How to prepare for your headshot session
You’re a professional or small business owner who needs an updated headshot as you apply for a new job or promotion, prepare to negotiate a salary raise, or polish your professional image to reflect your top-notch services. I’m a Louisville-based headshot and lifestyle brand photographer who understands that even if you’re just having one photo taken, you may still have so many questions before your session!
Whether you need one or several images to share on your LinkedIn, social media, business cards, and website, I’m going to share how to prepare for your headshot session so you walk in feeling confident, looking your best, and end up happy with the final results.
Before your headshot session
First, let’s talk about essential details you need to figure out before you have your headshot updated.
How early should I book my headshot session?
I recommend booking your headshot photoshoot at least one month in advance. This gives you plenty of time to curate your wardrobe, schedule any personal care, and choose a location you love for your professional portraits.
What’s the vision for your headshot session?
Knowing where and how your photos will be used will help your photographer understand if these need to be closer cropped photos, or if it’s important to leave extra space for text to be added over.
Will these be used on social media, or somewhere that vertical images are preferred? Or on your website, banners, billboards where landscape or horizontal images are better?
And what’s the aesthetic you’re going for? Formal and professional, relaxed and casual…or something completely unique? See some of my favorite inspiration photos on Pinterest!
Location Options for your headshot session
Are you looking for a formal headshot with a solid backdrop, or are you a local business owner who would like a professional portrait in your office, restaurant, or storefront?
View my favorite indoor photography studios in Louisville, and the benefits of renting a studio for your session.
Outfit prep for your headshot session
The best way to feel confident walking into the studio for your headshot is to look your best! Scheduling early gives you plenty of time to plan what to wear.
If you have rented a studio, arrive early for your session so you can bring your outfit in a garment bag and get dressed when you arrive to avoid wrinkles.
Remember to bring your outfit(s) and any accessories, as well as any of the following items that are relevant to you:
- Comb, hairbrush, or pick
- A lint roller
- Tide pen
- Nail glue
- Touch up kit for makeup
- Lens cleaning cloth (if you wear glasses)
- Lotion for hands
Personal Care prior to your headshot session
Headshot photos are primarily closeups of your face and hair, and I would argue that personal care is JUST as important as the outfit you choose. Focus on personal care prior to your headshot session so you look and feel your best.
Haircuts: Book a simple trim appointment 1-2 weeks prior to your session to get rid of split ends and have a fresh look for your headshot.
Brow care: Touch up your brows no later than 4 days prior to our headshot session.
Hands: Your hands and fingernails will likely be in your photos. Even if you only have a natural nail, ensure your nails are clean, filed to your liking, and moisturized.
Sunless tan: If you have an uneven skin tone (most of us do, especially when it comes to our face and hands), consider booking a sunless tan 3-4 days before your session to give you an even glow.
Professional hair and makeup artists: My professional opinion is that if you are buying a new outfit or accessories, getting your hair and nails done, paying to book a studio and taking time out of your day to have your headshot taken – book a hair and makeup artist.
Your face is the MAIN feature of your headshot photos, let’s make sure you are serving looks!
Makeup artists are not just for women. If you struggle with acne scars, puffy under eyes, your face is a different skin tone than your neck or hands, or simply want your skin to look radiant instead of dull, hire a professional to help you get there.
If you normally don’t wear a lot of makeup, talk to your makeup artist about creating a natural look so you still feel like yourself.
Final checklist for your headshot session
The night before your photoshoot:
- Try on outfit and choose accessories
- Take care of any personal grooming
- Look up any location/parking info
- Pack extra items like steamer, lint roller, floss, etc.
The day of your headshot session:
- Hydrate
- Arrive early if you need to change into your outfit
- Talk with your photographer about any features you want to accentuate or de-accentuate
- Give feedback as needed so you love your photos!
Book a professional headshot session in Louisville, Kentucky
I’m Johanna Hribal, a Louisville-based headshot and personal brand photographer who loves helping local professionals upgrade their image. I work with everyone from corporate to creatives, and any profession in between! Let’s curate a professional image that matches YOUR brand, business, or passion.
See current pricing, past client work and testimonials on my website, or book a complimentary Brand Consult to discuss your upcoming photo needs!
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