Headshot Style & Preparation Guide

It’s time to refresh your look. This guide will help you show up looking confident, polished, and ready for the spotlight. No stress—just a few quick tips to help you look your best.

👔 What to Wear

✓ Dress sharp. Keep it simple.

  • Solid colors work best—navy, charcoal, blue, white, teal, pink, and other muted tones photograph beautifully.

  • Choose structured layers like a well-fitting blazer, jacket, or cardigan. Layers add polish and contrast, and help with posture and proportions.

  • Men: A button-down shirt under a blazer is a classic choice and looks great on anyone. Add a tie for a more formal look, or skip the tie for a more relaxed look.

  • Women: A solid blouse or top with subtle texture or detail. Add a blazer or jacket for extra polish and structure.

  • Company polos or branded shirts are perfectly fine if that’s your typical workwear.

  • Glasses: Wear them if you usually do. Just give the lenses a quick wipe beforehand.

🚫 What Not to Wear

✗ Avoid anything that pulls attention away from your face.

  • Busy patterns like stripes, plaids, or florals (simple patterns on ties are okay)

  • Bold or vibrant colors—go for softer, muted, professional shades instead

  • Clothing with large or distracting logos (unless it’s your company’s and it's appropriate)

  • Wrinkled, saggy, or oversized clothing

  • Loose or floppy collars—structured collars look sharper and more professional

  • Reflective, oversized, or flashy jewelry

  • T-shirts or athletic wear (unless it’s your standard work uniform)

💇 Grooming & Appearance

✓ Small details make a big difference.

  • Hair: Wear it how you normally do for work. A trim a few days beforehand is fine.

  • Makeup: Totally optional. If you wear it daily, stick to your normal look—consider a matte finish or powder to reduce shine.

  • Facial hair: Trim and groom it as you usually do. No need to try something new right before the shoot.

  • Lips & brows: Moisturize your lips and neaten your brows—simple and effective.

💡 Prep Tips

✓ Set yourself up for a smooth session.

  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before—you’ll look fresher and more energized.

  • Stay hydrated—good skin starts from within.

  • Bring an extra outfit if you’re unsure or want options.

  • Show up camera-ready: hair styled, outfit on, feeling good and confident.

✨ Retouching Reminder

✓ Don’t stress the small stuff—we’ve got it covered.

Final images will be professionally retouched, so there’s no need to worry about:

  • Blemishes or uneven skin complexion

  • Frizz or stray hairs

  • Minor wrinkles in clothing

  • Small distractions like lint or shine

Just focus on showing up rested, relaxed, and ready. We’ll take care of the rest.

📸 On the Day

✓ We’re here to help.

  • You don’t need to know how to pose—we’ll guide you every step of the way.

  • We’ll give you direction so you look confident, relaxed, and authentic.

  • If you’re nervous or camera-shy, don’t worry—it’s totally normal. We’ve got you.

📨 Questions?

Got questions about clothing, grooming, or anything else before the shoot?
Feel free to reach out—we’re here to help you look and feel your best.

Email us at: info@sandiegoprofessionalheadshots.com