6 Ways You Should Be Preparing For Your Corporate Headshot Session
This client is chic and understated with no jewelry and a lightly patterned jacket. Professional and polished!
So you’re finally about to update your corporate headshot—and maybe it’s because your boss has decided that your old photo from 2007 is just not going to fly anymore. Maybe it’s because your hair is so different that your new coworker had no idea who they were on a Zoom call with. For whatever reason, it’s finally happening: you’re getting a new photo for work.
But what do people even wear to these things anymore? And how should you prepare?
Getting an updated headshot should be a positive experience—and with a few tips, you’ll be comfortable, confident, and look your best at your session.
Skin
Get a good night’s rest. Undereye bags are whisked away when you let your body have the rest it needs to recover.
HYDRATE! Make sure you’ve been drinking water in the days leading up to your session (and always!) because dry skin will look dull and can even age you.
Moisturize: this will minimize any fine lines or flaky skin. Do not skip this step—trust me!
This client chose a neutral color for her shirt with a very fun, subtle print - managing to show her personality, but in a professional and non-distracting way!
2. Hair
Don’t overstyle: if you normally wear your hair straight, don’t curl it and vice versa. You want your headshot to represent you and how you normally look, so don’t panic and think you need to completely restyle yourself! You won’t feel like yourself and that can lead to uneasiness, which will show in the shot.
Style your hair as you normally do, but take a little extra care to lay down flyaways.
Avoid using a lot of products in your hair: they show! Too much gel or hairspray and you could look like an extra from Grease.
Beards: ensure your beard is neat and well groomed.
If you plan to wear a tie, satin ties have a beautiful sheen under studio lighting and add something special to your headshot.
3. Attire
Bring or wear a jacket: for many corporate headshots, the jacket is the money piece! They immediately make you look (and feel!) more professional.
Consider your industry. If you’re in the tech field, a polo or golf shirt may be more appropriate than a suit and tie, which could look too stuffy.
Jewel tones are always safe! If you’re not one to pay attention to your wardrobe, that’s fine—pick a solid color like a sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red.
Avoid busy patterns: Patterns are distracting and can date an image. I recommend sticking with a solid color or a very subtle pattern. That includes suits! Suits with tiny lines in the fabric can cause a moire effect that looks strange on computer screens.
Avoid bare shoulders and short sleeves: my clients’ main complaint about their wardrobe “I wish I hadn’t had bare arms!” Not only do bare shoulders and arms look odd in a tightly cropped headshot, but it’s not going to provide the polished look you’ll want for your workplace. Wear at least a three-quarter sleeve for best results.
This client wisely chose a jewel tone for her shirt and paired it with a simple black jacket. She styled her hair naturally and wore everyday makeup. The result? A professional and timeless headshot she can use anywhere!
4. Accessories
Avoid big earrings, flashy necklaces, or overly embellished tie pins. These will distract the viewer and date your portrait. Less is more!
The focus should always be on you—not on your accessories. When in doubt, leave it out.
5. Glasses
To wear or not to wear? If they’re a part of you and you wear them daily, keep them on! If you only wear them sometimes, consider skipping them.
Clean your glasses! Dirty glasses will reflect badly and those fingerprints, grease, and dust are going to show! Make sure to carefully wipe down your glasses before your session.
6. Posing
Working for a start-up where casual is expected? Make sure the shirt you choose is made of quality fabric that will still look professional. A v-neck or golf shirt is a great option.
Smile! A friendly, confident smile is always preferred to a frown. We’ve all seen headshots where the subject looked pained or unhappy—and it’s distracting. A smile is always in style.
Sit up straight: The neck and shoulders are key in a headshot, so make sure to sit up straight in your chair to look confident and at ease. I’ll help you with this!
Breathe: take a deep breath and relax. Enjoy yourself! You’re going to love your photo—and so will your boss.
While the prospect of shooting a new headshot can be scary, there’s nothing to be nervous about! Arrive hydrated, well-rested, and dressed in comfortable clothing that makes you feel confident—and you’ll love your new portrait. I’ll guide you on posing and angles, and you’ll have the opportunity to select your final images. This will finally be a headshot you love!