What to Expect During Your Headshot Photography Session

In This Article:

  • Introduction

  • Before Your Session

    • Scheduling and Booking

    • Consultation Process

    • Wardrobe Preparation

  • Day of the Session

    • Arrival and Setup

    • Hair and Makeup

    • The Photography Process

  • After Your Session

    • Retouching and Editing

    • Image Delivery and Usage

  • Special Considerations

    • Group Headshot Sessions

    • On-Location Corporate Sessions

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Conclusion

Introduction

First impressions matter, especially in the professional world. A high-quality headshot can be the difference between making a memorable impression or being forgotten in a sea of LinkedIn profiles. According to a study by PhotoFeeler, professionals with high-quality headshots were viewed as 76% more competent and influential than those with casual photos or no photo at all!

I've photographed many professionals across various industries, and I understand the nervousness that comes with being in front of the camera. 

Don't worry! 

This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect during your headshot session, helping you prepare and feel confident throughout the process.

Before Your Session

Scheduling and Booking

The booking process begins with a simple inquiry through our contact form or phone call. 

We'll discuss your needs and find a time that works for your schedule. 

Individual sessions typically last 30-60 minutes, giving us plenty of time to capture various expressions and outfits without feeling rushed. 

We offer both in-studio sessions with controlled lighting and backgrounds, as well as on-site options at your company location for convenience.

Key booking considerations:

  • A 50% deposit secures your date and time slot

  • Full payment is due on the day of your session

  • Rescheduling is available with 48-hour notice at no additional charge

  • Last-minute cancellations may result in forfeiture of the deposit

Consultation Process

Before your session, we'll have a brief but important consultation to understand your professional goals and how you plan to use your images. Whether they're for your LinkedIn profile, company website, or marketing materials, knowing their purpose helps us create photos that align with your objectives.

During this consultation, we'll cover:

  • Your industry's typical visual expectations and how to meet or thoughtfully break them

  • The impression you want to make on potential clients or employers

  • Background options and their implications for your brand messaging

  • Examples of headshots you like, helping us understand your style preferences

Wardrobe Preparation

What you wear significantly impacts your headshot's effectiveness. Your clothing should reflect your industry standards while still expressing your personal brand. Attorneys might opt for formal suits, while tech professionals might choose smart casual attire that conveys approachability with competence.

Wardrobe preparation essentials:

  • Bring 2-3 different outfit options to provide variety in your final selection

  • Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns and textures, which can distract from your face

  • Choose colors that complement your skin tone and company branding

  • Ensure all clothing is freshly pressed to avoid distracting wrinkles

  • Accessories should be minimal and intentional—think quality over quantity

Day of the Session

Arrival and Setup

Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This buffer allows you to settle in, hang your clothing options, and mentally prepare for the session. Upon arrival, we'll walk through the process together, making any final adjustments to ensure we capture exactly what you need.

What happens when you arrive:

  • Brief welcome and orientation to make you feel comfortable

  • Review of the session timeline and expectations

  • Final wardrobe decisions with professional input

  • Discussion of any last-minute questions or concerns

Hair and Makeup

Great headshots start with great preparation. 

For those who wear makeup, we recommend a natural, polished look that enhances your features without appearing too heavy. We can recommend professional makeup artists who specialize in photography makeup, or provide guidance if you're doing your own.

Hair and makeup considerations:

  • Professional makeup services are available for an additional fee when booked in advance

  • Men may benefit from powder to reduce shine, especially on foreheads and noses

  • Bring your own touch-up kit for midway adjustments (lipstick, powder, hairbrush)

  • Hairstyles should be secure but not stiff—natural movement photographs well

  • Recent haircuts should be scheduled 1-2 weeks before your session, not the day before

The Photography Process

Getting Comfortable

Many people feel awkward in front of the camera initially, which is completely normal. 

We'll start with casual conversation to help you relax while explaining the equipment and process. Think of the first 10-15 minutes as a warm-up—these shots help you get comfortable, but they're rarely the final selects.

How we help you feel at ease:

  • Ice-breaker conversation about topics unrelated to the photoshoot

  • Explanation of equipment and lighting to demystify the process

  • Practice poses before formal shooting begins

  • Continuous feedback and encouragement throughout the session

Posing Guidance

Posing for headshots is an art form, but you don't need to be a model to look great. I'll guide you through every position, explaining why certain angles and postures are more flattering for your specific features. We'll work together to find the poses that feel natural to you while highlighting your best attributes.

