The Complete Guide to Preparing for Your Professional Headshot

Last Updated: January 2026

Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your website, or creating new marketing materials, a professional headshot is one of the best investments you can make in your personal brand. But if you’ve never had professional headshots taken before, you might be wondering: What should I wear? How should I style my hair? What if I hate being photographed?

Don’t worry—I’ve photographed hundreds of professionals over the past decade, and I’m sharing everything you need to know to prepare for your headshot session and feel confident on camera.

Why Professional Headshots Matter

Before we dive into the preparation tips, let’s talk about why this matters.

Your headshot is often the first impression people have of you—before they read your bio, before they see your portfolio, before you even speak. A professional headshot:

• Builds trust and credibility with potential clients, employers, and connections
• Shows you take your professional image seriously
• Makes you more memorable and approachable
• Increases engagement on LinkedIn and other professional platforms
• Gives you confidence knowing you look your best

Research shows that LinkedIn profiles with professional photos receive 14x more profile views and are significantly more likely to receive messages and connection requests.

Now, let’s make sure your headshot session is a success.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots

This is the #1 question I get asked, and for good reason—your outfit can make or break your headshot.

The Golden Rules:

1. Solid Colours Work Best

Avoid busy patterns, stripes, or bold prints. They’re distracting on camera and draw attention away from your face. Stick with solid, neutral colours or subtle textures.

Best colours for headshots:

• Navy blue (universally flattering, conveys trust)
• Black (classic, professional, slimming)
• Gray (sophisticated, modern)
• White or cream (clean, fresh—but bring a backup in case it washes you out)
• Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, or teal (add personality without being distracting)

Colours to avoid:

• Neon or overly bright colours
• Stark white (can be too bright under studio lights)
• Busy patterns or graphics
• Colours that clash with your skin tone

2. Dress for Your Industry

Your headshot should reflect how you want to be perceived professionally.

• Corporate/Finance/Law: Suit jacket, button-down shirt, professional dress
• Creative/Design/Marketing: Smart casual, blazer with nice top, creative but polished
• Healthcare/Education: Professional but approachable—blazer with softer colours
• Entrepreneurs/Coaches: Polished but authentic to your brand—business casual or elevated casual

When in doubt, think about what you’d wear to an important meeting with your ideal client.

3. Think About Necklines

Your headshot focuses on your face, shoulders, and upper chest. Necklines matter!

Best necklines:

• V-neck (elongates the neck, universally flattering)
• Crew neck (classic, professional)
• Collared shirts (timeless, professional)
• Scoop neck (softer, approachable)

Avoid:

• Turtlenecks (can make your neck look short)
• Spaghetti straps or strapless (can look like you’re not wearing anything)
• Low-cut or revealing necklines (unprofessional for most industries)

4. Consider Layers

Bring a blazer or cardigan even if you’re not sure you’ll wear it. Layers:

• Give you options during the session
• Add structure and polish
• Can help with posing (holding a blazer open, for example)
• Allow you to change your look without changing outfits

5. Fit Matters More Than Fashion

Wear clothes that fit well and make you feel confident. Ill-fitting clothing is obvious on camera.

• Avoid clothes that are too tight (uncomfortable and shows on camera)
• Avoid clothes that are too loose (can look sloppy)
• Make sure sleeves are the right length
• Check that buttons don’t pull or gap

6. Bring Options

If you’re unsure, bring 2-3 outfit options and we’ll choose together during your session. It’s better to have choices than to regret not bringing something.

What NOT to Wear

• Clothing with visible logos or brand names
• Wrinkled or stained clothing (iron or steam everything!)
• Accessories that are too flashy or distracting
• Clothing that’s uncomfortable (you’ll look uncomfortable!)
• Brand new clothes you’ve never worn (you don’t know how they’ll feel or photograph)

Hair and Makeup Tips for Headshots

You don’t need professional hair and makeup for great headshots, but you do need to look polished and camera-ready.

Hair Tips:

Do:

• Style your hair the way you normally wear it professionally
• Make sure it’s clean and styled
• Bring a brush or comb for touch-ups
• Consider a fresh haircut 1-2 weeks before (not the day before—give it time to settle)
• Bring bobby pins or hair ties if you want options (hair up vs. down)

Don’t:

• Try a brand new hairstyle the day of your session
• Over-style with too much product (can look stiff or shiny)
• Let your hair fall in front of your face
• Forget to check the back (I’ll help you with this!)

