How to Prepare for a Professional Headshot (Free Checklist)
- Scott Finney
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Why Preparing for a Professional Headshot Matters
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.
1–2 Weeks Before Your Headshot
Clarify your goal
LinkedIn or corporate branding
Business website or marketing
Creative, acting, or personal brand
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
Plan grooming
Haircut 5–7 days before the session
Avoid drastic hairstyle changes
Men: trim beard or shave the night before
48 Hours Before Your Headshot
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
The Day of Your Headshot
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)
Arrive relaxed and on time
During Your Headshot Session
Follow photographer’s posing guidance
Relax your shoulders and jaw
Take natural breaths
Trust the process—no modeling experience required
After Your Session
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
Pro Tip
Confidence photographs better than perfection. A professional headshot should look polished, natural, and believable—not overly posed or artificial.
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