Professional Headshot Styling Tips

Look Your Best for Your Business Headshot Session

Professional Headshot Styling Tips

Look Your Best for Your Business Headshot Session

A great headshot starts with great preparation. Follow these expert tips to ensure you look polished, professional, and confident in your photos.

Wardrobe Guidelines

Fit & Style

Perfect Fit: Choose clothing that fits well - not too tight or too loose. Too-tight clothing will pull at the buttons and cause unwanted gaps and wrinkles. Clothing that is too loose will make you look larger than you are. Clothes should be pressed and wrinkle-free.

Necklines: V-neck, crew neck, or collared shirts work beautifully. A crisp collar adds polish and professionalism. Turtlenecks are also excellent choices - they can look chic when paired with the right outfit and cover a multitude of cosmetic issues at the same time.

Jackets & Blazers: Well-fitted blazers or sport coats photograph exceptionally well. Ensure proper shoulder fit - avoid padded shoulders as they add bulk to your frame. Blazers can make a button-up shirt look polished and put together. They also look stylish over a t-shirt (even over a graphic tee depending on your vibe).

Ties (if worn): Choose current styles with classic knots. If your tie is over 5 years old, it might be outdated - bring a selection of ties to choose from. Bow-ties are a fun look as well. Balance patterns - pair solid shirts with patterned ties or vice versa.

Colors & Options

Neutrals First: Neutrals are always solid choices as they keep the focus on you rather than your clothing. Navy, charcoal, black, and white photograph beautifully.

Your Personal Style: Always bring a handful of options and variety. If you only ever wear bright colors, then by all means bring them along. If you live life in a Hawaiian shirt, please bring it - your wardrobe needs to reflect your daily style.

Complement Your Eyes: Colors that complement your eyes are always a win. This creates a natural connection and draws attention to your face.

Color & Skin Tone: Red tends to bring out reds in the skin. If you have excessive redness, colors like green and anything neutral can counterbalance that for you.

Patterns: Patterns can be distracting, but they don't have to be. If you always wear busy patterns, a simple thing like putting a jacket on over top or a v-neck sweater can cut down on the distraction while keeping your style alive.

Avoid: Neon colors and large logos that distract from your professional image.

Your Style, Perfected

Professional Headshots That Capture Your Best Self

Combining expert styling guidance with professional photography to create headshots that open doors and make lasting impressions.

Personal Grooming

Face & Makeup

•Minimal, light makeup that enhances natural features
•Well-moisturized skin (avoid SPF moisturizer)
•Natural eyebrow styling
•Foundation matching your skin tone
•Lip color that complements your complexion or outfit
•Eyeliner can make your eyes look smaller, especially if you use it to ring your entire eye - a nice soft smudge on the outer portion of your eye rather than the entire eye goes a long way
•Once you schedule your session, be mindful of lip care to avoid chapped lips - lip masks and nightly balm will go a long way in keeping your lips hydrated in the weeks leading up to your photo shoot
•Bring makeup along for touchups during the session

Hair Care

•Clean, well-groomed hair styled as you normally wear it
•Get haircuts 1-2 weeks before session
•Eyebrows should be properly groomed - trimmed and shaped
•Facial hair should be properly groomed - freshly shaved or well-maintained
•You're welcome to shave between looks in the studio if you'd like multiple options during your session
•Check and trim nose hairs - they show up clearly in photos
•Manage stray hairs and flyaways
•Bring a hair brush and hair ties - I have hairspray, bobby pins, and a straightener in the studio
•If you require a specialty hair product, please bring that along

Accessories

•If we are doing portraits or photos that show more of you than a standard headshot, accessories work well
•Feel free to bring options and we can decide together what looks best for the setup
•Minimal, classic jewelry for standard headshots
•Bring multiple glasses options if you wear them
•Anti-glare lenses preferred
•Small earrings work better than large statement pieces

Day-of Session Tips

Bring Touch-Up Items

I have lint rollers and hairspray in the studio. Bring a hair brush, makeup for touch-ups, and any brand-specific or specialty items you prefer to use.

Eye Drops (Optional)

If you're interested in reducing red eyes, I recommend Lumify eye drops - they work instantly and can be used 1 minute before your session to reduce redness and brighten your eyes. Always check with your healthcare provider first.

Arrive on Time

Please arrive at your scheduled session time. This allows you to settle in, use the restroom, and do final touch-ups before we begin.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session for healthy, glowing skin.

Protect Your Skin

Skip tanning beds and limit sun exposure for 2 weeks before your session to avoid tan lines or sunburn. If on vacation or in the summer, wear sunscreen - sunburns will show up in your photos and red skin is not easy to tone down in the editing process.

Get Rest

A good night's sleep makes a huge difference! Well-rested eyes look brighter and more alert.

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you know how to prepare, let's create professional headshots that showcase your best self.

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