The Ultimate Guide on How to Prepare for a Professional Headshot Session

How Do I Choose a Headshot Photographer?

Before booking a headshot photographer, do your homework. Just like roller coasters, business headshots can be great, mediocre, or downright disastrous. Pick a photographer who offers a comfortable and engaging experience. You want someone who captures your best side – the one you’d proudly present to your peers.

Here are the key tips on how to choose a professional headshot photographer and tips for what to look for when making the decision on which headshot photographer is the right fit for you:

1. Portfolio – Make sure to review a photographer’s portfolio, both on their website and social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. Do the photos stand out and grab your attention? Do the headshots have a consistency in skin tone and color? A professional headshot should be both approachable and confident and feel true to the person in real life. Make sure that the photos are not plastic-y, overly retouched and the skin has texture in it.

2. Specializes in Headshots – If you are looking for professional headshots, you should not be contacting a jack of all trades photographer, or a wedding photographer who also does headshots. You wouldn’t contact a headshot photographer for your wedding, so don’t make the same mistake! It’s not that their headshots aren’t good, but it’s best to work with a headshot photographer who is top of their class and has perfected their work. A headshot specialist will notice so many more nuances than other photographers.

3. Read Reviews – You check the reviews on products you buy, so it should be the same with your photographer. Ensure there are not red flags such as photos being delivered late or not as expected. If you’ve checked their portfolio across different platforms, you’ll likely see their reviews as well. Check out Chad Isaiah Studios headshots and corporate event reviews.

4. Responsiveness – We expect a fast response as consumers, at least during normal business hours. If you contact a photographer and you don’t hear from them for days, that is not acceptable. It’s important to establish trust in responses from the beginning, or at least set expectation. Chad Isaiah Studios often responds within 2-4 hours during normal business hours, or the following business day (we have lives too!!)

5. Pricing – Always understand what is included with the service you select. Every photographer and photography studio has different pricing structures. Most headshot photographers charge a session fee with images purchased separately. Some other photography genres have an all-inclusive model. At Chad Isaiah Studios, we have a session fee and each finished headshot is purchased separately. Those finished headshots go through a meticulous retouching process. Check out this article about what a headshot costs!

Headshot Location

Can’t decide on whether you want an indoor or outdoor headshot? It depends on your style as well as location availability.

Studio headshots are often shot on white, gray or black backgrounds. Headshots on a white background simply “pop” and make a statement. Headshots on darker backdrops might be more dramatic, but the subject really jumps out of the image.

Choosing to go with in-studio headshots will help keep the photos consistent if you have a growing team of people.

For outdoor headshots and portraits, you should discuss the location with the photographer and think about what type of backdrop you are drawn to. Green trees, cityscapes and brick walls all have different feels. Remember – the most important part of your headshot is your expression rather than the background.

We love to photograph outdoor headshots with sunlight peeking through. Our studio lighting gear joins the party to make sure everyone looks their best in the great outdoors!

Choosing backdrops with famous landmarks isn’t great for headshots. You want to avoid distractions in your photo. If your services extend beyond the landmark’s region, it could hinder your perceived value. But if you love landmarks, you should consider a portrait session. It lets the surroundings shine without stealing your spotlight. Want to learn more about personal branding photography?

What better way to support a local business than to choose a photography studio that is within driving distance from your office? This is ideal and convenient for that long-term relationship with a photographer as your team grows. There is likely a good headshot photographer near you – make sure to build and nurture that relationship – you will need to update your headshot more than you think (yes, your headshot could be that good that it drives insane amounts of business your way!)

Updating your headshot every year is a smart move. It helps you stay true to your real-life look and boosts your credibility. Recently got promoted (or worse, are on the job hunt…)? Got a new haircut or fresh hair color? Maybe you shaved or changed your style? That’s your cue for a new headshot. Keep it fresh and looking like you!

If you like our headshot style at Chad Isaiah Studios but live in a different state, reach out to us. If it’s more than 5 people, our team can travel to your location. If it’s just an updated headshot for yourself, we have colleagues around the country who photograph in a similar style that we love to recommend.

