Look Your Best in Front of the Camera: What to Wear & Expect

Updating your LinkedIn profile? Building out your company bio? Launching a personal brand?

A strong headshot is more important than ever. It’s the modern-day handshake; your first impression in the digital world. A polished, confident image helps people connect with you before you ever speak a word.

But if it’s been years since your last professional photo (or maybe you’ve never had one taken), the idea of a headshot photoshoot can feel a bit intimidating.

What do you wear? How should you pose? What happens during the session? And how do you make sure you actually like the result?

We’ll break it all down in a simple, stress-free way so you can walk into your session feeling prepared and walk out with a headshot that works for you.

The Importance of a Professional Headshot

In today’s visual world, people see your photo before they read your resume, visit your website, or even hear your elevator pitch.

Your headshot is often used for:

LinkedIn and professional networking sites
Company websites and bios
Business cards and press features
Speaking engagements or panel participation
Personal branding on social media
Zoom profile photos and email signatures

That small square image carries a lot of weight. It should reflect not just what you look like, but who you are in a professional sense. Are you approachable? Confident? Creative? Knowledgeable? Your headshot should say all of that at a glance.

This is where thoughtful branding photography really shines. It’s more than a snapshot - it’s a tool to build trust and showcase your professional identity.

What to Expect During a Photo Session

Most sessions are short and sweet - often 20 to 45 minutes depending on the package you choose. But those few minutes are packed with intention. Our photographers will guide you through the entire process.

Here’s what a typical experience looks like:

We’ll have a quick consultation to learn about your industry, role, and goals.
You’ll receive guidance on what to wear and how to prep.
You’ll choose the type of background you want (neutral studio, environmental, or outdoor).
We’ll walk through several poses and angles to find your best look.
You'll receive direction on posture, expression, and what to do with your hands.

There’s always time for touch-ups or outfit adjustments - this is your time, and we want you to love the results.

After the Shoot

You’ll receive a gallery of lightly edited proofs to choose your favorites. Final selections are professionally retouched without over-editing. Digital files are delivered in formats you can use anywhere online or in print.

What to Wear

One of the most common questions we hear before a session is, “What should I wear?” The key is to keep your look simple, polished, and true to your personal style. Start with solid colors, shades like navy, gray, white, soft blues, earth tones, and jewel tones. These colors tend to photograph beautifully and flatter most skin tones. Layered outfits can also work well; a structured blazer, cardigan, or light jacket adds shape with a touch of professionalism to your overall appearance.

Fit is just as important as style. Clothes that are too baggy or too tight can be distracting on camera, while well-tailored pieces give you a more refined and confident look. It’s also wise to lean toward classic choices rather than trendy ones. Timeless styles help your photos stay relevant longer and avoid looking dated.

Keep accessories subtle. A clean neckline and minimal jewelry ensure that the focus stays where it belongs - on your face. Simple, thoughtful wardrobe choices go a long way toward creating a photo you’ll feel proud to share.

When it comes to what not to wear, a few simple choices can make a big difference. Avoid distracting patterns such as busy florals, bold stripes, or visible logos, as these can draw attention away from your face and look cluttered in photos. Similarly, steer clear of neon or overly bright colors, which can reflect onto your skin and create an unnatural tone under studio lighting.

Nothing disrupts a polished look like a shirt that doesn’t sit right or pants that bunch awkwardly. Fabrics with a shiny finish or heavy sheen can create unwanted glare under studio lighting and often appear dated in photos. Choosing matte, textured materials instead results in a more timeless, flattering look on camera. And while comfort is important, overly casual items aren’t ideal for a professional image.

A smart tip? Bring a few outfit options. We can help you select the most flattering look based on the background, lighting, your complexion, and the overall tone of your brand. A little planning goes a long way toward making sure you look and feel your best.

When it comes to hair, makeup, and grooming for your photo session, the goal is to look like the best version of yourself - professional, polished, and confident. Aim to keep your appearance close to how you normally present yourself in a professional setting. For women, light makeup that enhances your natural features works best, with a preference for matte finishes.

Men should ensure facial hair is neatly trimmed and clean-shaven areas are smooth and fresh. It's always a good idea to bring a hairbrush or comb for last-minute touch-ups, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.

If you wear glasses daily, absolutely feel free to keep them on - just give them a quick clean beforehand to avoid visible smudges in your photos. Ultimately, a natural and well-groomed appearance goes a long way. When you feel good about how you look, that confidence will come through clearly in your final images.

As for what to avoid on the day of your shoot, try not to make any big changes right beforehand. This isn’t the time to test a new haircut or skincare product that you may regret. Stay away from alcohol or salty foods the night before, as they can lead to puffiness or bloating that may affect how you feel in front of the camera.

Lastly, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get ready and arrive. Feeling rushed often shows in your expression and posture. And most importantly, don’t overthink it – we are here to guide you through the process and help you look your best from start to finish.

How to Use Your New Headshot

Once you’ve got a great photo in hand, make the most of it:

Update your LinkedIn profile and headline
Add it to your email signature
Upload it to your company bio or internal directories
Use it for Zoom or Teams profiles
Create a cohesive personal brand across your website and social media

A polished, professional image instantly builds trust and encourages people to reach out, connect, and take you seriously. It's often the first step in forming a lasting impression, and it speaks volumes before you even say a word.

And remember: your headshot should grow with your career. We recommend updating your photo every 1–3 years depending on changes in your appearance or career position.

Why Hire a Professional?

Sure, an iPhone can take a decent photo. But a professional business photography session offers so much more than a quick snapshot, such as:

Expert lighting and composition that flatter your face
Guidance on posing, expression, and posture
High-resolution images you can use for any platform
A stress-free experience that builds confidence

A great headshot is a small detail that makes a big difference in how you're perceived by clients, colleagues, and decision-makers.

Ready to Book?

You deserve a photo that reflects who you are and the value you bring to your industry. From updating your LinkedIn profile to launching a new business or elevating your personal brand, we're here to make the process easy, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable.

Schedule your headshot session today! We can’t wait to help you show up as your best self.

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