Your headshot is booked

Your Complete Headshot
Preparation Guide

Everything you need to know to look your absolute best. Read this before your session and arrive confident.

Three professional headshots: man in blue blazer, woman in sage blouse, man in dark suit

Quick-start essentials

Short on time?
Here's what matters most.

Clothing Wear solid colours. Navy, burgundy, forest green, or charcoal work best. Well-fitted clothing appropriate for your industry. Have 2–3 options on the day.
Grooming Look like your everyday best self. No extreme changes needed. Trim facial hair the morning of; do hair and makeup as you would for an important client meeting.
The night before Get a good night's sleep, drink plenty of water, and avoid lots of alcohol. You'll photograph noticeably better for it.
On the day You'll see photos in real time as we shoot and choose your favourites before you leave. Retouched images land in your inbox within two working days.
The guarantee My "Until You Love It" guarantee means we keep working until you're genuinely happy. You will not leave with photos you don't want to use.

The goal: Photos that look like you on your best day. Recognisably you, just with that natural confidence that makes you who you are professionally.

Clothing

What to wear

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.

Industry-appropriate clothing

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 very bright shades

These reflect onto your skin and distort your natural tone.

Pure white or stark black

Both can create harsh contrast in photos.

Colours that match your skin tone

These can make you appear washed out.

Pro tip: Have 2–3 different tops or outfit combinations so we have options. We'll look at them together before we start shooting. For more ideas, read my guide to choosing the right outfit for your headshot.

Outfit suggestions by industry

01

Corporate & Finance

Business suits in navy, charcoal, or medium grey with solid colour shirts or blouses. Conservative ties for men, simple accessories for women. Blazers add structure and authority.

02

Creative Industries

More colour flexibility, but still avoid busy patterns. Consider texture instead, a textured blazer over a solid shirt. Meaningful accessories that reflect your personality are fine.

03

Consultants & Coaches

Approachable yet professional. Smart-casual tops in warm, inviting colours. Blazers optional but they add credibility. Consider your client base when choosing the formality level.

Professional headshot of a woman in a mauve sweater, natural smile against dark background

Preparation

Looking your best on photo day

Before your session

2–3 days before Drink plenty of water for clear skin. Book any haircuts now. Avoid cutting your hair the same day.
The night before Get a good night's sleep. Fresh, alert eyes are the difference between a good photo and a great one.
Morning of Men: trim facial hair now rather than the day before. Clean glasses thoroughly and bring every pair you wear regularly.
Hair & makeup Apply makeup as you would for an important meeting. Matte products work better than shimmer or gloss. Bring everything for touch-ups. For a full rundown, read this.

What not to worry about

Professional styling Only needed if you prefer it for your own comfort. Most clients come styled as they normally would.
Teeth whitening Standard retouching handles minor discolouration. No treatments necessary.
Minor blemishes Basic retouching is included in every image. Nothing to stress about.
Being "photogenic" Expression coaching means you'll look natural and confident regardless of how you feel about being photographed. Most people surprise themselves.
Professional headshot of a bearded man in a navy checked suit and pink tie

What to expect

The session experience

Many clients tell me they're camera-shy before I arrive, but leave feeling surprisingly confident. Here's exactly what will happen. If you're nervous, my tips for camera-shy professionals may help.

01

Before the camera

Relaxed conversation

We'll chat first, without any photography, to help you feel comfortable. No rushing straight into it.

Outfit review

We'll look at the options you've brought and choose the best one to start with.

02

During your session

Gentle coaching

Clear guidance on posture, expression, and angles. I'll show you exactly what to do. Nothing is left to chance.

Instant feedback

See your photos as we take them. Watching yourself improve in real time builds confidence quickly.

03

After we shoot

Immediate selection

Choose your favourite images before you leave. No waiting, no wondering, no going home uncertain.

Final delivery

Fully retouched images in your inbox within two working days, sized for every platform.

Remember: My "Until You Love It" guarantee means we'll keep working together until you have photos you're genuinely excited to share.

Professional headshot of a person with blonde hair wearing a blue top, relaxed natural expression

Common questions

Everything else you might be wondering

I'm very camera-shy. How will you help me look natural?

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.

Do I need to do my own hair and makeup?

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.

How many outfits should I bring?

Have 2–3 different outfits ready that make you feel confident. This gives us options while keeping the session focused. Layering pieces like blazers or cardigans can create multiple looks from a single base outfit.

How much retouching will be done to my photos?

Natural retouching that preserves your appearance while addressing temporary blemishes, under-eye circles, and mild teeth whitening. No excessive skin smoothing, no feature alterations. The goal is you at your very best, not someone else.

What if I don't like any of the photos?

This rarely happens because you'll see the photos as we take them, allowing us to adjust and improve throughout the session. My "Until You Love It" guarantee means we'll keep working together until you have photos you're happy with, even if that means scheduling another session at no additional cost.

How much space do you need at my location?

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 the lighting equipment.

When will I receive my final images?

You'll receive your professionally retouched images within two working days through a secure online gallery, delivered in multiple formats sized for every platform you need.

Any questions before your session?

I'm happy to help.

Drop me a line and I'll get back to you the same day.

Email your questions