Your professional headshot is more than just a photo—it’s your visual handshake with the world. More often than not, it’s your first contact with a potential client, your best chance to make a strong first impression.
Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your profile on your company’s website, or building your personal brand, these images will represent you in countless professional contexts.
As a professional headshot photographer creating here in Ottawa, I want to ensure you feel confident and prepared for your headshot session.
Here’s everything you need to know to make your headshot session a success.
Communication is key
Since headshot sessions are quite short, share your thoughts with me beforehand to make sure we’re on the same page. Let me know what you’d like to get from the headshots, in terms of the overall look and feel you want us to go for, and any other expectations you may have.
A headshot session is a collaborative process. The more you communicate with me before (and during!) the shoot, the easier it will be for me to meet your needs and produce significant results.
One Week Before Your Session
Start your preparation early to ensure the best possible results. Schedule any haircuts or colour treatments at least a week before your session. This allows time for your hair to settle into its natural fall and gives you a chance to adjust the style if needed. For men planning to shave, this is also an excellent time to test out any new grooming products to avoid potential skin reactions on photo day.
The Day Before
Choose your outfits with care. While we’ll discuss specific clothing recommendations below, take time to try on everything you plan to bring. Ensure all items are clean, pressed, and fit well. This is also the perfect time to pack a small emergency kit with items like a lint roller, hairbrush, and your favourite lip balm.
Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. A good night’s sleep will help you look and feel refreshed, while proper hydration ensures your skin looks its best.
Clothing Recommendations
The key to selecting the perfect outfit is choosing clothes that make you feel confident while aligning with your professional image. Solid colours typically photograph best, with deep blues, soft greys, and rich jewel tones being flattering for most skin tones. Avoid bright colours or busy patterns that might distract from your face.
For a polished corporate look, consider these classic options:
For women: A well-fitted blazer paired with a solid-coloured blouse, or a professional dress featuring a flattering neckline.
For men: A crisp suit jacket or blazer with a collared shirt. Ties are optional but should complement your overall look rather than compete with it.
Bring a few different options to your session. We can review them together before I click to choose what works best with the lighting and background.
Jewellery and Other Accessories
Jewellery is great, but try to keep it somewhat subtle so it doesn’t distract from your face.
You’ll want to avoid anything overly flashy, shiny or sparkly; there’s a good chance such pieces will reflect light and become a distraction.
Professional Hair and Makeup Services
To ensure you look and feel your absolute best, we partner with a select group of local professional hair and makeup artists who specialize in photo-ready styling. These experts understand how makeup and hair translate on camera and can create a look that enhances your natural features while maintaining a polished, professional appearance.
If you’re interested in professional styling services, please let me know when booking your session. My partner artists are in high demand, and advance notice is required to ensure their availability for your appointment. You may add these services to your session for an additional fee.
Makeup Recommendations
Whether you opt for professional makeup services (I highly recommend Janelle Boucher MUA) or plan to do your own, here are key tips for photo-ready makeup:
Foundation and Skin Prep:
– Start with a well-moisturized face, using a matte moisturizer to control shine
– Choose a foundation that matches your neck perfectly to ensure a natural look
– Apply foundation in thin layers, building coverage only where needed
– Use a translucent setting powder sparingly to combat shine while avoiding a heavy appearance
– Consider colour-correcting concealer for under-eye circles, as cameras and lights can emphasize shadows
Eyes and Brows:
– Define your eyebrows naturally, as they frame your face and add structure to your photos
– Use neutral eyeshadows in matte finishes to create depth without looking overdone
– Curl your lashes and apply mascara that doesn’t clump or flake
– Skip heavy eyeliner; instead, opt for thin lines close to the lash line
– Consider individual false lashes rather than strips for a more natural enhancement
Lips and Cheeks:
– Choose a lipstick or gloss slightly darker than your natural lip colour
– Avoid extremely matte or highly glossy lip products
– Apply a natural-looking blush to add dimension to your face
– Skip heavy contouring, as it can look harsh in professional photos
For those doing their own makeup, remember to bring products for touch-ups. Even if you’ve opted for professional makeup services, pack your lipstick or gloss for refreshing your look between shots.
The Morning of Your Headshot Session
Start your day with plenty of time to prepare—rushing creates stress that can show in photos. Eat a substantial breakfast and continue drinking water. If you’re prone to facial puffiness, consider limiting salt intake the day before and morning of your session.
During Your Headshot Session
Here’s what you can expect when the lights go on and the camera turns to you:
We’ll start by reviewing your clothing options and discussing the look you want to achieve. I’ll guide you through various poses and expressions, helping you find your most flattering angles. Don’t worry if you feel awkward at first—it’s perfectly normal, and I’m here to help you feel comfortable and confident.
Remember, authentic expressions make the best photos. While we want to look professional, a genuine smile or confident expression will always outshine a forced pose. We’ll take plenty of shots, giving you time to relax into the process and capture that perfect image.
We will also review the shots together during your session, so we can ensure we create the perfect headshot you were expecting.
Final Tips for a Successful Headshot Session
Take a few minutes before your session to centre yourself. Your confidence will shine through in your photos, so arrive in a positive mindset. Remember: a professional headshot is an investment in yourself and your personal brand, and together, we’ll create images that represent you at your best.
Don’t hesitate to communicate your preferences or concerns before and during the session. As your photographer, I want to ensure you’re 1,000% satisfied with your photos and enjoy the experience of creating them.
Remember, my goal is always to capture authentic images that reflect your professional presence while still feeling natural and approachable.
By following these preparation tips, you’ll be ready to make the most of your professional headshot session and come away with photos you’ll be proud to share.
Are you ready to make a fantastic first impression? Do you want to impress potential clients and business partners?
I’d love to help you boost your brand with a series of clean, high-quality headshots that will put your competitors to shame.
Click here to get the conversation started.
