How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session
A great headshot is about so much more than looking at the camera and smiling. It’s about telling your story, showcasing your personality, and creating images that work for your goals. Whether you need headshots for college applications, your career, social media, or personal branding, these tips will help you feel confident and prepared.
1. Know Your Purpose
Before your session, think about how you’ll be using your headshots.
College applications
LinkedIn or professional networking
Personal branding
Business website
Acting or modeling
Speaking engagements
Knowing your goals helps me tailor your session so your images feel authentic and work for exactly what you need.
2. Try On Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Nothing is worse than discovering your outfit doesn’t fit quite right five minutes before your session.
A few days before:
Try everything on.
Make sure it fits comfortably.
Sit, stand, and move around in it.
Steam or iron clothing if needed.
When you feel comfortable, you’ll naturally look more confident.
3. Gather Inspiration
Spend a little time looking at headshots that catch your eye.
Ask yourself:
What expressions do I like?
Do I prefer bright and approachable or bold and dramatic?
What colors stand out?
What feels authentic to me?
You don’t need to copy someone else’s style—it simply helps communicate your vision.
4. Add Layers & Accessories
Simple details can completely transform a look.
Consider bringing:
A blazer
Denim or leather jacket
Cardigan
Watch ( NO smart watches)
Simple jewelry
Scarf or other subtle accessories
Small changes create multiple looks without needing an entirely new outfit.
5. Be Specific About Your Brand
The strongest headshots tell a story.
Instead of trying to create one image that works for everything, think about the impression you want people to have when they see your photo.
Do you want to appear:
Approachable?
Creative?
Confident?
Professional?
Friendly?
Energetic?
The clearer your vision, the more intentional your final images will feel.
6. Trust the Process
Feeling a little awkward in front of the camera is completely normal.
You don’t have to know how to pose—that’s my job.
I’ll guide you through natural poses, help you feel relaxed, and coach you every step of the way. Most of my clients tell me they were nervous before their session and ended up having so much fun.
The best photos happen when you simply relax, trust the process, and let your personality shine through.
Your headshot is often the first impression someone has of you. Let’s make sure it feels genuine, confident, and unmistakably you.
A great headshot is about so much more than looking at the camera and smiling. It’s about telling your story, showcasing your personality, and creating images that work for your goals. Whether you need headshots for college applications, your career, social media, or personal branding, these tips will help you feel confident and prepared.
1. Know Your Purpose
Before your session, think about how you’ll be using your headshots.
College applications
LinkedIn or professional networking
Personal branding
Business website
Acting or modeling
Speaking engagements
Knowing your goals helps me tailor your session so your images feel authentic and work for exactly what you need.
2. Try On Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Nothing is worse than discovering your outfit doesn’t fit quite right five minutes before your session.
A few days before:
Try everything on.
Make sure it fits comfortably.
Sit, stand, and move around in it.
Steam or iron clothing if needed.
When you feel comfortable, you’ll naturally look more confident.
3. Gather Inspiration
Spend a little time looking at headshots that catch your eye.
Ask yourself:
What expressions do I like?
Do I prefer bright and approachable or bold and dramatic?
What colors stand out?
What feels authentic to me?
You don’t need to copy someone else’s style—it simply helps communicate your vision.
4. Add Layers & Accessories
Simple details can completely transform a look.
Consider bringing:
A blazer
Denim or leather jacket
Cardigan
Watch ( NO smart watches)
Simple jewelry
Scarf or other subtle accessories
Small changes create multiple looks without needing an entirely new outfit.
5. Be Specific About Your Brand
The strongest headshots tell a story.
Instead of trying to create one image that works for everything, think about the impression you want people to have when they see your photo.
Do you want to appear:
Approachable?
Creative?
Confident?
Professional?
Friendly?
Energetic?
The clearer your vision, the more intentional your final images will feel.
6. Trust the Process
Feeling a little awkward in front of the camera is completely normal.
You don’t have to know how to pose—that’s my job.
I’ll guide you through natural poses, help you feel relaxed, and coach you every step of the way. Most of my clients tell me they were nervous before their session and ended up having so much fun.
The best photos happen when you simply relax, trust the process, and let your personality shine through.
Your headshot is often the first impression someone has of you. Let’s make sure it feels genuine, confident, and unmistakably you.
