A successful headshot is 50% how well you prepare and 50% what happens during the photo shoot. During a typical headshot session, it can take a few hours to achieve a headshot you’re happy with. When you feel confident and well-prepared, that will translate into how you pose and interact with the camera and photographer, resulting in final headshots that show you in your best light.
From planning your poses and outfits to aligning your expectations with the photographer, here are five helpful tips to help you prepare for a headshot.
1. Plan Your Look in Advance
Because a headshot focuses on your face, hair, and upper chest area, you should plan your look in advance to feel confident on the day. There are several elements to consider: your hair, makeup for headshots (if needed), accessories, and the clothing you will wear. Anything below your chest won’t be photographed, so some like to wear comfy sweatpants or casual jeans to feel comfortable. However, for others, wearing a whole cohesive look can help them get “in character” during the shoot. Do what allows you to feel most relaxed.
Research the type of headshot you want and look at what others are wearing. Generally, a headshot should be a true representative of what you look like on a regular basis—just in a more professional and polished setting. Avoid heavy makeup, intricate hairstyles, bold or statement jewelry, and avant-garde clothing. Aim to keep the look simple, natural, and classic.
Common tops worn in headshots include a smart button-down shirt, a blazer, a suit jacket, or a dress. Avoid low necklines and exposed shoulders, unless you’re taking modeling headshots or acting headshots. In some cases, you may want to have two or three different looks to get a wide range of final headshots. It’s fine to bring several different tops and varying accessories to the studio; just be conscious of time constraints.
- Unless you want to go out and buy a new outfit or accessories for your headshot, working with what you already have in your wardrobe is fine. Consider asking a close friend or family member for their opinion on what colors and clothes suit you best.
- Hair and makeup that looks good in real life may not come across as well in front of a camera. While post-image editing is always an option, you can stay ahead of the game by remembering some essentials: Hairspray tames flyaways and keeps your hair looking tidy, while powder and concealer keep your face shine- and blemish-free under the studio lights.
- Unless accessories are part of your signature look, like glasses or a pair of silver earrings you wear every day, avoid “loud” accessories that can draw attention away from your face. Generally, simple necklaces, stud earrings, and classic glasses frames are recommended over flashier options.
Learn more about what to wear for professional headshots here.
2. Run Through Some Poses
Even if you’re an expert at selfies, group photos, or candid shots taken by the people close to you, headshot photography can be tricky to master. You’ll be in a formal studio setting, with a camera flashing repeatedly in your face, and there may be the additional pressure of wanting to get that perfect headshot without wasting time. If you’re wondering how to pose for a good headshot, practice poses beforehand and keep some in your memory to do on the day. Doing so guarantees a smoother experience in the studio and decreases the chance that you’ll clamp up due to nerves.
As a general rule, tenseness in your body will translate into the final headshot. Your eye area and mouth should be as relaxed and soft as possible to reduce harsh lines. Other things to consider include your posture, the position of your chin, and your facial expression. Headshots are all about communicating your professionalism, confidence, and competence to a future employer, client, or colleagues, so it is important to be aware of how your face is captured by a camera.
If you’re stuck on what poses you should be going for, take a look at some headshot examples on the internet. You’ll likely see the same poses on repeat: hands by the side, face on, face tilted to the side, hands on hips, or hands clasped in front.
- Practice posing in the mirror to figure out your “good” side, how your expression changes depending on how your chin is positioned and how you smile, and your overall demeanor. Which angles show you at your best?
- A big part of posing is your posture and breathing, both of which subconsciously signal to others that you’re confident and self-assured. Compare how you look when your shoulders are raised, hunched, or pushed back. When your shoulders are down and back, it can make you look better compared to the others. During the photo shoot, remind yourself to breathe deeply and push your shoulders back regularly to get the best results.
- On the day, have four or five poses at the back of your mind that you can bring out during the photo shoot. If your photographer is experienced, they may also encourage you to try different poses. It’s good to have some practiced poses, but remain adaptable in the moment. Sometimes the best headshots are the most candid!
3. Share Your Expectations With the Photographer
If you’re working with an experienced headshot photographer, they will likely consult with you before the shoot to see what you’re comfortable posing with, the type of headshots you need, and other additional details. However, it’s always good to double-check your expectations with each other a few days before the shoot to make the process as smooth as possible.
You can cover aspects like the overall look and feel of the final headshots, how you want the photo shoot to be structured, and any logistical details (like how many outfit changes you want and whether props are to be used or not). If you’re working with an amateur photographer, it’s even more important to ensure they know how you want to be captured behind the camera. This will save time and limit frustrations.
Usually, professional photographers or photography studios offer post-image editing and retouching as part of their headshot package. This is another chance to be clear on your expectations regarding how many edits you want, whether you want to keep the final headshot more natural or airbrushed, and even whether you would like color or black-and-white filters to set a distinct mood.
- During the initial consultation with the photographer, talk about the exact type of headshots you’re looking for. Some photographers specialize in modeling headshots, while others have more experience with corporate headshots. If they’re unable to fulfill your requirements, they may refer you to another photographer or studio.
- If you have any follow-up questions or last-minute requests, most photographers will share their email or number with you before the shoot so you can get in contact and clarify anything beforehand.
