Prepping for Your Headshot Session: What to Wear and What to Expect

Choosing the right clothing can enhance your headshot while picking wrong ones can take the focus away from your face. This quick guide will prepare individuals for their headshot session, giving clarity on what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect during the session.

The day before a headshot session can be quite busy. Naturally, you aim to appear at your best, but what does that entail? And what awaits you when you're facing the camera?

To begin with, it's important to recognize the significance of a professional headshot in shaping your personal brand. Your headshot communicates a great deal about you before you say a word, establishing the initial impression that holds significant weight. Therefore, it is crucial to make thorough preparations to ensure the capture of your best self.

Preparing for professional headshots in New Orleans? I offer New Orleans headshot photography sessions for business professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, actors, and personal branding clients. Sessions include professional lighting, guided posing, natural retouching, and image selection, with individual packages starting at $250.

What to Wear to a Headshot Session

Dressing for a headshot session isn't quite like dressing for a regular photograph or daily engagements. When deciding on the outfit to wear, there's the consideration of colors, patterns, and how well the outfit represents you.

1. Colors: It's usually best to pick colors that complement your skin tone. Avoid neon or extremely bright colors as they can reflect onto your skin, making you look unnatural. Neutral and mid-tone colors are always safe bets.

2. Patterns: Generally, it's advisable to stay away from flashy patterns that can distract from your face. Solid colors tend to work best. If you really love patterns, go for those that are subtle.

3. Representation: You can use your outfit to portray some aspects of your personality or the profession you're in. For instance, if you're in a creative field, you might consider wearing something daring or out-of-the-box.

Remember, the focus should be on you, so make sure whatever you choose to wear does not take attention away from your face.

What to Bring to Your Headshot Session

A little preparation helps us spend more time photographing and less time making last-minute adjustments.

• One or two outfit options: Choose clothing that fits well, complements your complexion, and reflects your profession.

• A jacket or blazer: An easy way to create a more formal look without changing your entire outfit.

• A comb, brush, or grooming essentials: Useful for quick adjustments between photographs.

• Glasses and accessories: Bring the items you normally wear professionally, especially if they're part of your everyday appearance.

• Reference photographs: Examples of backgrounds, expressions, or headshot styles you like can help communicate your preferences.

Try on your clothing beforehand and check for wrinkles, visible undergarments, distracting logos, or anything that requires constant adjustment.

For more detailed clothing recommendations for attorneys, healthcare professionals, real estate agents, executives, and creatives, see my Headshot Wardrobe Guide by Profession and Brand.

What to Expect in a Headshot Session

Once you're all prepped and ready for your headshot session, what comes next?

Photography sessions often feel intimidating to people, but a good photographer will make their subject feel relaxed and at ease. Here's what you can generally expect from a headshot session:

1. Posing and Expression: You don't need to know how to pose. I'll guide you through adjustments to posture, shoulder position, chin angle, and facial expression. We'll capture a range of looks, from confident and serious to relaxed and approachable, depending on how you plan to use your headshots.

2. Lighting and Environment: Professionals know how important lighting is in making a good shot great. They'll adjust the light to flatter your features. The environment should be comfortable and conducive for you.

3. Image Selection: You'll have the opportunity to select your favorite photograph or photographs for professional retouching. Your selected package determines how many finished images are included, and additional images are available if you'd like more variety.

4. Professional Editing and Delivery: I professionally edit your selected photographs, adjusting exposure, color, and skin tones while keeping retouching natural. Final images are delivered through an online gallery, typically within 3–5 business days after image selection for individual sessions.

Ready for Your New Orleans Headshot Session?

Whether you need a professional LinkedIn photo, updated corporate headshots, or a portrait for your website or personal brand, I'll help you choose flattering clothing, backgrounds, lighting, and expressions.

Explore my New Orleans Headshot Photography packages, starting at $250, or contact Chad Populis Photography to discuss your preferred date, location, and the look you're hoping to achieve.