and wisdom. It’s best to use this color in moderation to avoid appearing too showy or pretentious.
Yellow: A cheerful color that evokes friendliness and optimism. It should be used in moderation as it can be overpowering if too vibrant.
Orange: Possessing the energy of red without the seriousness, orange is associated with fun, ambition, and enthusiasm, making it a good choice for creative settings.
Black: A formal, sophisticated, powerful, and elegant color. It should be used in moderation and paired with other tones and colors to avoid appearing too somber or severe.
Gray: A neutral color that’s a great base to pair with other colors. It can come across as low energy or boring on its own, so it’s best to pair it with other colors or textures to add interest to your outfit.
White: A color of purity, innocence, cleanliness, and simplicity. It draws attention and is a stark contrast for other tones, making it a good choice when you want to stand out or appear more approachable.

When choosing a color for your outfit, consider the occasion and what message you want to convey. Each color has its own unique psychological characteristics, so selecting the right one can help you create a positive impression on those around you.

Ready for Success!

Whether you’re preparing for a job interview, updating your social media profiles, or building your personal brand, a great professional headshot can make all the difference. By investing in high-quality, sleek, and professional headshots, you’re making the decision to present yourself at your best and exude confidence in all of your endeavors. So, take a deep breath, relax, and get ready to show the world your best self with your new professional headshots. And don’t forget to have fun with it!