A professional headshot is more than just a photo: it's a powerful tool for your personal brand, LinkedIn profile, business website, or any other platform where you need to make a great first impression. Whether you’re updating your current headshot or getting one for the first time, it’s essential to approach the session with a sense of confidence and clarity. Here's my advice on how to breeze through your headshot shoot, from preparation to posing, and everything in between.
# 1. Preparation is Key
The first step to a smooth headshot shoot is proper preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready:
- Get plenty of rest the night before: You’ll want to look and feel your best, so make sure to get a good night’s sleep. This will help reduce puffiness and dark circles under your eyes, making you look refreshed and energised.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of your shoot. Staying hydrated keeps your skin looking radiant and healthy.
- Skincare: The day of the shoot, avoid experimenting with new skincare products. Stick to your regular routine.
- Hair and Makeup: If you’re handling your own hair and makeup, keep things natural and true to your everyday look. However, I can help you if you’d like to hire a professional. In which case be sure to communicate the style you’re going for to the hair and make up artist (a polished look for a corporate headshot, or a more relaxed vibe for a creative role).
- Nail Care: Your hands may be visible in any of the shots (such as in a seated pose), make sure your nails are neat and well-groomed. Go for neutral tones unless you’re aiming for a bold look.
# 2. Choosing the Right Outfit
Your outfit should align with your personal brand and the purpose of the headshot. Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Solid colours: Opt for solid colours over patterns or prints. Solid shades help keep the focus on your face. Classic colours like navy, black, white, and earth tones tend to work well, but don’t be afraid to wear something that feels true to you and your personality.
- Avoid overly bright or neon colours: Bright, attention-grabbing colours can cause distraction in your headshot. If you're unsure, stick to muted or neutral tones. In my pre shoot consultation, I always offer plenty of individual advice here.
- Fit and Comfort: Your outfit should fit well and be comfortable. If you're constantly adjusting your clothing during the shoot, it can show in the photos. Being comfortable is essential to looking and feeling great. A well-fitted shirt or jacket will ensure you look polished and confident.
- Layering: Adding layers, such as a blazer, jacket, or scarf, can add structure to your look and create a more dynamic composition in the photo.
- Accessories: Keep accessories minimal. A simple necklace or watch is fine, but avoid anything too large or distracting.
# 3. Finding the Right Photographer
The right photographer can make all the difference in your headshot experience. Here are some tips to help you find the best fit for your needs:
- Look for specialisation: While many photographers can take good photos, a photographer who specialises in headshots will have a better understanding of lighting and composition for portraiture, and how to guide you for the essential part of the puzzle: posing.
- Check their portfolio: Review their portfolio to make sure their style aligns with the look you're going for. Pay attention to how they capture expression, the quality of the lighting, and the overall feel of their headshots.
- Consider the setting: If you prefer a more relaxed, natural look, a photographer with an outdoor or lifestyle focus might be a good choice. For a polished, professional appearance, you’ll want someone who can provide controlled studio lighting and a clean, minimalist backdrop.
- Read reviews: Testimonials from past clients can offer valuable insight into the photographer’s experience, customer service, and ability to make people feel comfortable during a shoot. Building a rapport is key to being able to help my client feel and therefore look, comfortable.
- Discuss your vision: Once you’ve chosen a photographer, be sure to communicate your vision for the shoot. Talk about the type of headshot you need, whether it’s corporate, creative, or something else. If you have any examples or ideas in mind, share them! Make sure they ask you lots of questions about your profession, company, brand attributes and more to ensure you’ve found the right photographer for you.
# 4. What to Expect During the Shoot
On the day of your shoot, you might feel nervous, but remember that a headshot photographer’s job is to make you feel at ease. Here’s what you can expect:
- The Location: Most photographers will either shoot in a studio with controlled lighting or on-location in a more natural environment. We’ll discuss and agree your environment and backdrop in our pre shoot consultation where I’ll show you examples to help you decide.
- Lighting and Setup: The photographer will set up the lighting for a flattering portrait. If we’re in my studio, the setup will involve softbox lights, reflectors, and backdrops to create a clean, professional look.
- Multiple Shots: Expect the photographer to take a series of shots from different angles and distances. Don’t worry if a few shots don’t look perfect—they’re just test shots to make sure the lighting and angles are right.
# 5. Posing and Building Rapport
It’s common for people to feel awkward in front of the camera, but don’t worry! A great photographer will help guide you through the poses.
- A good photographer will encourage you to move through a variety of expressions, from more neutral to warm and friendly smiles. I always guide my clients through poses from start to finish.
- Rapport is everything: I work hard to build a good rapport with my clients, to ensure that they look and feel comfortable on the day. A great photographer will engage with you and help you feel relaxed and confident.
- Don’t rush: Give yourself time to warm up during the shoot. The more comfortable you feel, the better your photos will turn out. Your photographer will likely take a series of shots so you can experiment with different expressions and poses.
# 6. After the Shoot: What’s Next?
Once the shoot is over, I’ll go through the photos and choose the shortlist to edit. This may involve retouching for skin blemishes, adjusting lighting, and cropping the image to make sure you look your absolute best.
- Review the photos: You’ll then see a proof gallery of the shortlist of images where you can choose your favourites.
- Editing: After you've selected your photos, I’ll begin the editing process. This includes colour correction, retouching, and enhancing the overall look of the images.
- Delivery: You’ll receive your final images in high-resolution files, which you can use for everything from your website, CV, LinkedIn profile, to social media.
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Final Thoughts
A headshot shoot is an investment in your personal brand. With the right preparation, outfits, and photographer who can help to guide you and make you relax, you’ll walk away with a set of professional photos that make a lasting impact. Remember, the goal is to showcase the best version of you—confident, approachable, and authentic. So, with a little prep and some time to find the right photographer, you’ll breeze through it.
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