A good headshot session starts before you walk into the studio. You do not need to rehearse poses, but you do need to think through your image goals, wardrobe, grooming and how the final images will be used.
Know where the image will be used
LinkedIn, company website, speaker bio, press kit, actor profile and personal branding all need slightly different image choices. Before the session, think about the platforms where the image needs to work and whether you need one polished image or a wider set.
Bring more wardrobe than you think
Bring 3 to 5 outfits at minimum, and more if you can. Neckline variety is important. A button-up shirt can feel simple and approachable. A shirt, tie and suit jacket can feel more formal. A dress can work beautifully, and a jacket over a dress, tee, strappy top or shirt can quickly shift the tone.
Colours are welcome. With controlled studio lighting, colour can work extremely well, especially when it suits your skin tone, brand or professional context.
Prepare hair, skin and grooming
Get a good night's sleep, drink water and avoid rushing. Come with your hair done as you would wear it out, and bring a brush or styling products if you may want to change it between looks. Moisturise your lips, brush your teeth before leaving, tidy eyebrows and check facial hair.
Makeup under studio lighting
Studio lighting can slightly wash out features, so it pays to err on the side of stronger makeup than you might wear day to day. Foundation should usually be light-to-medium with a natural finish. Eyes, contour, blush and lips can go a little bolder than usual because definition photographs better under studio lights.
If you prefer a softer look, that is completely fine. If you are good at doing your own makeup, we can shoot multiple looks in one session. If you want a hair and makeup artist on set, reach out in advance and we can organise it.
The aim is not to look unlike yourself. The aim is to arrive polished enough that studio lighting and retouching have something strong and natural to work with.
What happens in the session
Nicholas coaches expression, pose, chin, shoulders and wardrobe changes throughout the session. Images are reviewed live, so you can see what is working before the shoot is finished. You are not expected to know what to do.
Morning-of checklist
- Sleep well and drink water.
- Pack outfit options and make sure they are clean and pressed.
- Bring a brush, comb, lint roller or styling product if useful.
- Moisturise lips and tidy facial hair.
- Brush teeth before leaving.
- Arrive with enough time that you are not flustered.
Frequently asked questions
How should I prepare for a headshot session?
Think about where the images will be used, bring several outfits, prepare hair and grooming, sleep well, drink water and arrive with enough time to settle before the shoot.
How many outfits should I bring for headshots?
Bring 3 to 5 outfits at minimum, and more if you can. More options mean more range across LinkedIn, company website, branding and formal uses.
Should I do my own makeup for a headshot?
If you are confident doing your own makeup, yes. Studio lighting can wash out features, so slightly stronger definition than day-to-day makeup often photographs better.
What are the most important headshot session tips?
The best headshot session tips are simple: decide where the images will be used, bring multiple outfits, prepare grooming, arrive rested and let the photographer coach pose and expression during the shoot.
What professional headshot tips matter most before the shoot?
The most useful professional headshot tips are to bring 3 to 5 outfit options, choose clothes that match your industry, tidy hair and grooming, and avoid trying to rehearse a fake camera expression.