Picture-Perfect Headshots: A Quick Guide to Shine in Front of the Camera
Headshots are your first impression—a tiny square of YOU that speaks volumes. Whether it’s for your LinkedIn profile, your website’s about page, or an acting portfolio, let’s make sure it’s everything you want it to be!
Here’s the lowdown on prepping for your headshot session, from outfits to hair to how to feel your best in front of the lens.
What to Wear: Keep It Simple and Shine
Our studio’s super light gray walls give you a neutral, professional vibe, so what you wear is going to pop! The goal is to stand out without your clothes stealing the spotlight.
Choose colors that flatter you. Earth tones like rust, olive, and cream also shine beautifully against the light gray background we have in the studio. Muted colors photograph very well in general. I love bold jewel tones, but make sure they really speak to you and your personality because you will have this photo for awhile. Bold reds are hard on the camera and tend to accent any reds in your face, so try to avoid them if possible.
Avoid busy patterns. Solids work best for headshots. If you’re tempted by a pattern, keep it subtle—like a soft pinstripe or texture.
Skip the stark whites and bold blacks. They can wash you out or create harsh contrasts. Instead, lean toward softer neutrals or rich, saturated hues.
Consider layers. A blazer, cardigan, or tailored jacket can add depth and polish.
Hair: Keep It Polished, Not Overdone
Hair frames your face, so let it do its thing with a little extra love.
Fresh cuts are key! If you’re due for a trim, book it a week or so before your session. This gives your hair time to settle into its shape. I recommend getting your hair trimmed a week before the session in case it gets trimmed too closely - then you have time for a bit of grow out.
Stay true to your style. Don’t overthink or try something drastically different—it’s all about looking like YOU.
Tame flyaways. A light styling spray or serum can work wonders.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Makeup: The Camera Loves a Natural Glow
Your headshots should highlight your features, not hide them.
Keep it natural. Go for a clean, everyday look: even skin tone, defined brows, and a touch of mascara.
Avoid shimmer or SPF-heavy products. These can reflect light and create unwanted shine. A little shimmer eye shadow is okay, but go light or avoid the bronzer on your face.
Don’t skip lipstick. This is the one piece of make up I feel adds life to your face in photos. the most. I also recommend going a shade darker than you might normally. It can get washed out in photos sometimes.
Makeup: The Camera Loves a Natural Glow
Your headshots should highlight your features, not hide them.
Keep it natural. Go for a clean, everyday look: even skin tone, defined brows, and a touch of mascara.
Avoid shimmer or SPF-heavy products. These can reflect light and create unwanted shine. A little shimmer eye shadow is okay, but go light or avoid the bronzer on your face.
Don’t skip lipstick. This is the one piece of make up I feel adds life to your face in photos. the most. I also recommend going a shade darker than you might normally. It can get washed out in photos sometimes.
Posing Tips: Relax, You’ve Got This!
I’ll guide you every step of the way during your session, but here are some quick tricks to keep in mind:
Posture is power. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders relaxed. Think "confident but approachable." What do you want people to think when they first meet you? Carry yourself in that manner.
Angle it up. Facing the camera head-on can look stiff; turn slightly to the side for a softer, more flattering angle. I will often climb on a stool to get a photo from a higher angle, as it can be more flattering for many body types.
Engage your eyes. A little squint (like a “smize”) adds warmth and connection. We want our eyes open, yes, but we also want our smile to “touch our eyes” so that people can see we are genuine with our smile. It is a fine line, but we can walk it together during the session.
Relax your hands. If they’re in the shot, let them fall naturally or rest on your lap.
Final Thoughts
The secret to a great headshot? Be yourself. Wear something that makes you feel confident, and trust me to take care of the rest. Together, we’ll create a headshot that captures your personality, professionalism, and all-around awesomeness.
One tiny favor: please aim to arrive on time. It’s amazing how even a few extra minutes can help us settle in, chat about your goals for the session, and start capturing your best angles without feeling rushed. Plus, it ensures we have enough time to create something amazing!
Ready to book your session? Let’s make magic happen!