Your professional headshot is the first impression clients, colleagues or future employers will have of you. You want to look your best. We’ve photographed many clients and we’re here to share our top tips so your headshot looks its best.
This answers all the questions our clients ask and helps you turn up looking great, feeling prepared and most importantly stress free.
Headshot Tips
To help you get the most from your shoot we’ve put together a quick guide with practical advice on preparation from clothing to skin care and more.
1. Research
Take some time to think about what works for you. This is your chance to show your personality and brand through your image.
Look back at old photos of yourself to see what colours and styles suit you.
Do you like a natural look or do you feel more confident with makeup.
Facial hair—do you like being clean shaven or stubble or a beard?
What’s your best side and what angles flatter you.
Practice the poses you want to project—are you going for approachable, confident or creative?
2. Clothing
Your outfit sets the tone for your headshot and should match the purpose of the image. Whether it’s a corporate headshot or a more casual personal branding shot, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
For Corporate Headshots:
Do:
Plain, neutral colours that photograph well.
Clothes are clean and pressed and use a lint roller to remove lint or pet hair.
Classic, well fitted pieces that won’t detract from your face.
Don’t:
Bold patterns, large jewellery or oversized logos (unless it’s part of your brand).
Wearing a vest or undershirt under lighter clothing as it may show through in the photos.
Pro Tip: Bring a few outfits to the shoot. This gives you and your photographer flexibility to find the perfect look.
3. Hair and Facial Hair
Your hair and facial hair will make a big difference to how polished you look.
Get a haircut 2-5 days before the shoot so it has time to settle.
Style your hair as you would on a typical work day.
If you have facial hair decide on your look—clean shaven, stubble or a groomed beard—and time your grooming accordingly.
Pro Tip: Bring a small brush or comb to the shoot for quick touch ups.
4. Relax and Schedule Wisely
Looking relaxed makes a big difference in your photos.
Don’t schedule your shoot on a crazy day. If that can’t be helped try to leave plenty of time before and after the session to unwind.
Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot so you look fresh and alert.
Pro Tip: A professional photoshoot with us is designed to be fun and stress free. Trust the process and we’ll take care of everything.
5. Skin Care
Healthy skin = happy skin in front of the camera.
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the shoot.
Aim for 7-8 hours sleep each night in the week before to avoid dark circles under your eyes.
On the day of the shoot avoid applying lotions or moisturisers to your face as these can create shine under studio lighting.
Pro Tip: Let us know if you have any concerns about blemishes or skin tone—we can fix minor imperfections in post processing.
6. Glasses
If you wear glasses there are a few simple things to do to ensure they don’t distract in your headshot.
Clean your glasses before you arrive and bring a cloth to wipe them again just before the shoot.
We’ll shoot with and without your glasses so we have options to deal with reflections in post processing.
Pro Tip: If you have anti-reflective lenses these can help reduce glare in your photos.
7. The Final Touch
Most of all remember this is about you. This isn’t a stressful experience—it’s an opportunity to showcase your best self in a relaxed professional environment.
We make all our headshots fun at Photography MK. Whether it’s your first professional photo or you’re updating an old one we’re here to help.
Book Now?
Need a headshot or a professional image library? Contact Photography MK today. Let’s get to work.
