How to Prepare for Your First Headshot Session

If you've never had professional headshots taken before, it's completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect. Most people aren't used to being in front of a camera, and that's okay — it's my job to make you feel comfortable and get great results regardless.

Here's everything you need to know to walk in prepared and walk out with photos you're proud of.

A typical headshot session at Megastar Photography runs between 30 minutes and one hour depending on your package. We'll start with a quick conversation about what you're using the photos for — LinkedIn, a company website, an acting portfolio, or something else — so I can tailor the session to your specific needs.

From there, I'll guide you through posing. You don't need to know how to pose. I'll direct you the entire time, adjusting your angle, chin position, and expression to find what looks best for your face. Most people are surprised at how natural it feels once we get started.

Your outfit is one of the biggest factors in how your headshot turns out. Solid, neutral colors almost always work best — navy, charcoal, deep green, or burgundy. Avoid busy patterns or very bright colors, which can distract from your face.

Bring two or three options if you can. We'll look at them together and choose what photographs best. Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and fits well. Wrinkles and poor fit show up clearly on camera.

For more detail, read our full guide: What to Wear to Your Corporate Headshot Session in Seattle.

This sounds simple, but it makes a real difference. Tired eyes are hard to hide in a close-up photo. Aim for a full night of sleep before your session. Avoid alcohol or salty foods the night before, as both can cause puffiness around the eyes.

• Hair: Style it the way you would for an important meeting or job interview. Don't try a brand-new style the day of your session.
• Skin: If you have a skincare routine, stick to it. Avoid trying new products right before the session.
• Makeup: Natural and polished is the goal. Heavy contouring can look overdone in a professional headshot.
• Men: If you shave, do it the morning of your session. If you have a beard, trim and shape it a day or two before so it looks intentional.

Give yourself time to settle in before we start shooting. If you rush in stressed, it takes a few minutes to decompress — and those minutes eat into your session time. Arriving a little early means you can take a breath, look over your outfit, and get comfortable in the space.

This is the number one concern I hear from first-time clients, and it's the one thing you don't need to worry about. I will direct every pose. You won't be standing there guessing what to do with your hands or where to look. I'll walk you through it step by step and show you the results on the back of the camera as we go so you can see what's working.

After your session, I'll edit and retouch your best images. Depending on your package, you'll receive your final photos within a few business days. You'll be able to download them in high resolution for print and web use.

If you're in the Seattle area and ready to get professional headshots, I'd love to work with you. Sessions are available in Mountlake Terrace, WA.

Book your headshot session or view headshot packages and pricing.