PREPARING FOR YOUR BUSINESS HEADSHOT AND PORTRAIT SESSION
Looking professional in your business headshots and portraits doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow quick tips below to ensure you’re camera-ready and look your best.
The more prep you do in advance, the better starting point we are at, the more we can do during the session.
Remember, a few small steps can make a big impact.
1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Identify your target audience.
What tastes and conventions do you expect your ideal client to have? What message are you looking to share with them? Are there any impressions you’d like to avoid creating?
Knowing answers to those questions will help you present your personal brand.
2. DEFINE YOUR STORY
Think about what you want people to see in you? Come up with some words that would convey what working with you would be like, such as “Team player, Friendly, And Trustworthy”, or “Leader, Competent, and Determined”.
Communicate that with your photographer to bring out your unique personality.
3. PLAN PHOTO USAGE
Are business headshots and portraits for a website, presentation, LinkedIn, book back cover, etc.? Does it need to match an existing headshot or portrait color scheme?
Knowing this will help with the format, crop, size of final images.
Also consider how many looks/ outfits you need.
4. SHARE INSPIRATION
Create a simple mood board to guide the overall look and keep expectations clear.
Pinterest is a great option for more advanced mood board, but an email with screenshots, links, or low-resolution photos work just as well.
Great headshot starts with the right planning!
Download FREE checklist for better headshots
Every great headshot starts with the right planning! This quick and easy checklist will help you look your best!
5. CHOOSE APPROPRIATE CLOTHES
Please take clothing seriously! Remember, your appearance makes the first impression, your expertise comes later.
Wear outfits that fit, feel good, and reflect your brand. Avoid busy patterns and excessive logos or bright colors.
Make sure the clothes are in good condition and your outfit is appropriate for your target audience.
When unsure, bring along a couple different choices, and we’ll decide together which one suits you best.
6. TRY ON FINAL OUTFITS IN ADVANCE
Try everything the day or two before the session to make sure there are no surprises.
Give yourself the opportunity to identify any flaws in your wardrobe early, preventing a last-minute scramble for replacements.
7. CONSIDER HAIR & MAKEUP
Keep it natural and close to your usual look. If needed, hire a pro for extra polish and style.
Don’t expect me to be the fixer, as hair and makeup is not my area of expertise.
8. BRING BASIC TOUCH-UP ITEMS
Pack your personal hair spray, combs, lipstick, etc. Quick small fixes can save the shot if something goes sideways.
9. FEEL YOUR BEST
Get plenty of sleep. Eat and drink water. Give yourself enough time to not be rushed.
And if you’re ill, it’s OK to reschedule.
10. PLAN SESSION EARLIER IN A DAY
Avoid late afternoon sessions as energy levels often drop significantly by then.
Choose a first half of the day session whenever possible. Feeling fresh and energized helps to get better results for your business headshots and portraits.
11. COMMUNICATE YOUR INSECURITIES
It’s normal to have insecurities.
Knowing them helps me to suggest more flattering angles, adjust posing, and lighting to highlight your favorite features.
12. DON’T RELY ON “FIX IT IN PHOTOSHOP”
Yes, some things can be edited, but it’s always better to get it right in-camera.
For best retouching results, communicate your retouching expectations during the session as we discuss images that are coming in on computer screen.
13. PLAN A FUN MUSIC PLAYLIST
Plan a favorite music playlist.
Your favorite songs will help calm your nerves and bring out your best expressions.
14. TRUST THE PROCESS
I will guide you throughout the session.
We’ll shoot multiple variations and review them together. Seeing live previews helps us fix any issues right away.
Just focus on being yourself and genuine, flattering business headshots and portraits will happen naturally.
I hope you find this checklist beneficial. If you have any other questions or need more specific advice, please reach out to me. I’m more than happy to help!
