Your Professional Headshot Questions, Answered

If you’re thinking about booking a headshot session but you’re unsure of what to expect and you have questions, this is the post for you. Before we get into it, though — if you’re still deciding whether a professional headshot is worth it at all, start with this post on what a professional headshot photographer actually does. Once you’re in the “okay, I’m interested” camp, come back here for the details.

Sessions at my Farmington studio take about 15 minutes. The setting is relaxed, and you’ll review your images on-site before you leave. If you’re ready to get it scheduled, reach out here. Otherwise, here are answers to the questions that come up most often.

What is a professional headshot photographer?

A professional headshot photographer specializes in clean, polished portraits that show you at your best. That’s different from a commercial portrait photographer or an event photographer. Headshot photographers know the specific requirements of the format. They understand tight framing, controlled lighting, and natural expression. The goal is a final image that reads well at any size, whether it’s a small LinkedIn thumbnail or a full-size bio photo.

The job goes well beyond pressing the shutter. A good headshot photographer will guide you on what to wear before you arrive. They’ll coach your posture and expression during the session. And they’ll deliver edited images that look polished without looking over-processed. The goal is always the same: you, on a good day, looking exactly like the professional you are.

To learn more about the full process, visit the headshot sessions page to see what’s included.

How long does a headshot session take?

It depends on the photographer. At Kelli Dease Photography, a standard headshot session runs about 15 minutes. That’s intentionally focused. The session is guided from start to finish. It’s designed to get you great options without keeping you in front of the camera longer than necessary.

In practice, the more important time investment happens before you arrive. Read any prep materials your photographer sends. Choose your outfit in advance. Show up with a general sense of how you want to come across. That preparation is what makes the actual session feel quick and easy.

After the session, you’ll review your favorite images on-site before you leave. So there’s no waiting around and no wondering what you ended up with.

What should I wear for business headshots?

Solid colors in neutral or jewel tones are almost always the right call. Navy, charcoal, camel, forest green, burgundy, white, and soft grey all tend to photograph well. Bright colors can read a little hot on camera. Pastels, on the other hand, can work for some but may wash out depending on your skin tone.

Avoid busy patterns, bold stripes, and anything with large logos or graphic text. These distract the eye. They also date the photo faster than a solid color will. Fit matters too: clothes that are too loose can look sloppy, and anything too tight tends to create unflattering lines on camera.

Bring at least two options. Even if you feel confident about your first choice, having a backup gives you flexibility on the day. Before your session, you’ll get specific wardrobe guidance to help narrow it down. For a full breakdown, this guide covers everything you need to know.

How much retouching is done on headshot photos?

Retouching approaches vary by photographer. However, the standard in professional headshot photography is subtle, natural-looking editing. Think smoothing out uneven skin tone, reducing shine, and minimizing temporary blemishes. Things that are part of how you normally look, including freckles, beauty marks, and the structure of your face, stay exactly as they are.

My approach never involves using heavy filters or making you look like a different person. I always aim to make you look like you, but perhaps a more well-rested and slightly more polished version. Good editing is invisible. If you’ve ever seen a headshot that looks obviously over-retouched, you already know what to avoid.

If you have specific editing preferences, bring them up at your session. A good photographer will be happy to walk you through their process.

Do I need to do my hair and makeup before a headshot session?

Not necessarily, but a little preparation goes a long way. The goal is to show up looking like a polished version of your everyday professional self. Not a heavily made-up version — just your best, most put-together one.

If you typically wear makeup to work, wear it to your session. Camera lighting can wash out features slightly. So it’s worth going a little more defined than your average Tuesday morning. Think a bit more coverage, defined brows, and a lip color that reads clearly on camera. Matte finishes also photograph better than dewy or shimmery ones, which can catch the light in distracting ways.

If you’d like support with hair and makeup on the day of your session, that’s worth asking about when you book. It’s a very normal question, and there’s no wrong answer.

How do I prepare for my headshot session?

First, read any prep materials your photographer sends you and actually follow them. Beyond that, here are the most important things to handle in advance.

Lay out your outfits the night before. Anything that needs to be steamed or ironed should be handled then, not the morning of. Bring your options with you rather than committing to one choice before you arrive.

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

If you’re getting a haircut before your session, schedule it at least a few days ahead of time. Fresh haircuts can look a little sharp on camera. A few days of normal wear softens everything in the right way.

Finally, come in knowing roughly how you want to be perceived: corporate and polished, warm and approachable, or creative and personality-forward. Knowing your answer helps your photographer guide the session from the start.

What backgrounds are used for professional headshots?

Clean, neutral backgrounds are the standard in professional headshot photography, and for good reason. A simple backdrop in white, grey, or a soft neutral keeps the focus on you. It also helps the image stay versatile. A neutral background works across every platform without clashing with anything.

At my studio, a plain, crisp white backdrop is the default for all headshot sessions. It’s clean, versatile, and works across every professional context. Other options are available, though, so if you have something specific in mind, just mention it when you reach out. Either way, we’ll make sure the background does its job: keeping the focus squarely on you.

How often should I update my professional headshot?

As a general rule, every two to three years, or whenever there’s a significant change in your appearance or career. If you’d hesitate before handing someone a business card with your current photo, it’s probably time. For a detailed breakdown of exactly when and why to update, this post walks through all the signs.

Can my whole team get headshots in the same session?

Yes, and team headshot sessions are a great way to get a consistent, professional look across your entire group. Each person gets their own guided session. The consistent lighting and background across the set makes the whole team look cohesive. That holds up even when individual headshots are used separately on LinkedIn or in speaker bios.

If you’re thinking about headshots for a group, reach out to talk through the setup. It’s a different structure than a solo session, so it’s worth a quick conversation before booking.

Still have a question that isn’t covered here? The headshot sessions page has more details. You can also reach out directly and I’ll get back to you. The session is quick, the process is easy, and you’ll leave with images that actually work for you.

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