4 Tips to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot

Having your headshot taken by a professional photographer is a wonderful way to boost your public persona! If you’re new to professional photography, here are some tips to help your photographer capture your best self.

Express Yourself with Color, Not Patterns

After your facial expression, your clothing is the second-biggest way to express yourself in your headshot. Since your face is the main event, you want your clothing to be complementary—but not distracting. Bold, solid colors are usually the best choice. A headshot is often taken on a neutral backdrop, so neutral clothing like black, white or gray tends to blend in and not help your photo “pop”.

If solids feel too plain for your style, add some interesting accessories like jewelry. If jewelry isn’t your thing, layering clothing with complementary colors works well, too. The main idea is to avoid distracting patterns—especially tight patterns like herringbone or tweed—which can confuse the camera and create unwanted effects.

Bring Your Best Self

Your headshot is often how the world will first see you—on your website, business card, or social media profiles. Come to the studio looking your best! Make sure your hair is in place, your skin is clean, any facial hair is trimmed and groomed to your preference, and, if applicable, your makeup is ready to go.

You’ll likely have a chance to check your appearance at the studio before the shoot, so it’s a good idea to bring a comb and anything else you need for final touch-ups.

Get Some Rest

A fresh headshot needs a fresh subject! Try to get a good night’s sleep before your appointment so you don’t appear overly tired. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session—hydration helps your skin look healthy and refreshed.

Attitude is Everything

Your photo session is what you make of it! A camera doesn’t just capture your appearance—it captures your energy, too. Showing up relaxed and open helps your expressions look natural and authentic.

You don’t need to know how to pose—that’s your photographer’s job. Focus on staying loose, taking a deep breath, and letting yourself settle into the moment. Laugh, think of something you’re proud of, or just feel comfortable in your own skin.

A little communication goes a long way. Let your photographer know your preferred angles or any concerns. Bring a positive attitude, and you make it easy for them to capture the real you—confident, approachable, and ready to shine.

I hope these tips will help you feel prepared and comfortable for your headshot session. If this article raised any questions in your mind about how to best prepare for your headshot, please feel free to reach out to me directly at joe@oberstermedia.com or on the Contact page of oberstermedia.com.