Get Prepared for Your First Professional Headshot Session

What to wear for professonal headshots

Congratulations on taking the first step toward building your professional image! Whether you’re just entering the workforce or gearing up for a career change, a professional headshot is a fantastic way to present yourself to the world. Think of it as your visual elevator pitch—it should reflect not only who you are now but also the professional you aspire to be. Let’s go over how to get prepared for your headshot.

If you haven’t done this before, it can be confusing to figure out what to wear, and how to present yourself. If you’re just starting out in the workforce you may not have ever considered how to present yourself professionally! Business casual, business formal, what are the rules? If you’re not sure about what to wear for a headshot, don’t worry, I am here to help.

Prepare for Your First Headshot Session:

Dress for the Job You Want

Your go-to favorite t-shirt and jeans were perfect for college life, but it’s time to step up your game. Your outfit should align with the industry you’re entering.

  • Corporate Jobs: Aim for business attire. A well-fitted suit jacket and/or a professional shirt or blouse can make all the difference. Stick to solid colors like navy, black, gray or white. Is it boring? Yeah, maybe. But you want it to be boring! When people look at your headshot on a business site, you don’t want the pattern of your shirt to be the thing they remember. Men, you don’t have to wear a tie, but maybe bring one along and we can shoot some images with and some without.
  • Creative Fields: You have a bit more freedom to show your personality. Stylish tops, casual blazers, or unique but professional pieces are great. Just avoid anything too loud or casual.
  • Tech and Engineering: While these fields can be more casual when you’re in the field, opt for a neat, clean look for your headshot. A crisp button-down shirt or a smart top or blouse can elevate your appearance and give a more professional impression.

Here we have an actor, an engineer, and a corporate professional. They’re all dressed appropriately for their roles.

Express Yourself, But Professionally

It’s important for your personality to shine through, but remember, this photo is for professional use. For first-time headshot subjects, there’s often some confusion between “looking my best” and looking physically attractive. After all, in most other photos taken of you , you want to look hot, right? With headshots, it’s not about looking hot, it’s about looking hirable. Nothing sexy, nothing sheer, nothing skin tight. Long sleeves photograph better for most people. (Headshots shouldn’t feature a lot of bare skin.) Also, you don’t need to wear heels. Headshots shouldn’t feature your feet, either. Might as well be comfortable!

For women in particular, a headshot is an opportunity to look professional, knowledgeable, and confident. It’s a chance for you to set the tone for your career. Outfits that are low cut, sheer, or cutesy (basically anything that brings focus to your body rather than you as a person) aren’t optimal. They chip away at your power, and ultimately they won’t get you the type of career attention you’re looking for. If you want to wear something sleeveless you can, but bring a blazer too. We will shoot it both ways and then you’ll have options. (You want sexy shots? Come in for a portrait session and I will hook you up. There’s a place for that, just not in a professional headshot.)

This client works in tech, so has a bit more freedom to express herself. Of course we made sure to capture some traditonal headshots as well.

Grooming and Accessories

Your headshot should focus on your face, so let’s make sure it’s framed just right.

  • Hair: Keep it neat and professional. If you’re considering a new hairstyle, try to get it done about a week before the shoot to avoid that fresh-cut look. (or some kind of disaster!)
  • Makeup: Less is more. Aim for a natural look that enhances your features without overpowering them.
  • Jewelry: Simple and minimal is best. Think classic pieces that won’t distract from your face. Avoid anything too flashy or large.
  • Facial Hair and Eyebrows: Have a good look at these a few days before the shoot. Edit appropriately.

Minimal accessories and well-groomed facial hair keep the focus on you.

Outfit Check

wrinkled white business shirt, close up
This is the most wrinkled shirt someone ever wore to a headshot session. I can retouch this, but wow does that cost extra.

The week before the session, try everything on. Does it fit? Does the color suit you? Are there missing buttons or broken zippers? Don’t let this be a surprise the day of your session. If you’re unsure about how things look, recruit a friend or family member (a nice, supportive one!) to give feedback. Once your clothing is chosen, lay it out the night before. Make sure everything is clean, lint-free, pressed, and ready to go.

Also, is your favorite shirt worn out? Is it covered in little bobbles? Did you let the cat sleep on it yesterday? A fabric shaver or an iron might be your new best friend, and have your outfit looking a lot more professional. It’s really easy to overlook things like this, so check everything with fresh eyes.

At the Session:

  • Communicate with Me: Have a good side or a bad side you’re self-conscious about? Hate your teeth? Have a breakout? Let me know! I’m here to make you look your best, and we can review the images together to make sure we’re not capturing a part of you that you don’t want to feature.
  • Relax and Have Fun: The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will turn out. I know it’s hard to relax in a strange environment with lights and cameras pointing at you, but together we can make it happen. I have been doing this a long time, and I have a lot of tips and tricks up my sleeve. Even though headshots are important, they’re not world-endingly serious. It will be a good time.

 

professional headshot of woman on white background

Your headshot is more than just a photo—it’s a professional tool that can open doors and make connections. By following these tips to get prepared for your headshot, you’ll ensure that your final images reflect the amazing new professional you are.

Here’s a link to some of my work, and the headshot packages I offer.

If you’re ready to boost your career potential and make sure you’re taken seriously in the job market, book your session today! Let’s make your first impression a lasting one.

Still have questions about how to prepare for a professional headshot session? Drop them in the comments below and I will do my best to help!

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