How to Prepare for Your professional

Headshots in Winnipeg

Practical tips from a Winnipeg headshot photographer to help you look confident, professional, and camera-ready.

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How Preparation Helps You Get the Best Winnipeg Headshots

Preparing for your headshot session is the easiest way to make sure your photos look polished, professional, and authentic. With a little planning, you’ll walk into your shoot confident and leave with images you’ll be proud to use for LinkedIn, your business website, or marketing materials. As a Winnipeg headshot photographer, I’ve seen how the right preparation turns good photos into great ones - and this guide will show you 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.

Winnipeg headshot session example – professional portrait for business profiles and personal branding.

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.

Professional Winnipeg headshot photographer – clean studio portrait with natural lighting and modern style.

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.

Professional Winnipeg headshot of a man wearing glasses and a suit, photographed by JAG Videos & 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. Winnipeg’s Exchange District, 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.

Winnipeg headshot photographer – professional outdoor portrait of a woman with curly hair, red lipstick, and denim jacket.

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.

Optional Extras to Bring

These small extras can make a big difference:

  • Lip balm or blotting sheets for shine

  • Extra shirt or top in case of spills

  • Your brand colors (tie, pocket square, blouse)

  • Business card or prop if you'd like a photo for marketing

  • Mirror for quick touch-ups

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.

Headshot of a female looking comfortable and natural during her Winnipeg headshot session

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Plan your outfits in advance, stick to solid colours, and bring layers for variety. Make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and ready the night before.

  • Both work well. Studio headshots offer a polished, consistent look, while Winnipeg outdoor locations like the Exchange District can add personality and context to your photos.

  • Arrive with neat hair, natural makeup, and simple accessories. For men, trim or shave facial hair. Bring touch-up items like powder, a comb, or lip balm.

  • If glasses are part of your everyday look, bring them. Clean your lenses and, if possible, use a non-reflective pair to minimize glare.

  • A good night’s sleep, staying hydrated, and practicing relaxed expressions in the mirror go a long way. During your Winnipeg session, I’ll guide posing and make sure you feel at ease.

  • Bring at least two outfits, small grooming items, and any accessories you might want. If your session is on-location in Winnipeg, a jacket or coat may be useful depending on the season.

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.