A professional headshot is about presenting you and making a powerful first impression. Whether it’s for a corporate profile, social media, or a personal brand. To ensure your headshot session is a success, here are some essential tips on how to prepare and what to expect.
Outfit
Your clothing should reflect the image you want to project. Stick to solid colors rather than busy patterns or logos. Neutral tones like navy, grey, white, and black are always safe bets, while jewel tones like emerald green or royal blue can add a pop of color. I do not recommend all white or black, instead it is best to layer colors like a white shirt with black blazer. Ensure your outfit fits well and is comfortable, as your confidence will shine through in your photos.
Poses and Expressions
A headshot hinges on subtle movements that showcase different facets of your personality. Whether you’re aiming for a gentle, approachable look or a bold, confident stance, it’s crucial to consider the impression you want your image to convey. Taking the time to reflect on this will help you feel more at ease and authentic in front of the camera and help guide me in choosing the right pose for you.
Capturing the Shots
We will take numerous in rapid succession for each pose/look to capture genuine moments between expressions. I will check images periodically to ensure focus, lighting, and expression are perfect. If needed, we’ll take breaks for you to change outfits and adjust hair/makeup, exploring different backgrounds or lighting setups as planned. Otherwise, after I will load the images on my laptop, quickly correct color and exposure. Then we can select images.
Image Selection
You will see all photos from the session, including blinks, misfires, or unflattering shots. But we will go through carefully to ensure we’ve nailed your key shots. The final number of images is listed in your package. If more is needed for marketing material or other, additional images can usually be purchased.
Professional Retouching
I am happy to remove temporary blemishes, stray hairs, lint, minor under-eye circles, teeth and eye brightening, and reduce shine to create a subtle smooth skin look. My philosophy is natural enhancement. I do not recommend performing drastic alterations (changing face shape, excessive wrinkles removal, unrealistic slimming) – we want you to look like the best version of yourself.
Extras
Are you considering an outfit or background change for multiple images? Some clients bring props like laptops or request photos in their office to create marketing materials, such as websites or advertisements. Please share any specific ideas or preferences you have regarding wardrobe, setting, or overall vibe. Your input is valuable and will help me tailor the session to meet your needs perfectly.
Essentials
Pack a small bag with essentials such as a hairbrush, makeup for touch-ups, and any wardrobe changes. Having these items on hand can make quick fixes easy and keep you looking your best throughout the session.
Group shots
If we’re planning to do office and group shots, please prepare a list of names for the group photos. Whether we choose an indoor or outdoor setting will depend on the group size.
Final Delivery
Retouched high-resolution digital files are delivered via download link usually within 2 business days after our session. You will receive JPEG files optimized for both web (social media, websites) and high-quality print (business cards, publications). Transparent PNG files can be shared at no additional cost, but do count as a separate image.
Usage Rights
Your package includes clear usage rights for professional purposes (like websites, LinkedIn, resumes, brochures).
