Headshot prep guidelines

Congratulations on booking a professional business headshot session with Bloom Branding Photography.


There are a few things to prepare before your session in order to get the best out of your headshot. Follow the guidelines that apply to you and your headshot will be a fabulous success!

Hair prep

Avoid hairspray — we will assist you with flyaway hair.

If your hair has a tendency to be fluffy, don't wash it the morning of your session!

If you haven't had time to touch up roots regrowth, use a cover up hairspray on your hairline.

Face

Exfoliate your face and lips the night before to remove dry or flakey skin and brighten up a dull complexion. Add a touch of illuminating highlighter to your makeup to give skin a natural glow. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin!


Facial hair

Men — trim and tidy facial hair, including beard, sideburns, eyebrows, nose, ears and neck. If eyebrows are long and/or curly, comb them into place.

Ladies — fill in sparse eyebrows with eyebrow pencil.


Glasses

Clean lenses multiple times with a fresh lint cloth. If your lenses aren't anti-reflective, we may need some extra time to capture your headshot. Ensure transition lenses have adjusted to indoor light well before your session start time.


Eyes

If your eyes are tired or red, use lubricant eye drops. Avoid excessively dark, smokey or heavy eye makeup. The aim is to 'open up' you eyes like this.

Eyelashes

For a natural appearance, mascara will do the trick. Remove any clumps from lashes before it dries. Alternatively, classic extensions will enhance and fill your lashes. If using stick-on lashes, choose a tapered lash end and invisible band and go easy on the glue.

Makeup

Foundation, contouring, highlighting and brows should be heavier and thicker than usual as they lose impact from the bright studio flash. If lipstick's not your thing, a lip gloss 'stain' is a great alternative.

Teeth

Check your teeth for food remnants and remove with toothbrush, toothpick or floss.

Professional makeup

I highly recommend hiring a professional makeup artist. There are a number of makeup artists that also style hair. It is absolutely worth the investment, even if you want a natural look. I have a makeup artist recommendation list — please ask. Remember, your makeup only needs to last a short time, so even an express makeup service (redeemable on product) like MECCA is worthwhile.

What to wear

A traditional headshot includes just your head and shoulders, as well as part of your chest, so the most important part of your outfit is your neckline and shoulders. Here's a list of tips and tricks when selecting an outfit for a flattering, professional and timeless headshot.

Tips & Tricks - Women


View our inspiration board.


  • If you've booked a full headshot session (not an express headshot), bring multiple clothing options.
  • Tailored, tailored, tailored! Choose an outfit that is well-fitted and not oversized, even if you're larger than you wish you were!
  • Select a neckline or collar that is well structured, tailored and flattering. You could add interest with a scalloped or asymmetrical cut across the neck/chest, or a contrasting band colour.
  • For a professional look, avoid plunging necklines that show your cleavage.
  • Choose an outfit with sleeves that covers your shoulders and top of arms. The eye is drawn to bare skin and we want the focus to be your face and connection with your eyes.
  • A tailored blazer over a collarless shirt always looks great in camera and gives shoulders structure.
  • If you want an 'arresting' headshot to stop the scroll, choose an eye-catching colour (shirt, jacket, jewellery of glasses) or even a bold pattern — but beware that this look may date quickly.
  • If you want your eyes to pop, match your shirt or an accessory (earrings/necklace) to your eye colour.
  • Alternatively, you could match your shirt or an accessory to one of your brand colours.
  • If you're wearing a pink or red shirt, match your shade of lipstick.
  • Ensure bra straps are hidden and bra cups are smooth under fabric.
  • Iron or steam your shirt and place on hanger.
  • Remove lint from dark clothing.

Tips & Tricks - Men


View our inspiration board.


  • If you've booked a full headshot session (not an express headshot), bring multiple clothing options.
  • Tailored, tailored, tailored! Choose a shirt and suit jacket that is well-fitted and not oversized, even if you're larger than you wish you were!
  • If you're wearing a collared shirt, choose a relatively stiff or structured collar and add interest with details, like contrasting buttons or stitching for a refined look.
  • If you're wearing a tie, pair it with a business shirt that has a relatively stiff collar, rather than a casual shirt.
  • Knot your tie before you arrive at your session so you're ready to go.
  • Generally, the darker your suit, the more formal your look.
  • If you want an 'arresting' headshot to stop the scroll, choose an eye-catching colour (shirt, jacket, tie, pocket square or glasses) or even a bold pattern — but beware that this look may date quickly.
  • You could match your accessories (tie or glasses), or even your shirt, to one of your brand colours.
  • Iron or steam your shirt and place on hanger.
  • Remove lint from dark clothing.