Makeup Tips (for those who wear makeup):

The goal: Polished and natural, not overly made-up.

Do:

• Wear slightly more makeup than usual (camera lights can wash you out)
• Use matte products (avoid shimmer and glitter—it reflects on camera)
• Define your eyes (mascara is a must!)
• Fill in eyebrows (they frame your face)
• Use powder to prevent shine (bring blotting papers for touch-ups)
• Choose a lipstick or lip color that’s flattering but not too bold

Don’t:

• Go too heavy on foundation (it can look cakey on camera)
• Use too much bronzer or contouring (can look muddy in photos)
• Wear false lashes unless you wear them regularly (they can look unnatural)
• Forget to blend your makeup down your neck

Professional Hair and Makeup

If you want to look your absolute best and remove all the guesswork, consider b

ooking professional hair and makeup. For my Headshot Kickstart clients, I can arrange this for an additional $225—you just show up and get pampered!

Benefits of professional H&MU:

• Camera-ready makeup that photographs beautifully
• Polished hair that lasts through the session
• Boosts your confidence
• One less thing to worry about

 

 

How to Prepare the Day Before

1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

This is non-negotiable. Dark circles and tired eyes show up on camera. Aim for 7-8 hours.

2. Hydrate

Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of your session. Hydrated skin looks healthier and more radiant.

3. Lay Out Your Outfit

Choose your outfit the night before. Try it on, check for wrinkles, lint, and stains. Iron or steam if needed.

4. Avoid Alcohol and Salty Foods

Both can cause puffiness and redness. Save the celebration for after your session!

5. Prepare Your Skin

• Moisturize well
• Exfoliate gently (but not the day of—do it 2 days before)
• Skip trying new skincare products (you don’t want a reaction)
• Men: Shave the morning of your session (or evening before if you have sensitive skin)

Day-Of Checklist

Bring these items to your session:

• ✓ Your outfit(s) and any backup options
• ✓ Lint roller (I’ll have one, but bring yours just in case)
• ✓ Makeup for touch-ups (if you wear makeup)
• ✓ Hairbrush or comb
• ✓ Deodorant (studio lights can be warm!)
• ✓ Water (stay hydrated!)
• ✓ Reading glasses (if you wear them professionally)
• ✓ Any props relevant to your profession (optional)

What to Expect During Your Headshot Session

Nervous about being photographed? You’re not alone.

Most people feel a little awkward in front of the camera. That’s completely normal! Here’s what will happen during your session:

Before We Start:

• We’ll chat briefly about what you’re using the headshots for
• I’ll review your outfit and make any suggestions
• We’ll do a quick check in the mirror

During the Session:

• I’ll guide you through everything—where to look, how to stand, what to do with your hands
• We’ll start with some test shots to get you comfortable
• I’ll give you constant direction and feedback
• You’ll see the back of the camera periodically so you know what’s working
• We’ll try different angles, expressions, and slight variations

My Job:

My job is to make you look and feel amazing. I’ll help you:

• Find your best angles
• Relax your shoulders and jaw
• Get natural, confident expressions
• Look approachable yet professional

 

Posing Tips: How to Look Natural and Confident

Even though I’ll guide you through everything, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Posture is Everything

• Stand tall with shoulders back (but relaxed, not stiff)
• Elongate your neck slightly by bringing your chin forward and down (the “turtle” technique)
• Avoid hunching or slouching

2. Relax Your Face

• Take a deep breath and release tension in your jaw
• Think of something that makes you genuinely happy (it shows in your eyes!)
• Avoid forced smiles—let them come naturally

3. Eyes Matter Most

• Your eyes convey confidence and approachability
• Look directly at the camera (at me!) for a strong, engaging shot
• Squint very slightly (called “smizing”)—it makes your eyes more engaging
• Avoid wide-eyed stares (looks startled)

4. Hands and Arms

For headshots, your hands might not be in the frame, but how you hold your arms affects your shoulders and posture.