Essential posing techniques we'll cover:

  • Proper posture that conveys confidence without appearing stiff

  • Slight head tilts that can dramatically improve your facial symmetry in photos

  • Authentic expression coaching to capture your approachable yet professional smile

  • Special considerations for glasses wearers to minimize glare and reflections

  • Body positioning that slims and flatters, even in close-up headshots

Reviewing Images

Throughout the session, we mayl pause to review selected images together. This collaborative approach ensures you're getting exactly what you want and allows us to make real-time adjustments to lighting, posing, or expressions. Your feedback during this process is invaluable—after all, these are your professional images.

What to expect during image review:

  • Periodic checks of how your photos are coming out

  • Honest feedback opportunities in a supportive environment

  • Adjustments based on what we're seeing together

  • Time for outfit changes and different expression variations

  • Identification of your strongest images as we progress

After Your Session

Editing and Retouching

Professional retouching makes a significant difference in your final headshots. 

Our approach emphasizes natural, realistic editing that enhances your appearance while still looking like you. 

We don't go overboard with skin smoothing or feature alterations—employers and clients want to recognize you when they meet in person.

Our retouching philosophy includes:

  • Removal of temporary blemishes and minor distractions

  • Subtle skin smoothing that preserves natural texture and character

  • Slight teeth whitening and eye brightening for a refreshed look

  • Careful attention to detail around hair and clothing edges

  • Consistent color grading that complements your skin tone and attire

Image Delivery and Usage

Your final edited images will be delivered within 2-3 business days after your headshot session. You'll receive high-resolution photos you can print as well as use for your online profiles and other digital use. Each image comes with basic licensing rights for your professional use.

What you'll receive:

  • Digital download link with all your final images

  • Print release for personal professional use

  • Specific crops optimized for LinkedIn, company websites, and other platforms can be provided at your request

Special Considerations

Group Headshot Sessions

Corporate teams benefit significantly from cohesive, professional imagery across all staff profiles. Group headshot sessions offer efficiency and consistency, with each person typically requiring at least 5 minutes each. Typically, we can photograph up to 30 people in a single day with proper scheduling and preparation. Depending on the situation, we can photograph more people, just let us know how big your team is and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Group session logistics:

  • Scheduled time slots minimize wait time for busy professionals

  • Consistent lighting and background setups ensure visual brand cohesion

  • Company-wide style guides can be implemented for a unified look

  • Efficient workflow allows minimal disruption to your workday

  • Volume discounts available for larger teams

On-Location Corporate Sessions

Bringing our studio to your workplace offers convenience and context for your team. We'll transform a conference room or available office space into a temporary photography studio, requiring approximately 10×10 feet of clear space and access to electrical outlets.

On-site session requirements:

  • Pre-session site survey to identify the optimal shooting location

  • 30-minute setup and 30-minute breakdown time built into the schedule

  • Minimal disruption to your workplace with our quiet, efficient process

  • Background options that complement your office environment

  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate your team's availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Concerns Addressed

Many clients share similar concerns before their headshot sessions. Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions to help put your mind at ease.

"I'm not photogenic!" 

This is the most common concern we hear, and it's simply not true. Everyone can look great in photos with proper lighting, direction, and a photographer who helps you feel comfortable. We'll take plenty of photos and work with you to find expressions that feel natural.

"How long will it take to get my images?" 

You'll receive your photo gallery within 2-3 business days after your headshot session. Rush processing is available for an additional fee.

"What if I need to reschedule?" 

Life happens! We offer free rescheduling with 48-hour notice. Last-minute changes may incur a fee to cover our time and preparation.

"How often should I update my professional headshots?" 

We recommend updating your headshots every 2-3 years, or sooner if you've made significant changes to your appearance (new hairstyle, significant weight change, updated branding).

Conclusion

A professional headshot session doesn't have to be intimidating. 

With proper preparation and understanding of the process, you'll walk away with images that powerfully represent your professional brand. Remember that a great photographer will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you look natural, confident, and approachable.

Ready to book your headshot session? 

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward enhancing your professional image. 

Your perfect headshot is just a session away!