Session Guide - Preparing for your Photoshoot

This simple guide will help you feel comfortable and confident for your session.

Wardrobe

Choose clothing that keeps attention on your face and supports a clean, polished image.

Stick to neutrals and solids: Avoid bold patterns, logos, or bright colours that pull focus from your face.
Bring options: Two or three outfits work well, including casual and slightly dressy choices.
Tailored fit: Choose clothing that fits well and feels comfortable.
Avoid shiny fabrics: Satin, silk blends, and anything reflective can create hotspots under studio lights.
Collars: If wearing a collared shirt, ensure it is clean and pressed so it frames your face properly.
Think about the background: Avoid colours that match the backdrop too closely.

Loose or baggy clothing: It adds bulk on camera.
Cheap fabrics that wrinkle: They crease easily under studio lighting.
Busy patterns: They can create digital moiré distortion.
Shiny fabrics like satin: Reflective materials cause bright hotspots.
Low-quality: They look noticeably lower quality in high-resolution headshots.

Aim for a clean, tidy look that still feels like you on your best day.

Hair: Fresh styling works best. Same-day or one day before is ideal.
Makeup: Natural and matte products photograph the cleanest.
Hands: Neat, moisturized hands are helpful if they appear in the shot.
Glasses: Clean them thoroughly. Anti-glare without blue light coatings works best.

Very frizzy or flyaway hair: It creates halos of stray strands in photos.
Glossy makeup: It produces bright hotspots under lights.
Smudged or dirty glasses: They scatter light and reduce clarity.
Heavy contouring or sharp brows: They can distort facial structure in headshots.

A little preparation before your session goes a long way toward relaxed, natural images.

Rest well: Sleep helps more than any touch-up.
Hydrate: Helps skin look smoother and healthier.
Avoid irritants: Anything that reddens or dries your skin is best avoided the day before.
Avoid Heavy Meals: Refrain from eating heavy or greasy food right before the session to prevent bloating.
Review past photos: Bring an example if it helps.
Practice: If you have a pose or expression in mind it can help to practice in the mirror to help build confidence & relax.

Very red or irritated eyes: They are difficult to correct naturally in retouching.
Chapped lips: Texture is very visible even in soft lighting.
Fresh sunburns, spray tans, or strong facials: They create uneven texture on camera.
Arriving rushed or stressed: It leads to stiff expressions and takes longer to relax.

A few quick checks before you leave and when you arrive will help everything come together smoothly.

Stay Relaxed: Remind them it’s okay to feel nervous at first and that you’ll guide them through the process.
Wear clean, pressed clothing: Wrinkle-free outfits support the look you want.
Shave or tidy facial hair early: Give your skin time to calm.
Use light makeup touch ups: A small amount of powder reduces shine.
Do a final check: Look for teeth marks, flyaway hairs, shine, collars, and glasses.

Very shiny skin: It causes strong hotspots on camera. HD powder is available if needed.
Heavily wrinkled clothing: It cannot be fixed in post without distortion.
Lint or pet hair: It is especially noticeable on darker fabrics.
Crooked collars or twisted necklaces: They distract immediately.
Trying to pose yourself too much: This often leads to stiffness. Let the photographer guide you.

Want help preparing for your headshot or choosing outfits?