How to Prepare for Your Team Headshot
Your organization has scheduled professional headshots—and now you may be wondering what to wear, how to prepare, or whether you are expected to know what to do in front of the camera.
The good news is that you do not need modeling experience or a practiced “photo smile.” Your photographer will guide you through positioning, posture, and expression. The goal is simply to create images that present you as confident, competent, approachable, and recognizably yourself.
A little preparation can help you feel more comfortable and make the most of your time in front of the camera—but above all, don’t worry too much about your clothing or trying to look a certain way. Focus more on simply being yourself.
Follow Any Guidance from Your Organization
Your organization may have recommendations about clothing, formality, background color, or the overall look of the photographs. Follow those instructions first so your headshot coordinates with those of your colleagues.
If no specific guidance has been provided, dress as you normally would for an important meeting with a client, colleague, or prospective employer. Aim for a polished version of your everyday professional appearance rather than trying to become someone different for the photograph.
Choose Clothing That Keeps the Attention on You
For most headshots, solid colors and subtle textures photograph especially well. Medium and darker tones are usually dependable choices, although lighter colors can also work beautifully.
Consider wearing:
A well-fitting jacket, blazer, sweater, blouse, dress, or collared shirt
Clothing that fits comfortably through the neck and shoulders
Colors that complement your eyes, complexion, and personal style
A simple additional layer, if time and your organization’s arrangements permit a second look
Because a headshot concentrates on your face and upper body, pay special attention to how your clothing fits around the neck and shoulders. Ideally, a shirt collar should fit comfortably without appearing overly tight or leaving a large gap around the neck. If the top button pulls or feels restrictive—and a tie is not part of your intended look—consider leaving it unbuttoned.
Very small checks, narrow stripes, and tightly repeating patterns can sometimes create distracting visual effects on camera. Large logos, prominent lettering, and extremely bold patterns may also draw attention away from your face.
These are suggestions, not strict rules. Your expression and personality will matter far more than whether you selected the theoretically perfect shirt or jacket.
Arrive Camera-Ready and at Your Designated Time
Team headshot appointments are often scheduled fairly close together. Aim to arrive at your designated time so that your full shooting time is available.
Please also give the person scheduled before you some privacy. Being photographed can feel unfamiliar, and having coworkers watch may make it harder for someone to relax and express themselves naturally. Unless invited into the photography area, wait nearby rather than entering early and becoming an unintended audience. The same courtesy will help ensure that you receive focused, uninterrupted time during your own session.
Before your scheduled time, take a moment to:
Check your hair and grooming
Remove lint, pet hair, or stray threads from your clothing
Make sure collars, ties, scarves, and jewelry are sitting as intended
Empty bulky items from shirt or jacket pockets
Blot excess facial shine if needed
If you wear cosmetics regularly, your usual polished approach is generally all that is necessary. There is no need to wear more—or to begin wearing cosmetics—simply because you are being photographed.
If you are planning a haircut, it is usually best to schedule it several days before the session rather than immediately beforehand. This gives the cut time to settle into its more familiar appearance.
Glasses Are Welcome
If glasses are part of your normal appearance, wear them for your headshot. Simply clean the lenses shortly before your session.
Feeling Anxious Is Completely Normal
Don’t worry if you feel a little anxious before your session. That is completely normal—even among people who appear confident and comfortable in other professional situations.
You do not need to arrive feeling relaxed or knowing exactly what to do. The photographer’s job is to guide you through the experience. What matters is that you depart having enjoyed your session and knowing that you have created an amazing image you will be proud to use.
Smiles Are Optional
You do not have to smile for every photograph—or at all. A strong professional headshot can be friendly, confident, thoughtful, serious, relaxed, or somewhere in between.
Feel free to experiment and provide a range of looks during your session. Your photographer will guide you, but you are welcome to try different expressions and levels of intensity. Often, small changes around the eyes and mouth can create surprisingly different impressions.
If you have concerns about your teeth, braces, or another aspect of your smile, mention them privately to the photographer or assistant. The photographer can even give you an entire set of new “movie-star teeth” if that is your wish—just let them know during your session. Otherwise, you can generally expect your teeth to be lightly whitened while retaining their natural appearance.
What to Expect from Retouching
Retouching is intended to keep the viewer’s attention on you—not to turn you into someone else.
Typically, it will focus on toning down temporary blemishes, softening age lines, lightly whitening teeth, and subtly darkening any “extra chins” so that they attract less attention. The finished image should look polished and flattering while still looking recognizably like you.
If you would like something handled differently, simply tell the photographer or assistant during your session. Your preferences matter, and it is much easier to accommodate them when they are known in advance.
You Are in Control of Your Selection
You will receive a private online gallery containing your images. This allows you to review the different expressions and choose the photograph or photographs you like best.
You do not have to decide immediately which version of yourself feels right. Experiment during the session, create some variety, and make your selection later in the privacy of your own gallery. Ultimately, you remain in control of the image you choose.
Try Not to Judge Yourself Too Quickly
Most people notice details about themselves that no one else sees. A fleeting expression on a camera screen is also not the same as a carefully selected and finished photograph.
Professional lighting, thoughtful posing, expression coaching, image selection, and appropriate retouching all contribute to the final result.
The goal is not to change your face. It is to create a polished photograph that still looks like you on a particularly good day.
Above All, Be Yourself
Get a reasonable night’s sleep, drink some water, and allow enough time to be ready without feeling rushed. Beyond that, try not to overthink the experience.
Do not worry about being “photogenic.” Every person can be photographed well with the right light, direction, and expression. Wear something that feels like you, allow yourself to experiment, and remember that smiles are never required.
Your job is simply to arrive as yourself. We will guide you through the rest.
We look forward to creating a headshot that represents both you and your organization at your best.
Executive Lens Portraits and Headshots
Confidence • Competence • Approachability
Smiles optional.
