A headshot isn’t just for actors or real estate agents anymore.

Your headshot is how you present yourself to the world. To potential employers, clients, friends and family, and beyond. With the rise of social media, your headshot is the first impression you give to the people that find you online.

If you don’t have a headshot that you love, you need to get one, stat.

Here are a few quick tips to consider for a great lifestyle headshot:

1. Wear clothes you’re comfortable in for your headshot

A professional headshot session is not a fashion shoot or an opportunity to pretend you’re someone you’re not. It is important that your headshot is an authentic representation of who you are.

Choose outfits that are appropriate. Whether for your profession, your business, your campaign, or your potential workplace.

Whatever the case may be, make sure your clothes fit! Especially in the arms, chest, and shoulders. Watch for things like visible bra straps and puckering buttons. Choose clothing colors that complement your skin tone. And make sure to iron or steam out any wrinkles!

Picking the right kind of clothing for your headshot can be a great excuse to do some shopping, or get the opinion of a stylist. But it doesn’t mean you have to buy something new. Check your closet for the item you receive the most compliments in, or ask a friend for help.

2. Go for a soft and natural, but enhanced look

The day of or the days leading up to your photo session is not the time for a new haircut. I recommend avoiding any major changes to your hair in the week before your session. That way if anything goes wrong you have some time to fix it.

I do encourage you to get your hair styled before your session if possible. This would be a perfect occasion to get a blowout. Get your hair done in a style that you like and feel comfortable in.

My advice for makeup is similar. I recommend having your makeup done by a makeup artist you know. Don’t risk it with a makeup artist you are unfamiliar with or that you’ve never used before. If possible, consider booking a trial run with a new makeup artist before your session. If you are more comfortable doing it yourself, that’s okay too.

Ask your stylist(s) to keep your hair and makeup looking soft and natural. This is not the time for a dramatic look. While the camera does absorb much of the makeup, you still want to look like yourself.

I’ve had a personal experience getting my hair and makeup done for a wedding and the results shocked me. The look was way more makeup than I preferred. I felt uncomfortable the whole day.

3. Get some sleep and drink your water

Alright, I know this is easier said than done. But sleep is often overlooked before a headshot. You can’t Photoshop out looking tired or hungover.

Also, be sure to drink plenty of water before your session. That way you’ll arrive looking fresh and well-rested. No one wants to look like a trainwreck or hot mess.

4. Don’t worry about posing for your headshot

Take a quick look at your LinkedIn feed. Check out the headshots you like and others that may make you cringe. What do you like or dislike about them?

A great headshot photographer will help you with posing for your shoot. Be sure to let your photographer know if you have anything that you’re extra self-conscious about. It’s okay if you don’t know how to pose or know what to do with your hands!

For example, with my Frisco headshot clients, I make sure that we have a quick chat before launching into taking photos. I like to get a sense of my client’s personality before sticking a camera in their face.

5. Prepare for your lifestyle headshot shoot

Preparation is an essential piece of the success pie, right? Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready.

Hang your outfit(s), steam or iron them, and decide your hair and makeup look at least a week ahead. Bring some quick fix items with you such as a hairbrush, lipstick, powder, hand mirror, Tide Pen for any touch-ups during the shoot.

When you arrive prepared with a clear vision of how you’d like to look, the results will be awesome.

Are you in the Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Texas area and looking for a professional photographer near you? Need a new headshot? Email me and let’s get you a casual headshot you love!

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