Preparing for your Business Head Shots

Preparing for Your Headshot Session

Getting ready for your professional headshot is simple, and these tips will ensure you feel confident, relaxed, and camera-ready. As a Phoenix & Scottsdale headshot photographer, my goal is to create portraits that feel polished, approachable, and true to your personal brand.

1. What to Wear (Clothing Tips)

Because a headshot is typically framed from the waist or mid-chest up, your top is the most important wardrobe element.

General Recommendations

• Avoid busy patterns, loud prints, or overly bright tops — they pull attention away from your face.

• Neutral tones, earth colors, and soft pastels photograph beautifully.

• Black can feel somber on camera, while pure white often washes out without contrast.

• A blazer or suit jacket (for all genders) instantly elevates the look and gives you variety.

Women

• Full or half sleeves photograph best; sleeveless tops often draw attention to shoulders rather than the face.

• Bringing a jacket gives you two distinct looks: business casual and business formal.

Men

• A suit jacket sharpens any headshot, even when paired with a fitted T-shirt for a modern business-casual look.

• Ties add personality — red or burgundy are traditionally seen as “power ties” and communicate authority.

2. Hair

A fresh haircut is great — but avoid cutting or coloring within 48 hours of your session. Hair often needs a few days to settle.

• Schedule trims 1–2 weeks before your headshot session.

• I can retouch roots, flyaways, stray hairs, and even subtly fill thinning areas — but I can’t fix a haircut you don’t love.

• Bring a brush, comb, or product if your hair tends to shift outdoors.

3. Makeup

Professional makeup can make a world of difference in how polished and confident you feel.

• A skilled makeup artist knows how to highlight, contour, reduce shine, and bring dimension to the face on camera.

• While I do provide retouching (teeth whitening, smoothing, enhancing eyes, adjusting shine, etc.), makeup helps create a strong foundation for natural, flattering results.

• If you do your own makeup, aim for your “elevated everyday” look — not overly heavy, not too minimal.

4. The Headshot Experience (My Process)

Most people don’t love being in front of the camera — I get that. My sessions are designed to be comfortable, collaborative, and stress-free, whether this is your first headshot or your tenth.

• You’ll be able to review images as we shoot so we can adjust in real time.

• We’ll find a strong baseline pose and expression that feels like you.

• Your honest feedback helps me shape the final look, refine angles, and create a portrait that aligns with your brand and goals.

My job is to guide you through posing, expression, and lighting so you don’t have to think about anything but showing up as your best self.