How to Dress and Prepare for Your Professional Headshot Session

You’ve booked your session, or you’re close to it. Now comes the part that trips most people up: what do you actually wear? And how do you show up ready so that your time in front of the camera produces something you’re genuinely happy with?

This guide covers all of it: what to wear, what to avoid, how to handle hair and makeup, and what to do the night before. If you’re still deciding whether to book at all, this post on what a professional headshot photographer actually does is a better place to start. Come back here once you’re ready for the prep details.

One thing worth knowing before we get into it: sessions at my Farmington studio are quick and low-pressure. You’ll review your top images on-site before you leave. The process is designed to be easy. If you want to get it on the calendar now, reach out here to book your session. Otherwise, keep reading.

What to wear for a professional headshot

Solid colors are your safest and most reliable choice. Neutral tones like navy, charcoal, camel, white, soft grey, and forest green photograph cleanly. They also keep the focus where it belongs: on your face and expression. Jewel tones like deep burgundy, emerald, and sapphire work well too, especially if they complement your skin tone.

Avoid busy patterns, bold stripes, and anything with large logos or graphic text. These elements pull the eye away from your face. They also tend to date a photo faster than a solid color will. Beyond that, certain tight patterns, like checks or herringbone, can appear to vibrate on camera. It’s a specific kind of distraction that’s hard to fix in editing.

Fit matters more than most people realize. Clothes that are too loose can read as sloppy, even if they’re comfortable. Anything too tight tends to create pulls and lines that show up clearly on camera. Wear something that fits well. That’s really all there is to it.

Finally, bring at least two outfit options. Even if you feel confident about your first choice, having a backup takes the pressure off. You might change your mind once you’re there and the lighting is set up, and that’s completely normal.

Dress for your industry, not your weekend

The right look for your headshot depends on the work you do. There’s no single answer that works for everyone. However, here’s a useful starting point.

If you work in a corporate environment, law, finance, or real estate, traditional professional attire is usually the way to go. Think a well-fitted blazer, a clean button-down with a tie, or a simple structured dress. The goal is polished and trustworthy. Your clothing should convey professionalism.

If you’re in a creative field, a startup environment, or building a personal brand, you have more room to show some personality. That doesn’t mean casual. It can, however, mean a more relaxed fit, a bit more flair, or a piece that feels a little more like you. The key is that it still looks deliberate and not like you just grabbed whatever was closest.

When in doubt, dress one level above your typical workday. Nobody has ever looked at a headshot and thought, ‘I wish they had dressed down a little.’

A short list of things to avoid

Beyond patterns and poor fit, a few specific things tend to cause problems in headshot photos. Keep these in mind when you’re choosing your outfit.

Sleeveless tops can work depending on the session setup, especially if the top is made of a more upscale fabric like silk. In some cases, though, they create a very casual look that doesn’t hold up in professional contexts. This is especially true of simple cotton fabrics and details like ribbing. When in doubt, a sleeve is the safer choice.

Very bright white can cause exposure issues depending on your skin tone and the lighting. Off-white, ivory, and cream are usually easier to work with. They look just as clean without the risk.

Trendy pieces date a photo faster than classic ones. A very specific lapel shape or neckline that’s everywhere right now won’t look that way in two years. For a photo you’ll use for a while, timeless beats trendy every time.

Anything that needs to be ironed and hasn’t been is also a problem. Wrinkles that look minor in person show up clearly on camera. Handle this the night before, not five minutes before you leave the house.

Hair and makeup for a headshot session

The goal with hair and makeup is the same as the goal with your outfit. Show up looking like the polished, professional version of yourself. Not a dramatically different one.

If you typically wear makeup to work, wear it to your session. Camera lighting can wash out features slightly. So go a touch more defined than your average Tuesday routine. A bit more coverage, defined brows, and a lip color that reads clearly on camera are all good starting points. Matte finishes also photograph better than dewy or shimmery ones, which can catch the light in uneven ways.

For hair, the priority is that it looks natural and settled. If you’re getting a cut before your session, schedule it at least three to four days ahead. A very fresh cut can look a little sharp on camera. A few days of normal wear softens it in the right way.

For men: a clean shave or a neatly shaped beard both work well. Whatever you normally do, make sure it looks deliberate and well-maintained. The same goes for hair: if you usually style it, style it. If you don’t, don’t start the morning of your session with something unfamiliar.

If you’d like professional hair and makeup for your session day, ask about it when you book. It’s a completely normal question and worth considering if you want that extra layer of support.

Accessories: simple is right

Accessories can add personality. In a headshot, though, the face is the subject — not the jewelry. Simple and classic is almost always the right call.

Small stud earrings, a delicate necklace, and a clean watch all work well. They add a finishing touch without competing with your expression. Bold statement pieces, large hoops, stacked bangles, and anything with a lot of movement, on the other hand, tend to distract. They can also create reflections or visual noise that’s noticeable in the final image.

Also consider removing things like Apple watches, rubber bracelets, string bracelets, and hair ties from your wrists before the session. These are all things you’d wear without a second thought at work, but they tend to look too casual in a headshot and can quietly distract from an otherwise polished look.

If you’re unsure whether something is too much, discuss it with your photographer at the session. They can advise you on whether to include it or leave it out.

What to do the night before your session

Lay out your outfit options the night before. Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and ready to go. Do not leave this for the morning of, just in case you end up running late.

Get a solid night of sleep. Eyes look better rested, and that genuinely shows on camera. If you’re prone to puffiness, skip the extra glass of wine and drink plenty of water instead.

Avoid trying anything new with your hair or makeup the night before. If a new product or technique goes wrong, you won’t have time to recover before your session.

Also review any prep materials your photographer sent you. If there’s something you’re unsure about, reach out and ask rather than guessing. A quick question the day before is much easier than discovering a problem once you’re already in the studio.

How to feel comfortable in front of the camera

Easier said than done, right? Most people feel awkward in front of a camera. This is completely normal. It’s also why many people put off updating their headshots. A good headshot photographer’s job is to make you forget the camera is there. That’s exactly what the session is designed to do.

At the studio, you’ll be guided through very simple posing from the start. So you’re never left trying to figure out where to put your hands or which way to turn. The session moves at a comfortable pace. If something isn’t working, you’ll simply adjust and try again. There’s no pressure to perform or to nail it in the first few frames.

The on-site image review at the end of your session is there specifically to give you confidence before you leave. You’ll see what you’re walking away with while you’re still there. That means no anxious waiting and no wondering. If there’s something you want to revisit, that’s the moment to say so.

Come in knowing roughly how you want to be perceived, take a breath when you arrive, and trust the process. The results tend to surprise people in a really good way. And once you have photos you’re proud of, this post will help you figure out how long to make them work for you.

Have more questions about what to expect? The headshot photography FAQ covers the most common ones. And when you’re ready to get it scheduled, reach out here. The session is quick, the process is straightforward, and you’ll leave with images you’re proud to use.

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