• Let your arms hang naturally at your sides
• Avoid crossing your arms (can look defensive)
• If your hands are in the shot, keep them relaxed and natural

5. Smile Variations

We’ll capture different expressions:

• Genuine smile with teeth (friendly, approachable)
• Soft smile with lips closed (professional, confident)
• Neutral/serious expression (authoritative, executive)

Having variety gives you options for different uses (LinkedIn vs. speaking bio, for example).

Common Headshot Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-Thinking It

The more you overthink, the stiffer you’ll look. Trust the process and trust me to guide you!

2. Looking at Yourself Too Much

Checking yourself in the mirror or on the camera constantly can make you self-critical. Trust that you look great.

3. Forgetting to Breathe

Seriously! People hold their breath when they’re nervous. Take deep breaths to relax.

4. Apologizing for How You Look

I hear this constantly: “I’m so sorry, I’m not photogenic” or “I hate how I look in photos.” Stop! You’re here to get great photos, and you will. Give yourself permission to feel confident.

After Your Session: What Happens Next

Here’s what to expect after your Headshot Kickstart session:

Within 7 days:

• You’ll receive a link to view your gallery proofs
• Choose your 3 favorite headshots from the gallery

Within 10 business days after you select:

• You’ll receive your final edited, high-resolution images
• Images will be delivered digitally via download link
• Ready to use for LinkedIn, websites, business cards, email signatures, marketing materials, etc.

How to Use Your Headshots

Once you have your professional headshots, use them everywhere!

Where to use your headshots:

• LinkedIn profile photo (most important!)
• Company website or team page
• Email signature
• Business cards
• Social media profiles (especially professional accounts)
• Speaker bios and conference materials
• Press kits and media appearances
• Zoom backgrounds
• Printed marketing materials

Pro tip: Keep your headshot consistent across all platforms. It builds recognition and professionalism.

Headshot Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I update my headshots?

A: Every 2-3 years, or whenever your appearance changes significantly (new hairstyle, glasses, significant weight change, etc.). Your headshot should look like you today, not you five years ago.

Q: Should I smile or not smile?

A: Get both! A friendly smile for approachable contexts (LinkedIn, websites) and a more serious expression for formal or executive use.

Q: What if I hate every single photo?

A: This almost never happens because I guide you through the entire process. But if you’re genuinely unhappy, we’ll work together to figure out what’s not working and adjust.

Q: Can I bring props?

A: For headshots, props are usually not necessary and can be distracting. However, if there’s something specific to your profession (a doctor with a stethoscope, for example), we can discuss it.

Q: What about glasses?

A: If you wear glasses professionally, wear them in your headshots! Just make sure they’re clean and non-reflective if possible. We’ll angle you to minimize glare.

Q: Can I bring someone with me?

A: Absolutely! Many clients bring a friend or partner for moral support. Just know that due to session timing, they’ll be observers rather than participants.

Ready for Your Headshot Session?

Now that you know exactly how to prepare, you’re ready to walk into your session with confidence!

Remember:

• ✓ Choose solid colours that flatter your skin tone and suit your industry
• ✓ Get your hair and makeup camera-ready (or book professional services)
• ✓ Get a good night’s sleep and hydrate
• ✓ Bring backup outfits and touch-up supplies
• ✓ Trust the process—I’ll guide you through everything!

Professional headshots are an investment in yourself and your career. When you show up prepared and confident, it shows in your photos.

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Book Your Headshot Session

Ready to get professional headshots that actually represent you?

Headshot Kickstart Marathon – February 27, 2026

What’s included:

• 15-minute professional session
• Expert guidance on posing and lighting
• 3 fully edited, high-resolution digital headshots
• This complete prep guide
• $500 credit toward a full portrait or brand session

Investment: $299
Availability: 10 spots only

BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW

Questions? Email me at kelly@kindredphotography.ca or call 778-928-0079.

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About the Author

Kelly Warkentin is an award-winning photographer serving Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Langley, and the Fraser Valley. She specializes in professional portraits, headshots, and brand photography for individuals and businesses. With over a decade of experience, Kelly has photographed hundreds of people and knows exactly how to make you look and feel your best on camera.

Connect with Kelly:

• Website: kindredphotography.ca
• Instagram: @kindredphotography
• Email: kelly@kindredphotography.ca