How to Prepare for a Professional Headshot That Elevates Your Brand
Most people underestimate how much goes into a professional headshot — and it shows. The right preparation, wardrobe, and guidance can make all the difference in how confident and polished you appear on camera. In this post, I’ll share my top tips for preparing for a headshot that truly elevates your brand.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Finding the right photographer for you involves a lot of factors. The market is saturated with photographers at various price points, skill levels, and taste, and of course the photoshoot experience they’ve created for their clients.
If you really want to elevate your brand, finding a professional photographer who can capture the style and essence of you will bring immense value to your headshots. We’re in the digital age, and often our first impression comes from our profile photos, so you want to put your best face forward! Hire a professional and get the level of quality and service you deserve.
The difference usually isn’t just the camera—it’s the guidance, direction, and expertise a professional brings to every shoot.
Wardrobe
Wardrobe styling can really take your headshot to the next level. For professional headshots, I often recommend outfits that make you feel confident in your workplace. Think of it as dressing for an important meeting, interview, speaking engagement, or award ceremony. You want to look like your best self, and wearing an outfit that helps you feel and look great is part of that.
I wouldn’t go overboard on styling or over-accessorize. My general rule of thumb is that colors should not wash you out or make you look more tired than you are, materials should hold their shape and not be worn out, and the outfit should fit your body well. If it looks good and you can stand wearing it for 20–30 minutes, we can make some magic!
Your headshot outfits should feel like an extension of you—they should not distract from or take away from your presence. What photographs well and what feels good in person aren’t always the same thing—that’s where guidance makes a difference.
I’m known to go through my clients’ closets and help them select their favorite outfits for us to photograph.
Grooming & Aesthetics
Keep yourself well-groomed. Make sure you have an up-to-date haircut, color, beard trim, clean nails, etc. If you’re planning to drastically change your hairstyle or color, schedule your photoshoot for after those appointments. I personally think most haircuts look best if they’ve been lived in for about 3-10 days. Hair color and toning depends; vivids and blondes look best closer to their appointment date with minimal hair washing in between. If you have a fade or buzzed hairstyle and like that sharp look, plan your cut 1-3 days before your shoot depending on how quickly your hair grows. A lot of my clients who keep their hair short usually go to the barber the evening before their shoot.
Pro Tip: Clean and moisturize your face the morning of your shoot.
Small details tend to show up more on camera than people expect, so a little prep goes a long way. Check out some examples of my professional headshots.
Cosmetic Procedures
Don’t schedule facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, eyebrow waxing, or any other procedure the day before your shoot. Make sure to allow enough recovery time for any treatments that could cause redness, peeling skin, bruising, cuts, or marks. The same goes for spray tans, tanning, or prolonged sun exposure. Wear sunscreen! Pause your retinol use for the week before your photoshoot — especially if you’re getting any makeup.
Nourishment & Hydration
I’m never going to tell someone to starve themselves or do a crash diet before a shoot. I want you to come as you are and feel great throughout the photoshoot experience! Keep yourself hydrated leading up to your shoot and on the day of your session, and nourish your body with foods that fuel you in the best way you know how. I’m always happy to provide my clients with their favorite snacks and beverages.
Comfort on Camera
Most people don’t realize how much posture, expression, and movement matter in a headshot. It’s normal to feel unsure about where to put your hands, how to angle your body, or what expression feels natural. That’s exactly what I guide my clients through.
A good photographer will give direction every step of the way, helping you feel comfortable and confident. When you feel at ease, it shows in the final images—and that’s what truly elevates your personal brand.
At Travis Curry Photography, my team and I are committed to creating a guided experience that makes you feel empowered and confident throughout the process. I consider myself a full-service photographer, from our first consult to the delivery of your final images and prints.
Whether you’re updating headshots, creating personal branding photos, or doing professional portraits for the first time, let’s start planning your shoot!