Preparing for Your Professional Headshots

Professional headshots are the perfect way to show off your unique personality and style. They can catch a potential client’s eye, and give them a glimpse into what working with you would be like. I recently did a professional headshots session with online business & marketing strategist, Susie Romans. During the shoot, we got to talking about tips and tricks to getting the best headshots, and I thought it would be the perfect topic to share with you! Here are Susie’s and my top tips for preparing for your professional headshots.

Tamara’s Tips:

Relax

I know this is easier said than done, but try your best not to be too nervous. I’ll be ready with tons of suggestions for poses, so you just have to show up and be yourself! I like to chat during headshots sessions to keep my clients as comfortable and relaxed as possible. I even try to crack a few jokes along the way to get some natural laughs and smiles. These make for great photos!

Be yourself

Be yourself and your personality will shine through in your images. After all, your headshots are used to give your clients a glimpse of who you are. Dress comfortably and in a way that relates to your profession. I like to tell my clients to dress as if they were on their way to meet one of their clients. Sometimes that means a suit and sometimes that means jeans!

Find the right location

As with any photography session, picking a location is key. My best advice is to pick a location that ties in with your career. If you’re a florist, your floral shop would be a beautiful backdrop for your headshots, or if you’re a doctor, lets take photos in your office lobby. If you’re a hair stylists, your suite or salon would be the perfect spot. Picking a place that ties into your career, not only helps potential clients get to know you, but you’ll feel comfortable in the space as well!

Susie’s Tips:

The look

My advice would be, go natural with your make up and pick outfits that have some pops of color. You don’t want too much pattern. Form fitting outfits usually end up looking better because when you wear really flowy clothing you end up looking very shapeless.

The mindset

I’d say just have fun with your photographer. Have a natural conversation and try to by yourself. Always remember that the photographer will have lots of options for you, so be open to trying different poses. In the end you’re sure to have a few images that you’ll love. Don’t be afraid to get creative and just laugh off any of the poses that don’t turn out quite right.