Watch This Episode About professional headshot do’s and don’t’s
Navigating professional headshot do’s and don’t’s can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together a quick and practical guide with 9 essential tips for professional headshots do’s and don’ts to help you shine in front of the camera and achieve professional headshot success.
1. Make-Up & Skin Prep: The Finishing Touches
✅ Do:
Start your shoot with your everyday makeup look. As the session progresses, enhance your appearance with a polished version of yourself for variety.
❌ Don’t:
Skip makeup entirely. Professional lighting can emphasise skin imperfections, so even a minimal touch-up—like a pore minimiser—makes a difference.
2. Clothing & Colours: Dress for Success
✅ Do:
Layer your clothing to add depth and visual interest. Complementary colours and textures bring your headshots to life.
❌ Don’t:
Stick to just your brand colours without consideration. A triadic or analogous palette can enhance your main brand colour. Opt for darker tones and ensure your outfit suits your skin tone.
3. Fabric Choice: The Hidden Factor
✅ Do:
Choose natural fabrics for your clothing. They photograph better and are less likely to cause colour or texture issues.
❌ Don’t:
Rely on synthetic materials, as they often refract light unpredictably and may not match well in post-production.
4. Preparation: Plan to Succeed
✅ Do:
Research styles and ideas that resonate with you. Pinterest is a fantastic resource for inspiration.
❌ Don’t:
Walk into a shoot unprepared. Share your preferences with your photographer to ensure your vision is realised.
5. Research Your Photographer: Find the Right Fit
✅ Do:
Interview multiple photographers and review their portfolios. Choose someone who understands your industry and aligns with your goals.
❌ Don’t:
Rely solely on recommendations. What works for someone else may not be the best fit for you.
6. Variety: Maximise Your Options
✅ Do:
Request different crops and resolutions. Having web and print-resolution images in multiple formats will serve you well for different needs.
❌ Don’t:
Limit yourself to a single crop. A mix of beauty, head-and-shoulders, three-quarter, and full-length shots adds versatility to your portfolio.
A Beauty Crop Looks Like This
A Head & Shoulders Crop Looks Like This
A 3- Quarter Crop Looks Like This
A Full-Length Crop Looks Like This
7. Posing: Reflect Your Brand
✅ Do:
Incorporate poses that align with your brand personality. Showcase a range of emotions for a more dynamic representation.
❌ Don’t:
Expect to feel natural in every pose. Push your comfort zone to capture authentic and diverse shots.
8. Preview & Selection: Choose Wisely
✅ Do:
Review a selection of images. Then choose ones that align with your personal and professional goals.
❌ Don’t:
Let unqualified opinions dictate your choices. Seek input from business mentors or colleagues rather than friends or family.
9. Effects & Finishes: Add The Final Touch
✅ Do:
Communicate with your photographer. Talk about plans to use .png files with transparent backgrounds. Proper lighting during the shoot can ensure high-quality results.
❌ Don’t:
Assume all images will convert easily to .png files. Work with your photographer for optimal results.
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Timestamps For This Episode on Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s
00:00 Episode Begins.
01:55 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP1.
02:41 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP2.
03:27 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP3.
04:46 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP4.
06:30 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP5.
07:42 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP6.
09:14 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP7.
11:32 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP8.
12:22 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP9.
13:56 Professional Headshot Do’s and Don’t’s TIP10.
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More Inspiration
I know—seeing is believing. That’s why I’ve pulled together a curated selection of past client work to show you what’s truly possible when we collaborate on your professional headshots.
Over the last 14 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of professionals. Influencers, Virtual Assistants, Consultants, Creatives, Coaches, and Corporate Leaders. Helping them go far beyond the typical headshot. Together, we’ve crafted striking, personality-rich imagery that supports not just how they look, but how they lead.
Take a closer look at the range of photography services in my portfolio, and imagine what we could create for your own brand.
