Preparing for your headshot

Most people feel some nerves before a headshot. The good news is that the things that make the biggest difference are simple and within your control: what you wear, how you groom, how you hold yourself and how organised you are on the day. These guides walk you through each step in plain language.

The guides in this section

• What to wear Colours, patterns, necklines, fit and how many outfits to bring.
• Hair, grooming and make-up Timing haircuts, managing shine, facial hair and retouching.
• Posing and expression Posture, angles, eyes and smiling naturally.
• The day before and on the day A practical checklist from packing to choosing images.

Why preparation matters

A professional photographer controls light, lens and background, but they can't iron your shirt or move your haircut appointment. Small things, such as a creased collar, stray hairs or a jacket that bunches at the shoulders, show clearly in high-resolution images and can take time to fix in editing, if they can be fixed at all. Preparing a little in advance means the session time goes into getting good expressions rather than fixing problems.

A two-week timeline

• Two weeks out: confirm the booking, inclusions and licence in writing. Gather reference images.
• One week out: get a haircut or grooming done. Choose outfits and check the fit while seated.
• Two or three days out: trim beards and tidy eyebrows. Keep skin care unchanged.
• The night before: press and hang outfits, pack your kit and get a good night's sleep.
• On the day: eat a light meal, arrive early and tell the photographer what the photos are for.

What to pack

A small kit covers most problems: a comb or brush, hair ties and clips, any make-up you usually wear, blotting papers or translucent powder, a lint roller, water, a snack, and your outfits on hangers. If you wear glasses, bring a cleaning cloth. Our shoot planner creates a packing list based on where the photo will be taken.

Feeling camera-shy

If you dislike being photographed, you're far from alone. Tell the photographer at the start. Experienced headshot photographers are used to nervous clients and will guide you with small, specific directions rather than asking you to "just relax". Breathing out slowly before each frame, looking away and back to the lens, and thinking of someone you like can all help. Remember you only need one or two images you're happy with.

Getting the look right for the purpose

Preparation depends on what the photo is for. A corporate profile usually calls for polished, simple clothing and an approachable expression. An actor headshot needs to look exactly like you today, with natural grooming. A personal-brand shoot might include several looks and locations. Our Uses section covers each in detail, and our Hiring section explains how to choose a photographer and what to agree on.

Preparing a team for a shoot

If you're organising headshots for colleagues, share a short preparation note a week ahead. Include the time and place of each person's slot, a simple dress guide with colours to favour and avoid, a reminder to bring glasses if they wear them, and a suggestion to bring a spare top. Explain how the photos will be used and invite anyone with concerns to raise them privately. People who know what to expect arrive calmer, take less time in front of the camera and tend to be happier with their photos. Our team headshots guide covers planning the day itself, including consent, scheduling and matching new starters later.

Reference images help

Collect two or three headshots you like, from any field, and note what appeals: the light, the background, the crop or the expression. Showing these to your photographer is a fast way to communicate a style. It also helps you notice what doesn't suit your purpose before the session starts.

Retouching expectations

Talk to your photographer about retouching before the session. Most people want temporary distractions removed while keeping permanent features. Agreeing on a natural level in advance means the final images look like you, which matters when you meet people in person.

Use the shoot planner

Our free shoot planner turns what you need the photo for into a simple brief, covering framing, background, expression, outfits and what to bring. It runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere.

Five habits for a better headshot

1. Know where the photo will be used before you plan anything else.
2. Choose soft, even light, whether in a studio, at work or by a window.
3. Wear solid colours that fit well and contrast with the background.
4. Try a range of expressions and choose later.
5. Get the licence in writing so you know how you can use your images.

About these guides

Headshots is an independent information site about professional headshots in Australia. We aren't a photography studio, photographer, casting or talent agency, or booking service, and we don't recommend particular businesses. Our guides are general information written in our own words, with official and expert sources listed on each page. We never invent prices, statistics, quotes or testimonials.

How we keep these guides current

We review each guide against its sources and show the date it was last checked. Platform requirements, such as profile photo sizes, change from time to time. If you notice something out of date, please tell us through our contact page, and we'll check and correct it.