How to Prepare for Your

Professional Headshot Session

Practical tips to help you feel confident, look your best, and get the most out of your session.

Book Your Headshots

How Preparation Helps You Get the Best professional Headshots

Preparing for your headshot session is one of the easiest ways to ensure your photos look polished, professional, and authentic. With just a little planning, you’ll walk into your shoot confident and leave with images you’ll be proud to use for LinkedIn, business websites, or marketing materials. As a professional headshot photographer, I’ve seen how the right preparation can transform good photos into great ones. This guide will walk you through exactly how to get ready.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Clothing plays a huge role in how your photos turn out. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Choose solid colors over busy patterns or logos.

  • Neutral tones (black, gray, navy, beige) photograph beautifully, while pops of color can add personality.

  • Avoid clothing that is too loose or too tight - fitted but comfortable works best.

  • Bring layers (a blazer, jacket, or cardigan) for variety.

  • Make sure your clothes are freshly cleaned and wrinkle-free.

Professional male headshot in suit and tie for business profile

Hair, Makeup, and Grooming Tips

  • Hair: Style it the way you normally wear it for work or professional events. Avoid trying something brand new right before your session.

  • Makeup: Keep it natural and simple. The goal is to enhance, not cover up. A matte finish helps reduce shine under studio lighting.

  • Men: A fresh shave or neatly trimmed beard is recommended. Moisturize skin to avoid dryness.

  • Women: Consider professional makeup if you’d like an extra polished look, but it’s not required.

Portrait of a woman with natural makeup and styled hair, showing professional grooming tips for headshot photography

Glasses, Jewelry, and Accessories

  • If you normally wear glasses, bring them. Anti-reflective lenses work best, but I can also adjust lighting to minimize glare.

  • Keep jewelry simple and classic - avoid anything too flashy or distracting.

  • Bring options if you’re unsure, and we can test what looks best on camera.

Close-up portrait of a professional wearing subtle glasses and minimal jewelry, demonstrating accessory tips for headshot photography

Studio vs On-Location Headshots: What to Expect

  • In-studio sessions provide a clean, controlled background with professional lighting. Perfect for LinkedIn, business websites, and corporate teams.

  • On-location headshots add personality and context. Shooting in your office, or outdoor spots can all make great backdrops.

  • I’ll guide you through posing, expression, and setup so you can focus on looking confident and natural.

Comparison of professional headshots taken in a studio setting and outdoors on location, showing different styles and backgrounds.

Headshot Prep for Different Professions

While headshot basics stay the same, your industry might influence your outfit or vibe:

Corporate/Finance: Clean lines, dark tones, and formal wear.

Creative Fields (designers, artists, writers): Stylish layers or pops of color to show personality.

Real Estate Agents: Approachable yet professional — blazers work well.

Actors/Performers: A clean, neutral look that keeps the focus on you. Consider multiple looks.

Medical/Health Professionals: Lab coats optional. Clean, simple, trustworthy appearance.

Professional Headshots Winnipeg Elevate your professional image with a high-quality headshot that conveys trust and expertise in Winnipeg's finance industry.
Winnipeg Headshots. Capture your professionalism and approachability with tailored headshots for Winnipeg physiotherapists.
Winnipeg Headshot Photographer. Professional headshots tailored to Winnipeg real estate agents, capturing trust and approachability for your brand.
Winnipeg Headshot Photographer - Winnipeg physiotherapist on a clean white background.
Professional Headshots Winnipeg - A classic headshot of a finance professional against a grey background.
Real Estate Agent Headshots Winnipeg Professional headshots tailored to Winnipeg real estate agents, capturing trust and approachability for your brand

Tips for Different Hair Types and Textures

Curly Hair: Define curls with products you trust. Avoid frizz-control treatments that flatten shape.

Straight Hair: A blow-dry or light styling product can add volume.

Natural/Afro-textured Hair: Wear it in a way that reflects how you look day-to-day. Bring your own products for touch-ups.

Long Hair: Bring a clip or tie in case you want to try both up and down styles during the session.

Day-of Session Checklist

Here are a few last-minute reminders before your session:

  • Get a good night’s sleep so you feel rested.

  • Drink water and avoid excess caffeine.

  • Bring a comb/brush and any touch-up items (powder, lip balm, lint roller).

  • Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and relax before shooting.

  • Most importantly, bring a positive attitude - it really shows in your photos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Your Headshot Session

Flat Lay of Clothing and Makeup Items to Avoid Before a Headshot Session

When preparing for professional headshots, what you don’t do can be just as important as what you do. Small choices made the night before or the day of your session can have a big impact on your final images. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your photos look natural, polished, and professional:

  • Don’t wear overly busy patterns or distracting logos that pull attention from your face.

  • Avoid drastic last-minute haircuts, hair color changes, or trying a new makeup routine right before your shoot.

  • Don’t cake on makeup - professional lighting highlights natural features best.

  • Skip shiny or reflective products like heavy oils or glitter that create unwanted shine.

  • Don’t show up tired or dehydrated - it shows in your skin and eyes.

  • Avoid wrinkled clothing or clothes that don’t fit properly.

By steering clear of these simple mistakes, you’ll walk into your session feeling more confident and get the best results from your headshot experience.

Final Tips to Look and Feel Confident

Remember, your headshot is meant to look like you at your best. Trust the process, relax, and have fun. My job is to guide lighting, posing, and expression so you don’t have to worry about the technical side. With the right preparation, you’ll leave with professional images that make a lasting first impression.

Professional headshot of a confident smiling person, representing final preparation tips to look natural and feel relaxed during a photo session

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Bring 2–3 outfit options, including a jacket or layers for variety. Also bring small grooming items like a comb, makeup for touch-ups, or a lint roller to keep your look sharp.

  • Most people bring at least two outfits - one formal and one more casual. Having options ensures you’ll get a mix of styles that suit LinkedIn, business websites, or personal branding.

  • Makeup isn’t required, but light, natural makeup can help reduce shine and even out skin tones on camera. The goal is to enhance your features without looking overdone.

  • If glasses are part of your everyday look, wear them. Clean the lenses well, and if possible, bring a second pair with non-reflective coating to reduce glare.

  • Yes! Professional headshots are perfect for LinkedIn, company websites, marketing materials, and even personal social media. A polished image makes a great first impression.

Next Steps

Now that you know how to prepare, you’re ready to book your session. Explore my main Winnipeg Headshots page to see examples and learn more about my process.

Ready to book? Contact me today to schedule your professional headshot session in Winnipeg.