How to Prepare for a Professional Headshot (Free Checklist)

Why Preparing for a Professional Headshot Matters

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Preparing for a professional headshot ensures your photos look confident, polished, and authentic. Small details—wardrobe, grooming, posture, and rest—have a big impact on how professional and approachable you appear on camera. Proper preparation allows your photographer to focus on lighting, expression, and composition, resulting in headshots that elevate your personal or business brand.

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1–2 Weeks Before Your Headshot

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Clarify your goal

• LinkedIn or corporate branding

• Business website or marketing

• Creative, acting, or personal brand

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Choose your wardrobe

• Solid colors (black, gray, navy, white, earth tones)

• Avoid busy patterns, logos, or neon colors

• Well-fitted clothing only

• Bring 2–3 outfit options

• Layers (blazers, jackets) photograph well

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 Plan grooming

• Haircut 5–7 days before the session

• Avoid drastic hairstyle changes

• Men: trim beard or shave the night before

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48 Hours Before Your Headshot

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• Hydrate well

• Get a full night’s sleep

• Avoid alcohol and excessive salt

• Moisturize face, hands, and lips

• Avoid heavy tanning or aggressive skin treatments

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The Day of Your Headshot

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Wear wrinkle-free clothing and avoid tight collars or accessories before arrival

Bring touch-up items:

• Comb or brush

• Makeup for light touch-ups (or I can retouch digitally)

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Arrive relaxed and on time

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During Your Headshot Session

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• Follow photographer’s posing guidance

• Relax your shoulders and jaw

• Take natural breaths

• Trust the process—no modeling experience required

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After Your Session

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Select images that look like you on your best day

Expect professional retouching to:

• Reduce blemishes and shine

• Maintain natural skin texture

• Preserve authentic expressions