The Ultimate Headshot Preparation Guide: How to Look Your Best for Corporate Headshots

In this Article:

  • Understanding the Purpose of Your Professional Headshots

  • Schedule and Timing Considerations

  • Wardrobe Selection and Preparation

  • Grooming and Appearance Tips

  • Posing Techniques for Flattering Headshots

  • Mental Preparation and Confidence Building

  • What to Bring to Your Headshot Session

  • Working with Your Photographer

  • After the Shoot: Selection and Usage

Introduction

Professional headshots have become an essential tool for career advancement and business growth. Whether for your LinkedIn profile, company website, or marketing materials, a high-quality headshot creates that crucial first impression before you even walk through the door. But preparing for a headshot session can be surprisingly stressful! 

What should you wear? 

How should you pose? 

Will you look natural or awkward?

As a professional headshot photographer who has helped many clients through this process, I can tell you that proper preparation makes all the difference. 

In fact, studies show that profiles with professional headshots receive up to 14 times more views than those without! 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your company headshots and ensure you look your absolute best. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Purpose of Your Professional Headshots

Before diving into preparation tips, it's important to understand exactly what your headshots will be used for:

  • Company website team pages: These typically require a consistent look across all employees

  • LinkedIn and professional social media profiles: May allow for slightly more personality

  • Marketing materials and press releases: Often need to align with company branding

  • Speaking engagements and conference materials: Establish your expertise and authority

  • Industry-specific directories: Help potential clients find and connect with you

Understanding the specific purpose helps inform your preparation decisions. For example, an attorney's headshot for a law firm website typically requires more conservative styling than a creative director's headshot for a design agency.

Schedule and Timing Considerations

Timing is everything when it comes to headshot preparation:

  • Book your session 2-3 weeks in advance to allow adequate preparation time

  • Avoid scheduling your session during high-stress work periods when you're likely to appear tired

  • Morning sessions often work best for most people when energy levels are highest

  • Avoid drastic haircuts right before your session - schedule haircuts 1-2 weeks prior

  • If you're prone to skin issues, give yourself buffer time before the shoot to address any unexpected breakouts

Remember that professional photographers understand rescheduling when necessary. If you wake up with an unexpected issue on shoot day, don't hesitate to reschedule rather than proceed with photos you won't be happy with.

Wardrobe Selection and Preparation

Your clothing choices significantly impact the overall impression of your headshots:

General Clothing Tips

  • Choose solid colors that complement your skin tone and company branding

  • Avoid busy patterns, logos, and distracting elements that draw attention away from your face

  • Layer when possible - jackets, blazers, and structured pieces photograph well and add dimension

  • Bring multiple options to your session (3-4 tops/outfits)

  • Ensure all clothing is clean, wrinkle-free, and fits properly - clothes that are too tight or too loose will be noticeable

  • Consider your company culture and industry standards - more conservative industries typically call for traditional business attire

Color Selection

  • Navy blue, medium to dark gray, and burgundy photograph exceptionally well and convey professionalism

  • Soft, muted colors tend to be more flattering than bright, bold colors

  • Avoid pure white and pure black when possible, as they can create exposure challenges

  • Choose colors that contrast with the background (ask your photographer about background options in advance)

What to Avoid

  • Sleeveless tops (unless layered under a jacket)

  • Clothing with visible logos or brand names

  • Ultra-trendy styles that may quickly date your photos

  • Clothing that matches your skin tone too closely

  • Heavy stripes or busy patterns

Grooming and Appearance Tips

For Everyone

  • Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session for healthy-looking skin

  • Get adequate sleep the night before your session

  • Use oil-blotting papers to reduce shine shortly before photos

  • Consider lip balm for smooth, non-chapped lips

  • Bring a small grooming kit for last-minute touch-ups

For Those Who Wear Makeup

  • Stick with your everyday makeup routine but slightly enhanced

  • Avoid heavy foundation or dramatic eye makeup unless it's your typical professional look

  • Translucent powder helps reduce shine on camera

  • Neutral lip colors photograph better than very bright or dark shades

  • Waterproof mascara is recommended if you're prone to watery eyes

For Those with Facial Hair

  • Trim and groom facial hair precisely - cameras capture every detail

  • Schedule a professional trim 1-2 days before if needed

  • Make sure your facial hair is intentional and well-maintained

Posing Techniques for Flattering Headshots

While your photographer will guide you through posing, knowing these basics helps build confidence:

  • Practice your smile in the mirror to find your most natural expression

  • Slightly tilt your chin down and forward to define your jawline

  • Turn your body at a slight angle to the camera rather than facing it directly

  • Relax your shoulders to avoid appearing tense

  • Try both smiling and serious expressions to have variety

  • Remember to breathe and reset between poses

A good professional photographer will guide you through these poses, but being familiar with them helps you feel more comfortable during the session.

Mental Preparation and Confidence Building

Your mindset significantly impacts how you appear in photos:

  • Visualize positive outcomes before your session

  • Schedule activities that boost your confidence on shoot day

  • Prepare a playlist of music that puts you in a positive mood

  • Remember that as professional photographers we will do our best to make you look your best

  • Accept that it's normal to feel awkward - even professional models do!

  • Don't fixate on perceived flaws - we are our own worst critics, most of the time nobody notices what you’re uncomfortable with

What to Bring to Your Headshot Session

Create a checklist of essentials:

  • Multiple outfit options with appropriate accessories

  • Hair products for touch-ups

  • Makeup for touch-ups (if applicable)

  • Lint roller to remove dust and pet hair

  • Oil-blotting papers to manage shine

  • Bottle of water to stay hydrated

  • Reference photos of headshots you like (optional)

  • List of intended uses for your headshots to share with your photographer

Working with Your Photographer

Establish effective communication with your photographer:

  • Share your goals and concerns before the session begins

  • Ask questions about posing if you're uncertain

  • Request to see images during the shoot if that helps you adjust

  • Trust their expertise - professional photographers know which angles and lighting are most flattering

  • Be open to direction and feedback

  • Communicate any specific requirements from your company or marketing team

After the Shoot: Selection and Usage

Your responsibility doesn't end when the camera stops clicking:

  • Consider how each image aligns with your personal brand

  • Ensure consistent usage across platforms for brand cohesion

  • Update all professional profiles simultaneously when possible

  • Schedule regular updates of your headshots (every 2-3 years is standard)

Conclusion

Preparing for professional headshots doesn't have to be stressful. 

With proper planning, clear communication with your photographer, and attention to these preparation details, you'll walk away with headshots that elevate your professional image and help you put your best face forward.

Remember that a great headshot is an investment in your professional brand and future opportunities. The time you spend preparing will pay dividends in the confidence you project and the connections you make.

Ready to schedule your professional headshot session? 

Contact us today to book your appointment and take the next step in updating your professional image. 

We look forward to working with you!