Headshot Session Guide


Thank you for choosing us to capture your professional headshots! This guide will help you prepare for a relaxed, confident session — whether we're shooting in studio or outdoors.

Your headshots are often the first impression you make online or in print, so we want you to feel comfortable, look like yourself, and walk away with images you're genuinely proud of.

Before Your Session

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives us a few minutes to go over your goals, settle in, and make any last outfit adjustments before we begin.

Sessions are scheduled back-to-back, so arriving late may reduce your available shooting time.

Let's talk beforehand about how you'll be using your photos — LinkedIn, a company website, an acting résumé, or your personal brand — so we can tailor framing and expression to fit.

What to Wear

Solid, well-fitted clothing keeps the focus on your face rather than your outfit. Bring 2–3 outfit options so we have variety to choose from.

Recommended colours

  • Navy blue #1F3B57
  • Charcoal grey #3A3A3A
  • Slate blue #4A5A6A
  • Burgundy #6B2737
  • Forest green #2F4A3E
  • Soft white or ivory #F4F1EA
  • Camel or warm tan #C9A66B

Jewel tones and deep neutrals photograph beautifully and hold up well against both studio and outdoor backgrounds.

What to avoid

  • Pure white or pure black against a similarly toned background
  • Busy patterns, thin stripes, or plaid
  • Large logos, brand names, or graphics
  • Neon or overly bright colours
  • Wrinkled clothing

Please make sure pockets are empty — phones, wallets, and keys can create visible bulges.

Hair, Makeup and Grooming

Keep hair and makeup close to your everyday style. If you're planning a haircut, schedule it a week or two before your session rather than the same day, so it has time to settle.

Avoid trying new skincare products right before your shoot in case of reactions, and try to stay well hydrated the day before to reduce puffiness.

Please check for chipped nail polish, visible undergarment straps, and jewellery you may not want photographed.

What to Bring

  • A hairbrush or comb for touch-ups
  • Makeup for touch-ups, if needed
  • Your backup outfit(s)
  • Glasses, if you wear them (please clean lenses beforehand — anti-reflective coating photographs best)

Indoor Studio Sessions

Studio sessions give us full creative control over lighting and background — a great choice for a clean, classic, professional look. We'll use soft, flattering studio lighting and a neutral backdrop (grey, white, or a muted tone) to keep the focus on you.

Outdoor Sessions

Outdoor headshots bring warmth and a more relaxed, natural energy. We'll aim to shoot during golden hour or in open shade for soft, even light, and choose a location with a bit of visual depth — a textured wall, greenery, or an interesting street. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll have a backup covered location ready.

During the Session

Please allow me to guide your posing and small angle adjustments throughout — this is where most of the magic happens. We'll capture a mix of expressions, including both closed-mouth and smiling shots, so you have options.

You don't need to know how to pose. Feel free to chat with me during the session — genuine expressions come from real moments, not forced smiles.

Final Checklist

Before you head out, please confirm:

  • Your outfits are clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to go
  • Pockets are empty
  • Nails, hair, and grooming are camera-ready
  • Glasses are clean, if applicable
  • You've reviewed our studio address or outdoor meeting point and travel time
  • You're prepared to arrive 5–10 minutes early

We look forward to capturing a headshot that feels authentic, professional, and truly you!