How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session: What to Bring and What to Expect

So, you’ve finally booked that headshot session! Congrats—your LinkedIn, Zoom, or Teams profile, company website, and maybe even your social media are about to get a serious glow-up. But wait—what do you need to bring? How should you prepare? And what’s this mysterious session going to be like?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Whether this is your first time or your hundredth headshot, here’s everything you need to know to show up looking like the confident, professional rockstar you are.

Wear Your Best Outfit (Because, It Matters!)
Choose something that aligns with your professional brand and makes you feel confident.

Here’s what to consider when choosing your wardrobe:

• Simple is best. Stick to solid colors and avoid loud patterns or logos. You don’t want your shirt to steal the show!
• Layers are your friend. A blazer, jacket, or cardigan can add depth to your look and give you that extra touch of professionalism.
• Accessorize thoughtfully. A sleek watch or subtle jewelry can elevate your outfit without being distracting. Just avoid anything too flashy or clunky.

Bonus tip: Iron or steam your clothes the night before (or better yet, have them professionally dry cleaned)! A wrinkled shirt, while very relatable, won’t do you any favors in the final shot.

• Hairbrush or comb. Flyaways, be gone!
• Makeup touch-ups. If you wear makeup, bring some for quick touch-ups, especially powder to reduce shine.
• Lip balm. Dry, cracked lips? Not in your headshot!
• Tissues or oil blotting sheets. A little shine on your skin is fine, but we want a glow, not a reflection.

You might think “Oh, I’ll just caffeinate through it,” but trust me—well-rested you looks way better on camera than 3-cups-of-coffee-you. Aim to get a good night’s sleep before your session so your skin looks fresh, your eyes are bright, and you don’t have to worry about those dreaded dark circles.

Drinking water is your secret weapon. It’ll plump up your skin, keep your lips from drying out, and just make you feel more awake and refreshed. Start hydrating the day before your session and keep a water bottle handy the morning of.

Your headshot session isn’t a high-stakes modeling gig. It’s a chance for you to show off your best self, and it should be enjoyable! I will guide you through poses and expressions, so even if you feel awkward at first (don’t we all?), they’ll help you look your most natural and confident.

A few things to expect:

• A casual, easygoing environment. No one’s judging your smile or telling you to “smize” like Tyra Banks. The goal is to make you feel comfortable so you can be yourself.
• Guided poses. You don’t have to be a posing pro. I will give you prompts like “turn your shoulders a little,” or “lean forward slightly,” to capture your best angles.
• Multiple shots. There’s no need to worry about getting it right on the first try. I will take plenty of photos so you can choose the one where you look and feel your best and best of all, you get to see it right on the screen as we shoot. You don't leave until you have a shot you love. 

relax!

Your headshot session is more than just snapping a few pictures—it’s about capturing the essence of who you are. So, come prepared, stay relaxed, and trust the process. You’re going to leave with a photo that not only looks amazing but helps you stand out in your professional life.