How To Prepare For Your Headshot Session
Booking a professional headshot session is one of the best investments you can make in your personal brand. But for most people, the lead-up brings a familiar question: what am I actually supposed to do to prepare?
The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. With the right groundwork in place, you'll walk in feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to get a headshot you're genuinely proud of. Whether you're booked in for corporate team headshots in Vancouver, an executive portrait, or an individual LinkedIn headshot, these seven tips apply.
Before You Book: Three Things to Sort Out First
Before you confirm a session date, there are three decisions worth thinking through. Getting these right shapes everything that follows.
1. Choose the Right Headshot Photographer for You
Not all headshot photographers are the same, and the right fit matters more than most people realise. Strong technical skills are a given — but the ability to direct people on camera is what separates a good session from a great one. This is especially important if you're nervous in front of the camera (which is most people).
When reviewing photographers, look for:
- A portfolio that shows variety — different clients, lighting styles, and expressions
- Consistency across the work, not just a handful of standout shots
- A style that aligns with the level of professionalism you want to convey
- Reviews or testimonials that mention how clients felt during the session, not just the results
Not sure what to look for? The full guide on how to choose the right headshot photographer covers everything from portfolio red flags to the questions worth asking before you book.
2. Define Your Headshot Goals
The clearer you are on what these photos are for, the better the results will be. A headshot for a law firm's website calls for a different tone than one for a creative studio's Instagram. Before your session, think through:
- Where will the photos be used? LinkedIn, your company website, press releases, pitch decks, speaker bios?
- What impression do you want to make? Approachable, authoritative, creative, trustworthy?
- What does your industry expect? Financial services looks different from tech, which looks different from healthcare.
Come to your session with a few reference images — screenshots of headshots you admire — and share them with your photographer beforehand. It gives them a concrete starting point and ensures you're both aligned before the camera comes out.
If your photos are primarily for LinkedIn, it's worth reading what makes a great LinkedIn headshot before your session.
3. Plan Your Wardrobe, Hair, and Makeup in Advance
What you wear has a bigger impact on your headshot than almost anything else. Don't leave this decision to the morning of the shoot.
Clothing tips:
- Fitted garments photograph better than loose or baggy clothing
- Solid, neutral colours keep the focus on your face — busy patterns distract
- Bring at least two outfit options to give your session variety
- Make sure everything is pressed, lint-free, and fits well
- Consider what's appropriate for your industry and how the photos will be used
For a detailed breakdown, read the complete guides: what to wear for a professional headshot and the complete headshot outfit guide for women.
Hair and makeup tips:
- Book a haircut or styling appointment a few days before the shoot — freshly cut hair can look overly precise on camera
- If you wear makeup, aim for a polished but natural look that enhances your features without drawing attention away from your expression
- Ask your photographer if they work with makeup artists or hairstylists — many do, and it can make a real difference
At Simon Rochfort Photography, I work with a number of trusted makeup artists and hairstylists who can be arranged as part of your session. Just ask when you get in touch.
On the Day: What to Bring and How to Show Up
4. Bring These Essentials to Your Session
A few small things can make a big difference on shoot day. Pack these before you leave:
- A hairbrush or comb — especially useful for outdoor or on-location sessions where wind is a factor
- Basic makeup for touch-ups — at minimum, powder to manage shine and lip colour if you wear it
- A glasses cloth — smudged lenses are easy to miss and difficult to fix in post (if you forget, there are spares in the studio)
- Multiple outfit options — even with a focused session, variety gives you more to choose from when reviewing finals
- A reference image or two — something that captures the tone or expression you're aiming for
5. Do a Little Posing Practice Beforehand
You don't need to choreograph anything elaborate — but five minutes in front of a mirror before your session is genuinely useful. It helps you notice which side you naturally prefer, how your expression shifts with small adjustments, and what your "relaxed but engaged" face actually looks like.
Take a few selfies at different angles to experiment. This isn't about arriving with a set of rehearsed poses (your photographer will handle all of that) — it's about arriving with a little familiarity, which translates directly into confidence on camera.
For a full breakdown of technique, read: how to pose for a professional headshot — 10 tips from a Vancouver photographer.
6. Communicate with Your Photographer Before the Session
A quick conversation before your shoot day — even just a few messages — can meaningfully improve your results. Share:
- What the photos will be used for
- Any reference images you've saved
- Anything you're self-conscious about (a photographer who knows this can actively work around it)
- Any questions about what to expect on the day
Good photographers welcome this. It's not extra work — it's how they do their best work.
7. Relax — That's Part of the Photographer's Job Too
Feeling nervous before a headshot session is completely normal. Almost everyone does, regardless of how confident they are in other areas of their life. A few things that genuinely help:
- Take a few slow, deep breaths before you walk in
- Remind yourself that your photographer has done this hundreds of times and knows how to get great results from real people — not just professional models
- Trust the direction you're given — poses that feel strange often look the best on camera
- Give yourself permission to reset between shots: drop the expression, shake out your shoulders, and start fresh
The goal is for you to walk away with a headshot that looks like the best, most natural version of you. A skilled professional headshot photographer in Vancouver creates the conditions for that to happen — it's less about posing and more about presence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for a Headshot Session
How far in advance should I book my headshot session?
A week or two is usually enough for individual sessions. For corporate team headshots, allow three to four weeks to coordinate schedules and pre-session communication. If you're working toward a deadline — a website launch, event, or campaign — build in extra time for retouching and delivery.
Should I get my hair and makeup done professionally before a headshot?
It's not essential, but it often makes a noticeable difference — especially in how confident people feel walking into the session. If you'd like to arrange professional hair and makeup as part of your booking, just mention it when you get in touch.
What colours should I avoid wearing for a professional headshot?
Very bright or neon colours tend to reflect onto your skin and distract from your face. All-white can be tricky in certain lighting conditions. Muted tones — navy, charcoal, grey, cream, forest green, burgundy — photograph reliably well. Read the full headshot wardrobe guide for more detail.
How long does a headshot session take?
Individual sessions typically run between 30 minutes and one hour. Team sessions vary depending on group size — I regularly photograph teams of 10–15 people in a single half-day. Check the headshot pricing page for current session formats and what's included.
Do I need to practise posing before my headshot session?
A little practice helps — five minutes in front of a mirror works well. But don't over-rehearse; stiff poses are easy to spot. Your photographer will guide you through everything on the day. For more detail, read the full guide on how to pose for a professional headshot.
Follow these steps and you'll walk into your session prepared, relaxed, and ready — which is more than half the battle. The rest is down to your photographer.
Curious what professional results look like? Browse the headshot portfolio to see a range of real clients across industries and backgrounds.
Ready to book your session? Get in touch here — whether you need an individual headshot, executive portrait, or a full corporate team headshot session in Vancouver, I'd love to help you look your best.