A good headshot can do a lot of work for you before you say a word. Whether it is for LinkedIn, your company website, acting work or a personal brand, people make quick judgements from a photo. That is exactly why knowing how to prepare for headshots matters. The right preparation helps you look like yourself on a very good day – confident, approachable and professional.
The reassuring part is that you do not need to overcomplicate it. Most people are not naturally comfortable in front of a camera, and that is completely normal. A strong headshot usually comes from a few sensible choices made in advance, not from being naturally photogenic.
How to prepare for headshots without overthinking it
The best approach is to think about the purpose of the image first. A corporate headshot for a finance team will usually need a different feel from an actor’s headshot or a portrait for a business owner who wants to appear warm and creative. Before the session, ask yourself where the photo will be used, who will see it and what impression you want to give.
If the image is for work, keep your industry in mind. A solicitor, estate agent and theatre performer can all look polished, but the styling and expression may differ. This is one of those areas where it depends. Looking too formal can feel stiff for some professions, but looking too casual can undermine confidence in others.
Once you are clear on the purpose, the rest becomes easier. Clothing, hair, make-up and even your expression all need to support the same message.
Choose clothes that look smart, not distracting
What you wear has a bigger effect than most people expect. In headshots, simple nearly always works better than busy. Strong patterns, loud logos and overly trendy pieces can date the image or pull attention away from your face.
Block colours tend to photograph well, especially blues, greens, burgundy, grey and neutral tones. Very bright whites can sometimes be harsh under lighting, while very dark black can lose detail depending on the background and style of the shoot. That does not mean you must avoid them completely, only that balance matters.
Fit is just as important as colour. Clothes that are too tight can feel uncomfortable and show in your posture. Clothes that are too loose can look untidy on camera. Aim for something that feels like a smart version of what you would normally wear when you want to make a good impression.
If in doubt, bring options. Two or three tops or jackets can make a real difference and give your photographer flexibility. A small change of outfit can shift a photo from formal to approachable without needing a full restart.
Necklines, layers and accessories
Necklines frame the face, so choose one that flatters you and feels natural. Collared shirts, simple crew necks, soft v-necks and structured blouses often work well. Layers such as a blazer, cardigan or jacket can add shape and polish.
Keep accessories fairly minimal unless they are part of your recognisable look. Large statement jewellery can dominate the frame. Small earrings, a watch or one simple necklace is usually enough. Glasses are fine if you wear them regularly, but make sure they are clean and be aware that some lenses can create reflections.
Hair, make-up and grooming should still look like you
A common mistake is making dramatic changes just before a headshot session. If you are thinking about a new haircut, different hair colour or a stronger make-up look than usual, do it well in advance or save it for another time. Headshots are usually at their best when they feel like an authentic, polished version of you.
Hair should be neat and styled in a way you would realistically wear it. If you constantly brush fringe away from your eyes during the session, that style may not be the most practical choice. For make-up, aim for clean and even rather than heavy. Camera-ready does not have to mean obvious.
For men, a fresh shave or neatly trimmed facial hair makes a difference. For anyone with dry skin, a bit of moisturiser in the days before the shoot can help. It is also worth getting a decent night’s sleep and drinking enough water. These are simple things, but they show in the face.
Avoid last-minute appointments
If you book a haircut, eyebrow treatment, facial or spray tan, avoid doing it at the last minute unless you know exactly how your skin reacts. Redness, irritation or an overly fresh cut can be difficult to hide. A few days of breathing room is usually the safer option.
Rest, timing and practical details matter more than people think
A headshot session is not just about appearance. It is also about energy. If you arrive rushed, flustered and apologising because traffic was bad, it takes longer to settle into the shoot.
Try to avoid booking your session straight after something stressful if you can help it. Give yourself time to arrive, have a quick check in the mirror and get comfortable. If you are travelling from Newport, Cardiff, Bristol or further afield, allow more time than you think you need. A calm start usually leads to stronger expressions and a better experience overall.
Eat something light beforehand, bring water and keep your phone on silent. These small details help you stay focused. If you are prone to shine, a little powder or blotting paper can be useful, but there is no need to turn up with a full kit bag unless your shoot requires multiple looks.
Practise expression, but do not rehearse a fake smile
One of the biggest worries people have is not knowing what to do with their face. The answer is simpler than it sounds. You do not need to memorise poses or force a big grin for every frame. What works best is a relaxed expression with some life in the eyes.
It can help to spend a minute in front of a mirror beforehand to see what your natural smile looks like. Notice the difference between a polite smile and a genuine one. Most people can feel when they are overdoing it, even if they cannot explain why.
Your photographer should guide you on posture and angles, so do not put pressure on yourself to arrive camera-trained. What matters more is being open to direction. A slight turn of the shoulders, a small lift through the spine and a relaxed jaw can change the image completely.
If you hate being photographed
You are not alone. Plenty of people book headshots because they need them, not because they enjoy the process. The good news is that experience counts here. A calm photographer who gives clear direction can take a lot of the awkwardness away.
It also helps to remember that a headshot session is not about catching you out. It is about working with lighting, angle and expression to produce a strong professional image. You do not need to perform. You just need to show up prepared and give yourself a few minutes to settle.
What to bring to the session
You do not need much, but a few items can be helpful. Bring your chosen outfit and one or two backups. If you wear glasses, bring a clean cloth. A hairbrush, a little powder, lip balm and water are sensible to have with you.
If your photos are for a specific employer or brand, it can also help to know their preferred style. Some businesses want a clean corporate look with consistent framing across the team. Others prefer something more relaxed and modern. Mentioning this in advance can save guesswork on the day.
How to prepare for headshots for business use
If your headshot is for business, think beyond looking smart. Consider whether your image matches the way you want clients or colleagues to perceive you. Warm and approachable may suit customer-facing roles. More direct and polished may work better for leadership profiles. Neither is automatically right or wrong.
This is also where consistency matters. If your website, social media and printed materials all show different versions of you from different years, it can look disjointed. A current headshot gives people confidence that your business is active, professional and paying attention to detail.
At Premiere Photography, we often find that clients worry most before the session and relax once it starts. That is usually the difference between expecting perfection and simply aiming for a strong, honest image that represents you properly.
The best headshots do not happen because someone turned up looking like a model. They happen because the person in front of the camera looked prepared, comfortable and clear about what the image needed to do for them. If you can manage that, you are already most of the way there.
