By James Mitchell / Published 8 March 2025
A professional headshot is often the first impression people have of you. Whether it's on LinkedIn, your company website, a conference programme, or a speaker bio, the image needs to look polished, current, and authentically you. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Here's everything you need to know before your headshot session.
What to Wear
Clothing choices make a significant difference in how your headshot reads on screen. The goal is to look professional and put-together without your outfit distracting from your face.
Stick to solid colours. Solid, muted tones like navy, charcoal, white, burgundy, forest green, and black photograph consistently well. They keep the focus on your face and work against most backgrounds.
Avoid busy patterns. Thin stripes, small checks, and intricate patterns can create a visual effect called moire, where the pattern appears to shimmer or vibrate on screen. Large, bold patterns can dominate the image and draw attention away from your expression.
Bring 2 to 3 outfit options. Even if you think you know exactly what you want to wear, having alternatives gives you and the photographer flexibility. A slight change of top between shots can give you a completely different look from the same session.
Dress for your industry. A corporate headshot calls for different attire than a creative industry portrait. If you're in finance or law, a suit jacket or structured blazer works well. If you're in a creative field, something more relaxed and expressive is appropriate. Think about what your clients or colleagues would expect to see.
Iron or steam your clothes. This sounds obvious, but wrinkled clothing is one of the most common issues we see. Creases catch light and create distracting shadows. Bring your outfit on a hanger and change at the studio or location if possible.
Grooming Tips
Hair. Get your hair cut or styled a few days before the session, not the day of. This gives it time to settle into its natural shape. On the day, style it the way you normally would. Avoid trying a brand-new hairstyle for the first time at your headshot session.
Makeup. If you wear makeup, apply it as you normally would for a professional setting with slightly more definition. Matte foundation helps control shine under studio lighting. Avoid heavy contouring unless it aligns with your personal brand.
Skincare. Stay hydrated and moisturise well in the days before your session. Dry or flaky skin is visible in close-up portraits, even with professional retouching.
Facial hair. If you normally shave, do so the morning of the session. If you maintain a beard, trim and shape it the day before.
What to Expect on the Day
A typical individual headshot session runs 30 to 60 minutes, including setup and outfit changes. Your photographer will guide you through the process, starting with a brief chat about how the images will be used. A LinkedIn headshot has different requirements to a corporate bio page or a keynote speaker profile. Headshots are often booked alongside corporate event photography when companies want consistent team imagery across all their materials.
Expect the photographer to direct small adjustments: chin angle, shoulder position, eye line, and expression. These micro-adjustments make a significant difference, even though they feel subtle in the moment. Most people relax after the first few frames.
How to Pose Naturally
The most common concern people have about headshots is looking awkward. Here are a few practical tips that help.
Stand or sit slightly angled. Facing the camera square-on can look flat and confrontational. A slight turn of the shoulders creates depth and a more natural composition.
Think of something genuinely pleasant. Forced smiles are immediately recognisable. Instead of thinking "smile", think about something that makes you happy. The difference is subtle but unmistakable in the final image.
Relax your hands. If your hands are in the frame, keep them relaxed. Clenched or tightly folded hands telegraph tension that reads even in a head-and-shoulders crop.
Breathe. Before each shot, take a breath and exhale slowly. Holding your breath creates tension in your jaw, neck, and shoulders that shows up in photographs.
Choosing a Background
Your photographer will typically offer a choice between studio backgrounds and outdoor settings. Studio shots use seamless paper or fabric backdrops in neutral tones, providing a clean, controlled look that works well for corporate use. Outdoor shots use natural environments, architectural features, or urban textures to create a more relaxed, contextual feel.
Neither is inherently better. The choice depends on your industry, where the images will be used, and your personal preference. If in doubt, a clean studio background is the most versatile option.
Indoor vs Outdoor Sessions
Indoor sessions offer full control over lighting and background, which means consistent results regardless of weather. Outdoor sessions take advantage of natural light and real-world settings, producing images with a warmer, more organic quality. Melbourne's unpredictable weather makes indoor sessions the safer bet, but outdoor sessions on a clear day can produce stunning results, especially in locations like the Royal Botanic Gardens or Southbank. If you're planning headshots around a broader event, our conference photography packages often include a dedicated headshot station for speakers and attendees.
How Many Shots to Expect
From a 30 to 60-minute session, your photographer will typically take 80 to 200 frames. From those, you'll receive 3 to 5 professionally retouched final images. The retouching process includes colour correction, exposure balancing, skin smoothing, and removal of minor blemishes. The aim is a polished but natural result that still looks like you.
How Long Does a Session Take?
Individual headshot sessions typically run 30 to 60 minutes, including setup and outfit changes. Team sessions for groups of 5 to 20 people usually take 2 to 4 hours, with each person spending 10 to 15 minutes in front of the camera. We recommend scheduling team sessions in blocks, with a clear timetable so people aren't waiting around.
For team headshot bookings, most photographers offer per-person pricing that decreases with group size. Our event photography pricing guide breaks down the typical costs for both individual and team sessions.
If you'd like to book a headshot session or discuss options for your team, get a free quote and we'll put together a tailored package. For more general advice on working with a photographer, our guide on what to look for when hiring an event photographer is a useful starting point.