#portraits
#headshots
How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session — and What to Expect Along the Way
Silvina B.
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Your headshot isn’t just a photo — it’s your personal brand, your confidence, and often the first impression you make. Preparing for your headshot session helps you show up at your best — but what’s just as important is knowing what to expect emotionally once you're actually in front of the camera.
Here’s your full guide — including some of the completely normal thoughts and feelings you might have during the session (and why they’re nothing to worry about).
1. Preparing Before the Shoot
Outfit Tips:
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Choose classic, solid colors: Neutrals, jewel tones, or colors that make you feel powerful and comfortable.
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Avoid busy patterns: They can distract from your face, which should always be the star.
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Bring options: Pack a few different outfits — a formal look, a smart-casual one, maybe something creative depending on your brand.
Grooming Tips:
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Hair: Style it in a way that feels like you. If you're planning a haircut, do it about a week before.
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Skin: Hydrate well, and go light on makeup unless you normally wear a strong look.
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Hands: Make sure nails are clean — even if your hands aren't the focus, polished details matter.
Self-care:
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Rest: Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot.
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Hydrate: Drink lots of water for radiant skin.
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Mindset: Remember — you're not expected to be a professional model. You're just expected to be you.
2. What Will Probably Go Through Your Mind During the Shoot (And Why It's Totally Normal)
Even the most confident people have a running inner monologue during a session!
Here’s what might pop into your mind — and why it's okay:
| What You Might Think | Why It’s Normal |
|---|---|
| “What do I do with my hands?!” | Everyone feels awkward with posing — your photographer will guide you. |
| “Do I look stiff?” | It's completely normal to feel stiff at first — you’ll loosen up after a few clicks. |
| “Is my smile weird?” | Trust me, your real smile (even if it feels goofy to you) photographs beautifully. |
| “Is my hair okay?” | We're watching for flyaways and helping you adjust — you don't have to worry about it. |
| “Am I blinking too much?” | We take lots of shots! Blinks, mid-blinks, funny faces — all part of the process. |
| “I’m not photogenic.” | Being photogenic isn’t a magical trait — it's about feeling at ease. That’s what we work on together. |
Reminder:
You’re not alone in feeling awkward, self-conscious, or overly aware of yourself during a photo shoot. It's normal — and it actually means you're human!
The magic happens when you trust the process and let those thoughts float by without holding onto them.
3. Trust Your Photographer (Really)
A good photographer:
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Adjusts your pose without making you feel stiff.
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Notices if your hair or outfit needs a quick fix.
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Helps you find expressions that feel natural, not forced.
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Takes care of lighting and angles so you don't have to "perform."
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Makes sure you have a variety of options to choose from — even if you blinked or giggled through half the session!
4. Quick Checklist for the Night Before
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✅ Outfits ironed, packed, and ready.
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✅ Hair, nails, and grooming done.
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✅ Water bottle and lip balm ready to bring along.
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✅ Good night’s sleep planned.
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✅ Positive mindset: "I'm here to capture my real, confident self — not to be perfect."
Final Thoughts:
The best headshots aren’t about perfection.
They're about presence.
They're about that spark in your eyes when you relax and just be you.
And that’s what we’re here to capture.