- During or after the shoot, you may change ideas about the final headshots. It’s always recommended to keep an open line of communication with the photographer so edits can be tweaked or changed.
4. Organize a Grooming Supply Kit
Depending on how many looks you want to go through during a headshot photography session, bringing a grooming supply kit can be a lifesaver. Even if you’re only going for a quick 30-minute session, the journey from your home to the photography studio might ruffle your hair, mess up your makeup, or cause unwanted creases in your clothes.
By organizing a grooming supply kit beforehand, you will have a better chance of being as polished as possible. So, when the time comes to take the photos, you won’t be self-conscious about anything that could look out of place. Typically, a grooming supply kit includes a small hairbrush, hairspray, and makeup for touch-ups (like extra powder and lip product). Additional supplies might include an anti-crease spray for clothes and bobby pins for hairstyles.
If you’re bringing an extra change of clothes to the studio, it’s important to keep them on a hanger and not scrunched in a ball at the bottom of your bag. In some cases, keeping them in a dress bag cover can be helpful, especially if you’re worried they’ll pick up wear and tear along the way. By keeping these points in mind before the photo shoot, you’ll have a greater chance of success when it comes to looking presentable.
- If you know you have a headshot photo shoot coming up, schedule a haircut, blowout, or other grooming appointments a week or so before. Just avoid getting any facial treatments too close to the day—they can cause redness and irritation, which will be hard to disguise during the shoot.
- On the day, take more time to get ready than you think you may need. For men, trimming your beard and mustache or shaving is a must to look clean and presentable. For women, washing and styling your hair is recommended. The last thing you want is to feel rushed and then forget to complete some grooming steps before you leave the house.
- During the photo shoot, ask your photographer to point out if you need a touch-up. For example, they may notice flyaways or messy hair. It can be hard to determine what you look like or if everything is still in place while you’re busy posing, which is why a good photographer should advise you throughout.
5. Eat Healthy, Hydrate, and Get Enough Sleep
Your face can be a good indicator of whether you live a healthy lifestyle. While it doesn’t mean doing a complete overhaul of your diet and exercise routine a week before you get your headshot taken, it is recommended to do as much as you can to keep your hair and complexion healthy before your photo shoot. Radiant skin and healthy hair can make you feel more confident on the day, resulting in a final headshot that you would be proud to post on social media or display on your company’s website.
An easy way to optimize how you look before the photo shoot is by eating healthy and staying hydrated. Losing weight before a headshot, in a healthy and sustainable way, can be a great way to look your best. But if you don’t have time for a full-blown diet, avoid fried food, fast food, and snacks that are high in sodium. Processed food tastes delicious but can lead to sodium retention (facial bloating) and acne, which can make you feel self-conscious. Drink more water leading up to the photo shoot to keep your skin looking clear and decrease the likelihood of eye bags and fine lines, both of which have been associated with dehydration.
On the topic of eye bags, getting enough sleep the week before the photo shoot, and especially the night before, is crucial. Tiredness will come through in a headshot, especially under bright lights. Also, if you’re tired while you’re getting your headshot taken, you won’t be able to give it your all, which can cause frustration and irritability.
- There’s no right or wrong diet to eat before your headshot photo shoot. Vegan, paleo, gluten-free, or keto are all fine, as long as you feel your best. However, most photographers recommend avoiding alcohol and excessive amounts of sodium before a photo shoot to prevent your face from looking puffy.
- Now isn’t the time to change up your skincare routine. Doing so can be risky, as you don’t know how your skin will react to a new serum or moisturizer. If you want to optimize the quality of your skin as much as possible, opt for drinking more water or cutting out processed foods instead.
- Do you find it hard to sleep the night before a photo shoot? To keep your headshot looking great, sleep is highly important. Keep your regular evening routine, but try incorporating additional sleep-promoting extras, like melatonin gummies, a warm bath, or relaxing music. The focus should be on staying as relaxed as possible so you don’t spend the whole night fretting about the next day.
Extra Tips: On the Day
Bring a friend
If being alone in a room with the photographer seems daunting, ask if you can bring a close friend or family member for moral support. Having a loved one around usually helps you feel more comfortable and relaxed, which ultimately makes for a better headshot photo shoot. They can also give you extra pose ideas during the shoot or provide an additional perspective on which angles make you look better.
Focus on having fun
Photo shoots can feel high stakes, especially if you’re not an expert at getting your photos taken. It’s common to tighten up if you feel nervous, which can create extra tension in your face, shoulders, and neck. The focus should always be on staying as relaxed as possible so your facial area doesn’t bunch up, causing lines and tension that will show in the final headshots. Some ways to shift the focus from stressful to fun is by playing music in the background, taking yourself to your “happy place,” or reminding yourself to keep your shoulders down.
Take breaks
A full headshot photo shoot can take a few hours, including the setup, outfit changes, and any possible hiccups. Don’t be afraid to ask the photographer for breaks during the shoot, especially if you need to freshen up, go to the bathroom, or simply stretch and walk around the block. Doing so can help you de-stress, loosen up your limbs, and improve your overall photo shoot experience.
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