How To Prepare For Your Headshot In 24 Hours
A Quick Guide To Prepare for Your Headshot in 24 Hours
A few simple tips to look confident, polished, and like the best version of yourself.
Let’s face it: A professional headshot is often your first impression. Whether someone discovers you on LinkedIn, your website, or a speaking engagement page, your Headshot communicates who you are before you ever say a word.
Sometimes, you need a Headshot ASAP and need to schedule something quickly. While it is ideal if you can plan ahead of time, that may not be possible. But don’t fret! If your session is tomorrow and you’re feeling a little unprepared, don’t stress. With as little as 24 hours, you can do a few simple things to make sure you show up confident, relaxed, and ready for photos you’ll love.
Here’s exactly how to prepare for your Headshot in 24 Hours.
Pick Your Headshot Outfit(s) Tonight
Lay your outfit choices the evening before. Make sure you include all the components you need to complete the look.
I have found that the largest amount of stress for my clients on Headshot day usually revolves around wardrobe. Save yourself the last minute panic by deciding on options the night before.
A few easy tips:
Stick with solid colors when preparing for your Headshots
When in doubt, solids are great. Solid tones photograph best and keep the focus on your face. Busy patterns can distract and sometimes distort body shape.
The advice I also give to my clients is to think about what color they wear that garners the most compliments. We all have that one color where people remark how great it looks on you. Go with that!
Choose something that feels like “you”
Your Headshot should ideally reflect how you show up professionally. If you never wear a suit, don’t suddenly wear one for your photos. Think about how you would dress for a client meeting.
Bring 2–3 options
Variety is a great thing for your Headshot session. Different necklines, jackets, or layers can give you variety without a full outfit change.
Avoid common mistakes
- Tiny patterns
- Wrinkled fabrics
- Distracting logos
- Overly trendy pieces that may date quickly
- Don’t forget proper undergarments
Pro tip: Hang your outfits up the evening before so they’re ready and wrinkle-free in the morning. Double check to be sure they do not have stains or small tears.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
This may sound simple, but a proper night’s rest is one of the most powerful things you can do.
Sleep helps:
- Reduce puffiness
- Brighten your eyes
- Improve your mood
Aim for a full and restful night so you feel refreshed. Feeling rested translates into a confident and relaxed demeanor.
Hydrate Before Your Session
Glowing skin starts with good hydration! Begin drinking plenty of water the day before your session.
Hydration will help:
- Skin look smoother
- Lips stay hydrated
- Eyes appear brighter
You don’t need to overdo it—just be mindful to drink plenty of water throughout the day and evening.
Personal Grooming in headshots Matters
Sometimes we show hands in Headshots–make sure you have neat and clean nails!
Little details matter! Take a few minutes the night before to take care of small grooming details.
- Trim facial hair
- Light eyebrow shaping if needed
- Clean, trimmed nails
- Moisturize your skin
Avoid trying anything new or drastic the day before your shoot (new haircut, new skincare treatments, etc.).
Keep it simple and natural.
Keep Your Normal Hairstyle
Keep your “normal” hairstyle and makeup–you want to look like YOU!
Now is not the time for experimentation. Your headshot should represent how you show up to work and to meet clients in real life.
Instead of a brand-new style, aim for your usual polished look.
Helpful tips:
- Wash your hair the day before or morning of (depending on your normal routine)
- Avoid heavy hairspray or styling products
- Bring a brush or comb to your session
Mentally Prepare for Your Headshot Session
Great Headshots happen when you are relaxed and confident. I never expect clients to show up like professional models. Instead of worrying about posing perfectly, remember:
Your photographer will guide you.
Professional headshot sessions include direction for:
- posture
- angles
- expressions
- natural movement
Your job is simply to show up as yourself.
Pack a Small Session Kit
Bring a few small items with you:
- Lip balm
- Powder or blotting paper
- Comb or brush
- Water
These little things make quick touch-ups easy during your session. Put them with the wardrobe items you will be bringing.
Give Yourself Extra Time to Arrive For Your Headshots
Nothing affects your mindset more than feeling rushed or late.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can:
- settle in
- adjust clothing
- take a breath
- relax before the session begins
A calm mind will show in your photos.
Properly planning for your Headshots will result in relaxed and confident images.
Final Thoughts On Preparing For Your Headshots
Preparing for your headshots should not be overly complicated.
Focusing on wardrobe, rest, hydration, grooming, and mindset the evening before will set you up for a Headshot session that feels easy, relaxed, and natural.
Believe it or not, the goal of a great headshot isn’t perfection.
It’s capturing the authentic, confident version of you that people will be excited to work with.
Thinking about updating your professional image? A fresh headshot can make a powerful difference in how you show up online and in your industry. We would love to help you with that! Call the Studio directly today at (518) 584-4237 or use our Contact Form to get in touch.