Clothing for Headshots

You’ve picked your headshot photographer and set the date. What’s next? Now it’s time for you to get ready! On the day of your headshot, make sure you look and feel amazing.
Clothing tips for men and women:

Clothing Fit

The best outfit for a headshot is the one that fits you well! Try on your outfits before your headshot appointment. Make sure they still fit you like a glove. If they need alterations or a good steaming, give yourself enough time. Ill-fitting clothes can make you look a bit sloppy. The same goes for wrinkly shirts or dresses. Bring all your outfit options on hangers to the studio and we can sort through your options.

Patterns

The best outfit for a headshot is the one that fits you well! Try on your outfits before your headshot appointment. Make sure they still fit you like a glove. If they need alterations or a good steaming, give yourself enough time. Ill-fitting clothes can make you look a bit sloppy. The same goes for wrinkly shirts or dresses. Bring all your outfit options on hangers to the studio and we can sort through your options.

Patterns are best on ties, pocket squares, and shirts that will be covered with a jacket. Patterns on sport coats and suit jackets are good for a less formal look – my favorite jackets to photograph are light plaid!

Dense and simple repeating patterns are less distracting and work best.

Pin stripe shirts and jackets are slimming and flattering for larger body types.

We don’t recommend matching more than two patterns. When matching patterns, it is crucial the size and density of patterns are not similar. You can match any style of patterns, even similar ones, just as long as they are different sizes and densities.

Layers

Layers give us options, and often lead to more interesting photos. Always consult with your photographer which blazer, jacket or sweater looks the most flattering. But if you’re unsure when going through your closet, we will always tell you to bring it all – we can’t shoot it if it’s not in the studio!

Colors and Tones

For headshot photos, solid colors are a safe bet. You can jazz things up with complementary colors or go bold with contrasting ones. One of the best combinations is a black or blue jacket or blazer with a simple white shirt, or if you want to make it really pop, add in a pop of color to match your company. Just match your color choices to your job vibe. Deep blues, reds, and greens are always winners. It really boils down to how much pop you want in your photo. Remember, bold colors love the spotlight! Here’s a deep dive into headshot color theory!

Should I Wear a Tie?

The second most common question we get! Most clients that come through the studio opt for the no-tie look. It’s a more modern and current look. Men in higher positions can get away with not wearing ties as it helps to make them seem more approachable. However in some professions, ties are a mainstay: lawyers, financial representatives, college graduates. If you do decide on a tie, avoid wide and bulky ties from the 90s – just bring a variety.

Accessories

Common theory is that necklaces, earrings and scarfs should not be worn in headshots. These items tend to be distracting. However if these accessories are part of your personal brand, then by all means wear them – we want your headshot to be a reflection of you!

Hair & Makeup

Hair Tips for Women:

We recommend working with a hairstylist the day of your appointment. Get a good hair blowout or professionally getting your hair styled with how you envision it.

Don’t do any hair experiments on the day of your headshot. And don’t try anything new with your hair stylist less than two weeks before your session. If you begin to experiment, you might not be happy with the way your hair is behaving resulting in not liking your headshots.

Make sure to come in with clean hair. Greasy hair will show in the photos.

Do you color your hair? Make sure your appointment is at least one week before your headshot. If you color closer to your session, you might have darker lines around your face from the dye. We can take care of a gray hair here and there, but if you have a patch of gray that bothers you – please get your hair colored – it is very hard to correct in photoshop.

Don’t forget to trim your nose hairs. Yes, women have nose hairs too!

Hair Tips for Men:

Are you in the sun a lot? Make sure to get yourself a hair cut at least one week before your headshot. This helps to eliminate suntan lines on your face and head.

If you have facial hair and are debating which is better for your headshot, then shave it off at the studio and create more than one look. We have everything you need to shave, but it’s best to bring your own supplies.

Don’t forget to trim nose and ear hairs! While it may be a sign of wisdom, it is not flattering in headshots.

