How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Headshot Session
If you’ve booked a headshot session—congrats! No really, investing in professional photos is one of the best things you can do for your personal or business brand. An updated headshot speaks a 1000 words about you without you saying a word. But how do you make sure you show up confident, polished, and ready to shine?
Whether you’re a founder, creative, or small business owner, here’s how to prepare so your headshot session feels effortless, empowering, and totally on-brand.
Classic fabric with gold accents
Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Your clothing should represent your personal brand and make you feel confident.
Stick with solid colors or traditional prints such as plaids, houndstooth or herringbone. Avoid busy prints such as large florals. Neutrals, jewel tones, and earth tones photograph beautifully.
Avoid logos or text (unless it’s part of your brand aesthetic).
Bring options! If you’re unsure what works best, bring two or three tops or jackets—your photographer can help you decide.
Think about layers and texture. A structured jacket, flowy dress, or statement jewelry can add dimension and personality.
Try everything on beforehand. Move around in it. Sit, stand, breathe—make sure you feel good in every outfit.
Considering renting instead of buying new clothes- there are several online clothing rental places such as Nuuly, Armoire and Stitchfix. You can rent for a month and get fabulous, unique pieces that you can wear once and return.
💡 Pro tip: Steam or iron your clothes the night before and hang them up so they’re photo-ready.
Keep it classic so that the focus is on you!
Treat Hair + Makeup as Self-Care
Think of this as your pre-shoot treatment: a little pampering before stepping into your CEO energy. If you can, book hair and makeup with a professional who understands photography lighting. (Many photographers can recommend trusted hair and makeup artists!)
Professional hair and makeup isn’t about changing how you look—it’s about feeling your best on camera.
Go for a polished version of your everyday style.
Focus on natural skin tones, soft eyes, and details that highlight your features.
Bring touch-up products (lip color, powder, or a brush) for mid-session refreshes.
Don’t forget about eyebrows and lashes
And of course your nails—small details matter!
Pro hair & makeup really makes a difference to your confidence and your photos!
Rest and Hydrate
It sounds simple, but it makes a real difference.
Get a full night’s sleep before your session.
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to it to keep your skin glowing.
Avoid excessive salt or alcohol the night before—both can cause puffiness.
Exfoliate and hydrate your skin starting a week before your session
Avoid trying any new skincare or hair products right before your shoot—stick to what you know and trust.
Communicate with Your Photographer
A great headshot session is a collaboration.
Share your goals: Are these photos for LinkedIn, your website, social media or a speaking engagement? Tell your photographer what your purpose is.
Talk about your brand personality: professional, creative, modern, relaxed—this helps guide posing, lighting, location and backdrop choices. Don’t be shy about asking your photographer questions
Pin inspo photo to a Pinterest board- Don’t be afraid to bring reference photos of headshots you love and show them to your photographer.
When you feel relaxed and prepared, your personality will shine through!
Day-of Mindset
The best headshots come from people who feel like themselves.
Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and breathe.
Trust your photographer—they’ll guide your poses, angles, and expressions.
Have fun with it! When you relax, your confidence naturally shines through.
Before the shoot, take a few deep breaths. Picture the version of yourself who’s already achieved the next big milestone in your business—and step into her energy.
Final Thoughts
Your headshot isn’t just a picture—it’s your first impression, your digital handshake, your visual voice.
When you prepare intentionally and allow yourself to show up fully, you’ll walk away with images that look like you and feel like you.
You’ve built an incredible business. Let’s make sure your photos tell that story beautifully.
