Your Complete Guide to Prepping for a Headshot Session

Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, preparing for a corporate website, or looking for a professional photo for your personal brand, headshots are crucial in making a strong first impression. At Stanley Wu Photography, we want you to feel confident and prepared for your session, ensuring you walk away with headshots that capture your best self.

Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for your headshot session

1. Choosing the Right Outfit

Your outfit sets the tone for your headshot and speaks to the audience you're aiming to impress. Here’s how to make sure you’re dressed for success:

• Keep it Simple: Solid colors tend to work best in headshots as they don’t distract from your face. Neutrals like black, navy, gray, or white work for almost any setting.
• Avoid Patterns: Loud patterns can be distracting. Opt for solid colors to ensure that your face remains the focal point.
• Dress for Your Industry: If you work in a corporate setting, stick to professional attire such as blazers or dress shirts. For creative industries, you can keep it slightly more casual or add a touch of personality with accessories.
• Fit Matters: Make sure your clothing fits well and is pressed and clean. Wrinkled or ill-fitting outfits will be noticeable in your final photos.

2. Hair and Makeup Tips

Headshots capture every detail, so grooming is key.

• Hair: Make sure your hair is freshly washed and styled. Bring along a brush or comb to touch up during the session. If you’re considering a haircut, do it at least a week before the session so it has time to settle.
• Makeup: Keep makeup light and natural to enhance your features. Aim for a look that’s slightly polished but still authentic to you. Bring along a bit of translucent powder to reduce shine if needed.
• Grooming: If you have facial hair, make sure it’s neatly trimmed. Shave the morning of your session if you're going for a clean look.
• Professional Hair & Makeup: While it's possible to handle hair and makeup yourself, I highly recommend hiring a professional hair and makeup artist. Not only does this reduce the mental load on the day of your shoot, but it also ensures you look your absolute best. A pro will know how to style your look for the camera, creating a polished yet natural appearance that enhances your features and works well with studio lighting.

3. Skincare and Hydration

The better your skin looks, the better your photos will turn out. Here’s how to prep your skin for the camera:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of your session to keep your skin fresh and glowing.
• Sleep: Get a good night's rest. Lack of sleep shows up in photos as dark circles and dull skin.
• Skincare Routine: Stick to your normal skincare routine in the days leading up to the session. Avoid trying new products that could cause irritation or breakouts.

4. What to Bring to Your Session

Being well-prepared will help the session go smoothly. Here are a few things you may want to bring:

• Touch-up Kit: Include a comb or brush, makeup for touch-ups, powder for shine, and lip balm for hydration.
• Multiple Outfits: If your session allows for it, bring a couple of outfit options to add variety to your headshots.
• Water and Snacks: Keep yourself hydrated and energized during the shoot, especially if it's a longer session.

5. Posing and Confidence

Feeling nervous about being in front of the camera? Here’s how to nail your headshot:

• Relax: It’s normal to feel a bit stiff at first, but take a deep breath and loosen up. We’ll guide you through natural poses that suit your personality.
• Posture is Key: Good posture makes a huge difference in headshots. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders back for a confident and polished look.
• Practice in the Mirror: Try out different smiles and expressions before the session. A friendly and approachable smile is always a good starting point.

6. Getting the Best Out of Your Session

We want to make sure your headshots reflect your best self. Here’s how to make sure the session goes perfectly:

• Communicate Your Vision: Let us know how you plan to use the photos (corporate profiles, social media, personal branding) so we can tailor the shoot to your needs.
• Trust the Process: We’ll guide you through every step, from posing to lighting, to ensure you’re comfortable and confident.

7. After the Session: What to Expect

After your session, you'll be able to review all the images we took, and can choose your favorites. We’ll then professionally retouch your chosen images, enhancing them while keeping them natural and authentic.

Retouching Style

At Stanley Wu Photography, we believe in retouching that enhances your natural features while maintaining an authentic look. Our goal is to create professional, polished images that still feel like you. Here's what you can expect from our retouching process:

• Subtle and Natural Enhancements: We focus on removing temporary blemishes, evening skin tones, and reducing shine, while preserving the natural texture of your skin.
• Attention to Detail and Authenticity: We’ll adjust lighting and fine-tune details to ensure the overall image looks cohesive, sharp, and professional, but we’ll never over-edit or use heavy-handed adjustments that detract from authenticity.

This retouching approach gives you a polished, modern headshot that looks clean and professional but never artificial. Our goal is to make you look your best while ensuring your headshots remain authentic and true to who you are.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a headshot session can feel daunting, but with a little prep, you'll be camera-ready in no time. At Stanley Wu Photography, we’re here to ensure you look and feel your best, delivering modern, elegant headshots that reflect your personal or professional brand.

Book your headshot session today and take the first step toward making a lasting impression!