HOW TO PREPARE FOR PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS
How to Prepare for Professional Headshots
A professional headshot is more than just a photograph — it is often one of the first impressions you make with potential clients, employers, colleagues, and business connections. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company website, building your personal brand, or preparing for a new career opportunity, a professional headshot should reflect both your personality and your professionalism.
A little preparation can make a significant difference in how confident you feel in front of the camera and in the final images.
Choose Clothing That Represents You
When selecting an outfit for your headshot session, choose clothing that feels polished, comfortable, and appropriate for your profession.
Solid colors typically photograph beautifully and help keep the focus on your face. Neutral tones such as black, navy, cream, gray, and soft earth tones are timeless choices, while richer colors can add personality without becoming distracting.
Try to avoid very busy patterns, large logos, or clothing with wording that may draw attention away from you.
Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident. If you feel good in what you are wearing, that confidence will naturally come through in your photographs.
Consider Your Industry and Personal Brand
Your headshot should feel appropriate for the image you want to present professionally.
Someone working in a traditional corporate environment may prefer a suit jacket, blazer, or classic business attire, while a small business owner, real estate professional, creative, or entrepreneur may want something slightly more relaxed and approachable.
Think about how you want clients or colleagues to perceive you. Professional? Friendly? Creative? Confident? Approachable?
Your wardrobe, location, background, and overall style can all work together to communicate that message.
Keep Hair and Makeup Natural
Professional headshots should still look like you.
If you wear makeup, I recommend keeping it polished but natural. Avoid experimenting with a completely new hairstyle or makeup look immediately before your session.
For hair, choose a style you are comfortable wearing and that feels representative of how you normally present yourself professionally.
Men may also want to schedule a haircut several days before the session rather than the same day, allowing the cut to settle naturally.
Pay Attention to the Details
Small details can make a noticeable difference in your finished photographs.
Before your session, take a moment to check:
- Clothing for wrinkles, lint, or pet hair
- Glasses for fingerprints
- Jewelry and accessories
- Hair and flyaways
- Makeup and lipstick
- Collars, jackets, and necklines
Bringing a lint roller, hairbrush, makeup for touch-ups, and an additional clothing option can also be helpful.
Get Plenty of Rest and Stay Hydrated
Whenever possible, try to get a good night’s sleep before your headshot session and drink plenty of water.
You do not need to dramatically change your routine, but arriving rested and refreshed can help you feel more comfortable and confident during your session.
Don’t Worry About Knowing How to Pose
One of the biggest concerns people have before professional headshots is, “I don’t know what to do in front of the camera.”
That is completely normal — and you do not need to.
Part of my job as your photographer is guiding you through flattering poses, expressions, angles, and positioning throughout your session. Small adjustments to your shoulders, chin, posture, and expression can make an incredible difference.
The goal is to create images that feel natural, polished, confident, and authentically you.
Think Beyond One Traditional Headshot
Depending on how you plan to use your images, consider creating a variety of photographs during your session.
In addition to a traditional head-and-shoulders portrait, you may want:
- Vertical and horizontal images
- Smiling and more serious expressions
- Seated and standing portraits
- Full or three-quarter-length images
- Images with negative space for website or marketing text
- More relaxed branding photographs
Having a variety of images gives you more flexibility for your website, LinkedIn profile, social media accounts, marketing materials, company publications, and other professional uses.
Professional Headshots in Centerville, Springboro & Dayton, Ohio
Natalie Schindler Photography provides professional headshot and branding photography for individuals, business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and corporate teams throughout Centerville, Springboro, Dayton, Kettering, Beavercreek, Miamisburg, Oakwood, Lebanon, Waynesville, Mason, West Chester, and surrounding Southwest Ohio communities.
Whether you are searching for a Dayton, Ohio headshot photographer, need updated professional headshots in Centerville, or are looking for branding photography in Springboro, each session is customized to create polished, natural images that reflect both you and your professional brand.
Sessions can be tailored for individuals as well as entire teams, making professional photography a great option for company websites, LinkedIn profiles, marketing materials, social media, and other business needs.
Ready to Update Your Professional Image?
A great professional headshot should feel polished without feeling overly posed. My goal is to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable while creating photographs that help you feel confident in how you present yourself professionally.
If you are ready to update your headshot or are interested in professional photography for your team, I would love the opportunity to work with you.
Contact Natalie Schindler Photography to begin planning your professional headshot or branding session.
