How to prepare for a professional headshot session

Know where the headshot will be used

A casting profile, LinkedIn page, staff website and press pack all need slightly different energy. Share the intended use so the session can prioritise the right tone and crop.

Bring clothing that supports the purpose

Avoid relying on one outfit. Bring options with different textures and necklines, and avoid anything that distracts from the face unless that is part of the intended identity.

Think about range, not one fixed smile

A good session usually creates a small range: approachable, direct, serious, warm or characterful. The goal is not one forced expression but a set of usable options.

Share examples carefully

Reference images can help, but they should describe tone rather than become a rigid imitation. The final images need to suit you, not just copy someone else’s lighting or pose.

Agree retouching and delivery needs

Confirm whether you need web-size files, print-size files, black-and-white versions, square crops or lightly retouched selects. That avoids confusion after the shoot.