This guide will help you prepare for your session and get photos you'll love to share.
Your Complete Headshot Preparation Guide
Everything you need to know to look your absolute best in your professional photos
Short on time? Here's what you absolutely need to know:
- Clothing: Wear solid colours (navy, burgundy, forest green or charcoal work best) and well-fitted clothing appropriate for your industry
- Grooming: Look like your everyday best self — no need for extreme changes
- Preparation: Bring multiple outfit options and get a good night's sleep before
- Session Experience: You'll see photos in real-time and select favourites before you leave
- Relax: Remember my "Until You Love It" guarantee — we'll keep working until you're happy
Remember: Your photos should look like you on your best day — recognisably you, just with that natural confidence that makes you who you are professionally.
What to Wear: Simple Guidelines
Best Choices
- Solid colours that complement your skin tone Navy, burgundy, forest green, charcoal, medium blue, sage green
- Well-fitted blazers and collared shirts These create defined shoulders and a polished silhouette
- Layered looks A blazer over a shirt adds dimension and authority
- Clothing appropriate for your industry Dress as you would for an important client meeting
What to Avoid
- Busy patterns and large logos These distract attention from your face
- Neon colours and extremely bright shades These reflect onto your skin and distort your natural tone
- Pure white or stark black These can create harsh contrast in photos
- Colours that closely match your skin tone These can make you appear washed out
Pro Tip: Bring 2-3 different tops or outfit combinations so we have options to choose from on the day. We can review them together before we start shooting. For more ideas on what works best, check out my guide to choosing the right outfit for your headshot.
Outfit Suggestions by Industry
Corporate/Finance
Business suits in navy, charcoal or medium grey with solid colour shirts/blouses. Conservative ties for men, simple accessories for women. Blazers add structure and authority.
Creative Industries
More colour flexibility but still avoid busy patterns. Consider texture instead (textured blazer with solid shirt). Meaningful accessories that reflect your personality are fine.
Consultants/Coaches
Approachable yet professional with smart-casual tops in warm, inviting colours. Blazers optional but add credibility. Consider your client base when choosing formality level.
Looking Your Best on Photo Day
Before Your Session Checklist
- 2-3 days before Drink plenty of water to ensure clear skin and get any needed haircuts (avoid same-day cuts)
- The night before Get a good night's sleep to ensure a fresh, alert appearance
- Morning of your session For men's facial hair, trim the morning of your session. Clean glasses thoroughly and bring all pairs you wear regularly.
- Make-up & hair Apply make-up as you would for an important work meeting. Matte products work better than shimmer or gloss. Have your make-up with you for touch-ups.
What NOT to worry about
- Professional styling Unless you prefer it for your own comfort
- Teeth whitening treatments Standard retouching handles minor discolouration
- Covering every minor blemish Basic retouching is included to ensure you look your best
- Being "photogenic" My coaching will help you look natural and confident, regardless of how you feel about having your photo taken
The Session Experience: What to Expect
Many clients tell me they're camera-shy before I arrive, but I leave them feeling surprisingly confident. Here's exactly what will happen. If you're feeling nervous about being in front of the camera, you might find my tips for camera-shy professionals helpful.
Before the Camera
Relaxed conversationWe'll chat first without any photography to help you feel comfortable
Outfit reviewWe'll look at the options you've prepared and choose the best one to start with
During Your Session
Gentle coachingClear guidance on posture, expression and angles to help you look your best
Instant feedbackSee your photos as we take them, building confidence as we go
After We Shoot
Immediate selectionChoose your favourite images before you leave — no waiting or wondering
Final deliveryReceive your fully retouched images within 2 working days
Remember: My "Until You Love It" guarantee means we'll keep working together until you have photos you're excited to share.
Common Questions
Camera shyness is my speciality! We'll start with conversation to help you relax, and I'll provide clear guidance throughout. Seeing your photos as we go builds confidence, and most clients are surprised by how much they enjoy the experience.
Yes, please come with your hair and makeup (if worn) done as you would for an important work meeting. This ensures your photos look like you on your best day. If you'd like to book professional hair and makeup services, I can recommend trusted local professionals.
Have 2-3 different outfits ready that make you feel confident. This gives us options while keeping the session focused. Remember that layering pieces like blazers or cardigans can create multiple looks from a single base outfit.
I provide natural retouching that preserves your appearance while addressing temporary blemishes, under-eye circles, and mild teeth whitening. We avoid excessive skin smoothing or feature alterations that would make you unrecognisable. The goal is you at your very best — not someone else.
This rarely happens because you'll see the photos as we take them, allowing us to adjust and improve throughout the session. However, my "Until You Love It" guarantee means exactly that — we'll keep working together until you have photos you're happy with, even if that means scheduling another session at no additional cost.
A small office or meeting room is perfect. The most important thing is somewhere quiet where we won't be interrupted, with enough room for lighting equipment.
You'll receive your professionally enhanced images within 2 working days through a secure online gallery. Your final images will be delivered in multiple formats, perfectly sized for every platform you might need.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions about your upcoming session, just drop me a line.
I'm looking forward to creating headshots you'll love to share!