How to Prepare For Your Professional Headshot
First impressions happen in less than a second. According to Princeton research, people form an opinion about your competence and trustworthiness in just 1/10 of a second based on your photo. That means your headshot serves as a handshake, elevator pitch, and business card all in one frame.
Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, refreshing your team’s website, or getting ready for a high-profile conference badge, this guide will help you nail your look with confidence.
Hair: Keep It Polished, Not Overdone
Neat, controlled, and natural. That’s the goal.
For men: If you normally keep facial hair, make sure it’s freshly trimmed. Don’t experiment with a new style the day before—stick with the version of you that people expect to meet in person. If you’re clean-shaven, shave within a few hours of the shoot to avoid 5 o’clock shadow.
For women: Hair should be styled in a way that frames your face and stays in place. Use light-hold products that tame flyaways without creating stiffness or artificial shine. If you have curls, define them beforehand. For straight or wavy styles, ensure hair is brushed and shaped to avoid flatness or frizz.
Pro tip: Avoid drastic part changes or brand-new styles right before your shoot. Your confidence on camera is more important than a trend.
Your professional headshot photographer will be able to take care of stray hairs and fill any gaps during the editing process, so don’t feel like you need to be 100% perfect. as long as the basic structure is there, we can make the most of it!
Simple women’s headshot makeup
Matte finish men’s headshot makeup
Makeup: Camera-Friendly, Not Night Out Ready
The camera sees differently than the mirror. Studio lighting can enhance facial features and magnify shine, so it’s important to apply makeup with photography in mind.
Base: Use a matte primer and a medium coverage foundation to even skin tone. Avoid products with SPF or heavy shimmer, as they can reflect light and cause flashback.
Concealer: Brighten under the eyes slightly but keep it natural. You want to look rested, not filtered. Make sure you’re using makeup that is matte finish and matches your true skin tone. We’ve seen far too many tan faces and pale necks before, and that costs extra to fix in Photoshop.
Eyes & Lips: Define the eyes with neutral tones and light eyeliner if desired. A soft lip color close to your natural tone adds polish without distraction. Bold lips or heavy shadow can overpower your expression in a close crop. Similar to your hair, you should err on the side of natural rather than overdone.
For men: A bit of translucent powder to reduce shine on the forehead, nose, and cheeks goes a long way. You don’t need full makeup, just subtle oil control. Again, make sure it’s a matte finish to avoid bright shiny spots on your skin!
Women’s business casual headshot look
Mens business casual headshot look
Clothing: Choose Confidence Over Complexity
Clothing should complement your face, not compete with it. Go for solid colors in mid to dark tones. Rich blues, forest green, deep burgundy, or classic charcoal tend to photograph well.
Avoid:
Distracting patterns (tiny checks, loud stripes)
Bright whites (can blow out under flash)
Flashy logos or visible text
Super trendy cuts that may not age well
Do:
Wear something that fits properly across the shoulders and neck
Bring one backup shirt or jacket in case of spills, sweat, or a last-minute change
Consider a light layer like a blazer or cardigan for more structure
For women: Necklines like boat necks, slight v-necks, or scooped shapes flatter most face shapes. Jewelry should be minimal, studs or small hoops are best.
For men: A collared shirt or well-fitted crew neck works great. If you wear a jacket, keep it tailored. Tie or no tie depends on your industry and comfort, but either choice should feel intentional. I always like to recommend a pocket square in your jacket to spruce up your look a little more.
General Tips Before the Camera Rolls
Sleep well the night before. No product can fix tired eyes.
Hydrate, but skip alcohol the day before your shoot.
Iron or steam your clothing the night before and transport it on a hanger.
Arrive early to allow time for last-minute touch-ups or hair fixes.
Capitol Hill Photo always does test shots to dial everything in, get you comfortable, and make sure the end result is something you’re happy with. A small tweak in chin angle or posture can change everything and we work with you to make those adjustments.
Your headshot is often the first point of contact in a digital world. Looking sharp isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation. Show up looking like the most confident version of yourself and Capitol Hill Photo will do the rest.
