How To Prepare For A Headshot

A great headshot can make a big difference in how you’re perceived by others, whether you’re using it for LinkedIn, personal branding, or team pages. Not only does a fantastic headshot make you stand out, it helps your company feel concise and professional.

But how do you prepare for a headshot? Here are some tips to help you get ready for your session.

1. Choose the right photographer

The first step in preparing for a headshot is to choose the right photographer for you. Are you looking for something creative? Corporate? Modeling headshots? Do your research and find the photographer that specializes in the headshots that fit your needs. Go through their portfolio and see the work that they create and how they can collaborate with you on getting the right headshots. You want to find the right photographer who understands the ins and outs of headshot photography and can help you feel comfortable and confident during your session in front of the camera.

2. Decide on your look

Your headshot should reflect your personal brand and match the energy and image you want to project to the world. Take some time to figure out your look and how you want to be perceived as the face of your business or to stand out from the colleagues around you. Do you want to look approachable and friendly? Sophisticated and professional? Artsy and creative? Once you’ve figured out your look, be sure to communicate with your photographer so that they can work with you to capture the look you are going for.

3. Solo or Team Headshots

Do you need headshots for multiple people? Are you planning this as part of a major team visual overhaul? That is one of the many things that Alex Kendall Photography specializes in and I work to create a concise look for your team that is clean and representative of your company. Taking meticulous notes, I can easily replicate the lighting and setup that is used to make sure your team looks their best whether it is at his studio or at your office.

4. Plan your wardrobe

How you dress on your headshot days plays a big role into your decided look. Choose clothing that fits well, compliments your body type, and makes you feel your greatest. Bring multiple outfit choices to your shoot and always check with your photographer on if they have any recommendations for your outfit choices. Be sure to avoid busy patterns and bright colors that may distract from your face and cause a moire effect in camera. Also be sure to dress for the look of your headshot. A suit jacket and button up shirt may be the way to go or something more casual might be more of your speed. You know yourself best and your style matters just as much as your smile.

5. Get a good night’s sleep before your shoot

It may seems simple, but a good night of sleep before your headshot does wonders for your skin. According to studies from The Sleep Foundation and The National Institutes of Health, getting a good night’s rest helps reduce puffiness of your skin around your eyes, stronger hair, healthier complexion, reduced wrinkles, and even helps with the aging of the skin. All of this, along with staying hydrated throughout the day, will keep you looking your best for your headshot. Be sure to avoid caffeine and alcohol the night before and let those beautiful hours of sleep take over.

6. Consider hair and makeup

Another option to consider when getting your headshot is have your hair and makeup professionally done. The reason your photographer may suggest a professional makeup artist is their expertise in getting their clients camera ready. Camera ready makeup is similar to stage makeup in the fact that each serves a specific purpose under certain lighting. Stage makeup is there to pronounce the performers’ expressions  while camera ready makeup will work to highlight the areas you want and keep your face from looking too shiny or over done. If you decide to do your own hair and makeup for your headshots, keep the look natural and simple, avoiding anything that may be over-the-top or heavy.

7. Bring props and accessories

While not all headshots demand that extra flair, if you are looking for personal branding or influencer headshots, bringing in a prop or item to represent your brand works just fine . These items will add a bit of extra context about who you are and what your personality brings to your brand. Whether you are showing off your product, your lucky coffee mug, or even your pet, be sure to check with your photographer ahead of time and let them know if you’d like to include anything additional in your headshots.

8. Relax and have fun

Finally, remember to relax and have fun during your headshot session! You are in good hands with your photographer and they will make sure to help wash away that what-do-I-do-with-my-hands syndrome we all experience sitting in front of the lens. Your photographer will help guide you through the experience and build up the trust that truly makes a photo a great image. When I am on set, I want to make sure the experience is the best you have ever had with a photographer and to leave set with the confidence in the images we just created together.

Preparing for a headshot is an important part of building your professional image and personal brand. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re ready for your session and that you’ll get the best possible outcome. If you are looking to book your headshot, reach out to Alex Kendall Photography for your FREE headshot consultation.