What to Wear & How to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot Session

Preparing for your headshot session doesn’t have to be stressful and with a little planning, you can walk into the studio feeling confident and ready to look your best. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, your company website, or creating brand images for your business, these practical tips will help you get the most out of your professional headshot experience at RP Headshots in Beverly, MA.

1. Dress the Part

Choose outfits that make you feel confident, like you’re heading into an important meeting or presentation. Wear what you would for an important meeting or presentation. Dress like yourself, just the best version of you.

• Fit matters:

Form-fitting clothing photographs beautifully. Choose slim-fit shirts, tailored jackets, or tops that define your shape. Avoid oversized or boxy cuts that can appear shapeless on camera.

• Colors and patterns:

Solid tones such as ivory, pastels, navy, or charcoal gray are timeless and flattering. Add a pop of color that highlights your eyes or personality. Avoid large prints, logos, or busy patterns that may distract from your face. Black can work too if it has visible texture or detail.

• Layering adds polish:

A fitted blazer, cardigan, or v-neck sweater creates depth and dimension in your photos.

• Necklines and sleeves:

V-necks and collared shirts elongate the neck and flatter most body types. Avoid high-neck tops as they may make your neck cut off in pictures. Long sleeves tend to photograph better than sleeveless styles; bare arms are often distracting in headshots. A collared, pressed shirt or blouse, and a suit jacket are your best friends.

• Final details:

Wear coordinating bottoms and undergarments that won’t show through under studio lighting. Check tops for loose threads or irregular seams around the neckline. Ensure that everything is clean, pressed, and fits comfortably. Try everything a day or two beforehand to ensure it fits well.

2. Keep Accessories Simple

Accessories should complement your look, not compete with it. A classic necklace, watch, small earrings, or subtle cufflinks can add a touch of personality. Keep jewelry understated so the focus remains on you.

Neat, manicured nails also make a difference. If you wear nail polish, choose neutral shades or a simple French manicure.

3. Skin Care & Makeup Tips

Your skin is the foundation of a great headshot. Here’s how to prepare in the days before your session:

• Hydrate well: Sip water throughout the day for fresh, healthy skin.

• Cut back on dairy: It can reduce puffiness and inflammation.

• Add Omega-3s and Vitamin C: These support collagen and even skin tone.

• Avoid harsh exfoliation: Give your skin time to recover from any treatments.

• Use moisturizer with hyaluronic acid: Keeps skin smooth and supple.

For makeup, go for a natural and professional look. Avoid heavy foundation or eyeliner that can make eyes appear smaller on camera.

💄 Optional upgrade: Add professional hair and makeup styling for $150 to your session for a polished finish. This service is available by appointment (requires one week’s notice). 

4. Hair Styling & Grooming

Plan ahead to ensure your look feels natural and relaxed on session day.

• Haircuts: Schedule your haircut or color a few days before the shoot to give it time to settle.

• Long hair: Arrive with it down; we can adjust styles during the session.

• Short hair & facial hair: Trim or shave a day before. Avoid razor burn and check brows, nose, and ear hair.

A little extra care goes a long way toward a clean, confident look.

5. Rest, Hydrate & Relax

A great headshot starts with feeling your best. Get plenty of sleep the night before, minimize alcohol for two days before your session, and stay hydrated.

Show up relaxed, refreshed, and ready to shine. Your confidence will show in every image. 

6. Practice Your Expressions

Spend a few minutes in front of a mirror to warm up your facial muscles and practice different expressions. Extend your jaw, your forehead, turn your head back and forth and exercise the neck and the eyes. Try subtle smiles, head tilts, and variations in your gaze.

The eyes are the most expressive part of your headshot, slightly lowering the distance between your eyelids and pupils, helps project confidence and approachability.

At RP Headshots, we’ll guide you through each pose and expression, so you look natural, confident, and completely yourself.

You’re Ready for Your Session!

Your headshot session is designed to be fun, relaxed, and empowering. You’ll leave with images that showcase your professionalism and personality, and that help you make a strong first impression anywhere your photo appears.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Beverly studio!