STYLING GUIDE
Professional Headshot Tips & Tricks
A great headshot starts with great preparation. Follow these expert tips to ensure you look polished, professional, and confident in your photos.
What to Wear for Your Headshot
Your clothing choices can make or break your headshot. Here's how to dress for success.
Fit & Style
Perfect Fit: Choose clothing that fits well – not too tight or too loose. Too-tight clothing will pull at the buttons and cause unwanted gaps and wrinkles.
Necklines: V-neck, crew neck, or collared shirts work beautifully. A crisp collar adds polish and professionalism.
Jackets & Blazers: Well-fitted blazers photograph exceptionally well. Ensure proper shoulder fit – avoid padded shoulders.
Layers: Bring options! A jacket over a top or a v-neck sweater can cut down on distraction while keeping your style.
Pressed & Ready: Clothes should be pressed and wrinkle-free. Iron or steam your outfits the night before.
Colors & Patterns
Neutrals First: Navy, charcoal, black, and white photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you.
Your Personal Style: If you only ever wear bright colors, bring them. Your wardrobe needs to reflect your daily style.
Complement Your Eyes: Colors that complement your eyes create a natural connection and draw attention to your face.
Patterns: Patterns can be distracting, but a jacket or sweater over a busy pattern can help.
Avoid: Neon colors and large logos that distract from your professional image.
Personal Grooming
Looking well-groomed is essential for a polished headshot. Here's how to prepare.
Hair Care
- •Clean, well-groomed hair styled as you normally wear it
- •Get haircuts 1-2 weeks before your session – give it time to settle
- •Bring every hair styling product and tool you use every day
- •Manage stray hairs and flyaways – bring product to tame them
- •Bring a hair brush and hair ties – I have hairspray, bobby pins, and a straightener in the studio
Face & Makeup
- •Minimal, light makeup that enhances natural features works best
- •Well-moisturized skin (avoid SPF moisturizer – it causes shine)
- •Foundation matching your skin tone, lip color that complements your complexion
- •Eyeliner can make your eyes look smaller – if using it, apply a soft smudge on the outer portion only
- •Bring makeup along for touchups during the session
Want the star treatment? We offer professional makeup services!
Grooming Tips for Men
- •Come freshly shaven and trimmed, including your nose hairs
- •Trim any crazy outlier eyebrow hairs, but don't go nuts
- •Eyebrows should be properly groomed – trimmed and shaped
- •Facial hair should be freshly shaved or well-maintained
- •You're welcome to shave between looks in the studio if you'd like multiple options
Headshots with Glasses
Wondering whether to wear glasses in your professional headshot? Here's what you need to know.
Wear them if you wear them daily
If you wear glasses every day, you should have your glasses in your headshot. This is how people recognize you – your headshot should match reality.
Bring them if you sometimes wear them
If you sometimes wear glasses and sometimes wear contacts, bring the glasses to try. We can shoot both options and you can decide which you prefer.
Bring multiple pairs
If you have multiple pairs of glasses, bring them so we can try multiple frames and lenses. Some frames photograph better than others.
Anti-glare lenses are preferred
Anti-glare lenses reduce reflections. Don't worry if you don't have them – I'm experienced at positioning lighting to minimize glare.
Clean your lenses
Make sure your glasses are clean and smudge-free. Bring a cleaning cloth with you to the session for touch-ups.
Jewelry & Accessories
The right accessories can enhance your headshot. Here's how to choose wisely.
Jewelry Guidelines
- •Bring jewelry you love or always wear – we can shoot with and without
- •Minimal, classic jewelry for standard headshots
- •Small earrings work better than large statement pieces
- •Sometimes I prefer no jewelry to eliminate distractions, but it's up to you
Other Accessories
- •If we're doing portraits that show more of you, accessories work well
- •Feel free to bring options and we can decide together what looks best
- •Bring anything you enjoy wearing!
Day-of Session Tips
A few final preparations to ensure you look and feel your best.
Arrive on Time
Please arrive at your scheduled session time. This allows you to settle in and do final touch-ups.
Get Rest
A good night's sleep makes a huge difference! Well-rested eyes look brighter and more alert.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session for healthy, glowing skin.
Bring Touch-Up Items
I have lint rollers and hairspray in the studio. Bring a hair brush and makeup for touch-ups.
Protect Your Skin
Skip tanning beds and limit sun exposure for 2 weeks before your session to avoid sunburn.
Eye Drops (Optional)
Lumify eye drops can reduce redness and brighten your eyes. Check with your healthcare provider first.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you know how to prepare, let's create professional headshots that showcase your best self.