Makeup Tips:

Your makeup should be natural. A reputable makeup artist can help you achieve the correct balance. We offer hair and makeup services for our in-studio clients, with makeup tailored just for our shooting style. Make sure to book the appointment weeks in advance as he gets booked up quickly.

Don’t go overboard with makeup. These are not glamour shots or makeup for a wedding or night out on the town. Professional headshot makeup is about appearing natural and how you would show up to an important meeting or networking event.

Matte makeup is more flattering in headshots. Avoid the overuse of highlighter or shine.

Random Tips for the Best Headshot Experience

Have everything organized for your session the day before with clothes hanging on hangers and pre-ironed or steamed.

Drink plenty of water the week before your headshot, especially the day before. Skin looks its best when it’s hydrated, not dehydrated.

Don’t go out drinking the night before your headshot – it will show in your skin and under eyes.

Get a good night’s sleep. Headshots get nice and close to reveal your best expressions. A lack of sleep will show in your photos. We know that everyone is lacking sleep these days, so we will help with retouching, but please make our jobs easier!

Don’t get a sunburn days before your headshot. Sunburns are near impossible to retouch out, so unless you like the ripe tomato look, use a high SPF lotion, if even just for a few days.

Tans look great in headshots, but tanning bed usage the day before a headshot looks unnatural. It’s best to wait at least a few days between tanning sessions and your headshot session.

Goals for Your Professional Headshot

You should always talk with your photographer ahead of your professional headshot session. Think about the vision you have for your photos and any previous hiccups or concerns. Think about the color palette of your clothing and potential backdrops – this helps us make sure the studio is super-duper ready for you.

Where are you planning on using your new headshot?

Should You Smile in Your Headshot?

This is the most common question we get asked. The answer, like most things in life, is that it depends. Your LinkedIn and company website might have a more serious expression without teeth. But your email signature and zoom profile should have a warmer feel, so most often a headshot with teeth.

During your session, your headshot photographer should be making you feel comfortable and relaxed. This might be through jokes, talking with you, or even opening up a liquor bottle (we don’t offer alcohol, but I know other studios that do).

At Chad Isaiah Studios, we create a safe space for you to authentically be yourself. It’s not a woo-woo term – it’s about listening to and engaging with our clients so they can let their true selves shine through, if even for a few split seconds.

How Long Do Business Headshots Take?

Professional business headshots can be finished in as short as 30 minutes or as long as two hours. It really depends on how many outfit changes you bring and whether you’d like to do some business portraits as well. If you would like to have multiple backdrop options, then that takes more time too.

It’s best to block out enough time in your calendar so you aren’t feeling rushed or stressed during your session.

How the Headshot Experience Works at Chad Isaiah Studios

Here is a step by step on what to expect from your business headshot experience with our studio.

After booking your headshot session, you’ll be contacted to discuss the details of your headshot session. We want to make sure we are all on the same page and ready to make you look awesome.

There is always plenty of parking outside our residential studio on the corner of Bay Ridge Avenue and Stebbins Avenue.

When you arrive, we will work together to decide which outfit to start with. You’ll likely feel awkward in the beginning but that’s on us to get you some anti-awkward photos.

We’ll get the lights set up and show you some test shots. We’ll try out some different background colors (usually white and medium to dark gray).

Every 3-5 minutes, we’ll review the images together to make sure we are heading in the right direction. It’s a very collaborative and iterative process for both you and us.

At the end of the session, we will help you narrow down the photos to the best of the best and point out the different things that we see.

Once you’ve selected the final images you want, they will go through a detailed retouching process which makes you shine, but keeps the texture in your skin so you look human and not AI-generated. We’ll take care of dark circles and give you a little bit of chin and neck work too!

Final photos will be delivered via an emailed gallery within 10 days from your headshot session. If you need them sooner, or yesterday, there is an option to get them the next day for an additional fee. Each photo is delivered in a variety of crop sizes for different use cases.

After reading this ultimate guide on how to prepare for professional headshots hopefully you are feeling confident about your session. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us here!