Headshot Soon? Here's What to Do!

Headshot Soon? Here's What to Do 📸

A great headshot starts before you step in front of the camera

You booked the headshot.

The day is coming.

Now you're staring into your closet wondering what to wear, whether you should get a haircut, and why you suddenly care so much about your eyebrows. 😂

Don't overthink it.

A little preparation can make your headshot session feel much easier.

1. Choose your outfit 1-2 weeks before

Please don't wait until 20 minutes before your session!

Try everything on—including the jacket, jewelry, and accessories you plan to wear.

Look for clothing that:

• fits well• makes you feel confident• isn't overly distracting• represents your profession• looks like YOU

And bring another option if you're unsure.

2. Iron or steam your clothes the night before

This tiny detail makes a BIG difference.

Wrinkles can be surprisingly noticeable in professional portraits, especially in solid-colored shirts and jackets.

Hang everything up the night before so it's ready to go.

3. Don't make a dramatic change

The night before your headshot is probably not the time to experiment with a completely new haircut, self-tanner, skincare treatment, or hair color.

You want to walk into your session feeling like yourself—not wondering whether your new bangs were a terrible decision. 😉

4. Keep makeup polished but recognizable

If you normally wear makeup, your headshot makeup can simply be a slightly polished version of your everyday look.

Think even skin, defined eyes, and a little color on the lips.

You don't need to look dramatically different from how you would normally meet a client.

5. Drink some water and get some sleep

Nothing groundbreaking here, but it helps!

Hydrate, get a good night's sleep if you can, and give yourself enough time the next morning that you aren't arriving stressed and rushed.

6. Bring a tiny emergency kit

You don't need much.

Consider bringing:

• comb or brush• lip balm or lipstick• powder• lint roller• backup shirt or jacket• anything you normally use for quick touch-ups

If you wear glasses, bring them! Your headshot should look like the version of you people actually meet.

7. Stop worrying about posing

This is the part I want you to leave to me.

You don't need to practice poses in the mirror.

I'll guide you through your posture, angles, expression, and positioning so we can create a headshot that feels confident and approachable.

The goal is still to look like YOU

A professional headshot isn't about turning you into someone else.

It's about creating a polished version of the person your clients, colleagues, or employer are actually going to meet.

So prepare a little, bring an outfit you feel great in, and let me handle the rest.

📍 Serving Albuquerque & Rio Rancho, but happy to travel!

📸 Bella Vida Photography — Your life… captured beautifully