There are so many people I have talked to over the years who hate getting their picture taken and are either using an out-dated headshot taken too many years ago or are defaulting to using a "good enough" iPhone selfie. A high-quality, professional headshot serves as your first impression in both personal and professional settings, making it essential to present yourself in the best light possible -- and a selfie or out-dated headshot just isn't going to cut it. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or expert looking to uplevel your online presence, understanding how to best prepare for your headshot photography session can make all the difference. In this blog post, we'll explore valuable tips and strategies to help you best prepare for your headshot photography session to help you look and feel confident in front of the camera.

What is Headshot Photography?

Headshot Photography is a specialized type of photography that helps members of corporations, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals create an image that presents themselves with professionalism. A great headshot photography will focus on highlighting an individual's personality, confidence, and approachability, which are all essential for making a strong first impression. High-quality headshots are crucial in today's digital world, as these images are frequently shared across websites, social media, and other marketing materials.

When Do I Need Headshot Photography?

Headshot photography can help you at pivotal moments in your career, as well as attracting and fulfilling new opportunities. Individuals seeking new job opportunities, attending networking events, or looking to update their online presence through LinkedIn or personal websites greatly benefit from updated high-quality headshots.

Beyond standard headshot photography, individuals who want to establish a personal brand to share their expertise in a larger way or promote specific offerings need personal brand photography.

Additionally, entrepreneurs and small business owners may also need more than just headshot photography to connect with their audience, promote their products and services, and help their brand stand out from their competitors. Learn more about branding photography, tips for a successful branding photoshoot, how to prepare, and 5 biggest mistakes to avoid.

How to Find Headshot Photography Near Me

Two great ways to find Headshot photography “near me” are to ask your network who they worked with for their headshot photography and to Google search "Headshot Photography Near Me" or "Headshot Photography Near Me [City, State]."

For the best tips about how to find "Headshot Photography Near Me" to fit you and your style, check out my other blog post: The Ultimate Guide to Professional Headshots: How to Find Headshots Near Me.

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Photography Session

Once your headshot photography session is booked, how can you best prepare for your headshot photography session? Let’s dive in!

The Week Before Your Headshot Photography Session

Prep Your Wardrobe

When planning your headshot photography session, consider the length of your session and the number of outfit changes allowed. Choose 1-2 outfits, including accessories, jewelry, and shoes, that match the style of headshot you need to capture. A week before your session, make sure that everything is clean, pressed, or steamed, and neatly packed in a garment bag. This preparation allows time for any last-minute trips to the dry cleaners or steaming sessions, to ensure your wardrobe is ready which will help boost your confidence during the shoot.

Additionally, it's helpful to pack an extra outfit or accessory, such as a jacket or blazer, just in cast. Accessories like scarves, shawls, watches, or blazers can easily alter your look, offering versatility without a complete outfit change. Plus, just in cast you have a coffee spill or realize there's a hole in your blouse on the way to the shoot, you'll appreciate the peace of mind being extra prepared.

Tanning

Personally, I don’t recommend getting a tan or tanning lotion before your headshot photography session. (I have seen these go bad...) High-quality, professional spray tans can turn out better, but unless you’ve done it before, ideally with the same technician, I don’t recommend trying it out for the first time right before your shoot. There’s only so much editing any photographer can do. Also, try to stay out of direct sunlight and don’t forget your sunscreen to avoid pesky tan lines.

Confirm Your Hair & Makeup Appointment

If you scheduled an appointment to get your hair and/or makeup professionally done before your headshot photography session, it’s a great practice to double check your appointment information. Call or email to confirm your appointment, time, and location. Usually when you book your appointment for first thing in the morning it can help it run on-time since you’ll probably be the first appointment, but just to be sure, tell them what you’re getting your hair and makeup done for – you scheduled your appointment to be done for your brand photography session that starts at XX:XX time. This way they are aware that you need to be on-time.

Bonus Tip: It’s a good idea to leave an hour in-between (plus travel time) when your hair and makeup appointment should finish and when your headshot photography session starts, that way it gives you time in case it takes longer, you can eat something and drink water before, and you have ample time to get to your session.

Confirm with Your Headshot Photographer

Your photographer should confirm with you leading up to the headshot photography session date. Make sure you confirm for yourself the date, time, and location with your photographer so you are ready to go.

The Day Before Your Headshot Photography Session

Drink Lots of Water

Drink lots of water the day before your headshot photography session. This will help keep you healthy for the photoshoot day, while also helping give you glowing skin and keep bloating down to look and feel the best for your photos. Don't forget to pack a water bottle so you can stay hydrated during your shoot too.

Avoid Alcohol

Drinking alcohol the day/night before can cause you to swell, bloat, dull your skin, and not to mention have you not feel so great for your headshot photography session. Try to avoid alcohol and junk food so that you can look and feel your best for your shoot.

Pack Up Your Car

To avoid rushing around in the morning and possibly forgetting something, pack up your car with everything you need for your headshot photography session the night before. Pack your outfits and accessories in your garment bag. Plus, toss in a few extra just-in-case or emergency items – extra hairspray, lipstick/chapstick, makeup for touch ups, safety pins, etc. Travel sized toiletries can be great. Don’t forget your water bottle and a snack or two too!

Get Good Sleep

Ideally, plan to go to bed a little bit early. You don’t want to wake up tired or look unrested. Aim to get a good night’s sleep and wake up early so you have plenty of time and don’t feel rushed.

The Morning Of Your Headshot Photography Session

Be Early

Wake up early to give yourself extra time and not feel rushed or stressed. Then, get to your hair and makeup appointment and your headshot photography session early as well. The better you can feel when you do your headshot photography session, the better your photos will turn out and the happier you will be with them.

Hair & Makeup

You should receive instructions for how to show up to your appointment. Usually, you should plan to arrive with clean and dry hair and a clean face with no makeup. It’s also a good idea to bring with you inspiration pictures of what you want your hairstyle and makeup to look like.

Bonus Tip: You actually want your makeup to be a bit heavier than you think you need it – especially if you are going for a more natural look. You lose makeup in the camera, so having more makeup on than you think will actually help it show better in your photos – trust me.

Relax & Enjoy

At this point, you’ve discussed everything with your photographer and planned your details for your headshot photography session. Now, relax and have fun during your shoot! Trust your photographer to do what they do best. But most of all, enjoy the process and have fun!

Ready to Book Your Headshot Photography Session?

If you’re ready to book a headshot photography session, and near Denver, Colorado, let’s chat!

I have a professional Hair & Makeup Artist and location recommendations to design your Headshot Photography Session. In addition, before your session, I send you a questionnaire to design your session and we book a Zoom consultation call to discuss wardrobe and prop options, details for your shoot, and answer any questions you have.

Closing Notes

Preparing for your headshot photography session can significantly improve your experience as well as the quality of your final images. The whole goal is to result in photos of yourself you'll actually love! With the right preparation and a skilled photographer by your side, you’ll walk away with quality, professional headshots that truly represent you.

Underexposed® is proud to be an LGBTQ Ally and Foster Friendly Business, so all identities, cultures, abilities & genders are welcome and supported.

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