Power Portraits

How to Prepare for Your Headshot

The Complete Guide

A great headshot starts before you ever step in front of the camera. This guide covers everything you need to know — from what to wear to how to pose — so you show up feeling confident and leave with photos you love.

What to Wear

Stick to Solid Colors

Solids photograph beautifully. Avoid busy patterns, thin stripes, and small prints — they can create visual noise and distract from your face.

Choose Fitted Clothing

Well-tailored pieces look polished on camera. Avoid anything too loose or baggy, which can look shapeless in photos.

Bring Layers for Variety

A blazer, jacket, or cardigan gives you instant outfit variety without a full wardrobe change. Layers also add dimension to your shots.

Keep Accessories Simple

Minimal jewellery works best. Avoid anything large or reflective that could catch light or draw attention away from your face.

Skip Logos and Branding

Visible logos date your photos and can be distracting. Keep it clean and timeless.

Grooming & Preparation

Style Your Hair Day-Of

Get your hair cut a few days before, not the day of. Style it the way you normally wear it — you want to look like the best version of yourself.

Natural Makeup (or Professional)

Keep makeup natural and camera-friendly. If you want to go the extra mile, consider hiring a professional makeup artist for a polished, photo-ready look.

Skincare Starts One Week Before

Hydrate, moisturize, and avoid trying new products that could cause breakouts. Your skin will thank you on shoot day.

Get Plenty of Rest

A good night’s sleep the night before makes a visible difference. Puffy eyes and fatigue show up on camera.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session. Hydrated skin photographs with a healthy, natural glow.

How to Pose

Chin Slightly Forward and Down

This is the single most flattering adjustment. Push your chin forward and tilt it slightly down to define your jawline and avoid a double chin.

Angle Your Body 45 Degrees

Turn your torso slightly to one side rather than facing the camera straight on. This creates a slimming, dynamic look.

Relax Your Shoulders

Drop your shoulders down and back. Tension shows up instantly in photos, so take a deep breath and let them fall naturally.

Think of Something Funny

A genuine smile beats a forced one every time. Think of a happy memory or inside joke right before the shutter clicks for a natural, warm expression.

The Slight Squint (Squinch)

Narrow your lower eyelids ever so slightly. It adds confidence and intensity to your eyes without looking like you are squinting.

Day-Of Checklist

Bring 2–3 Outfit Changes More options means more variety in your final gallery.

Arrive 10 Minutes Early Give yourself time to settle in, meet your photographer, and relax.

Bring a Touch-Up Kit Blotting papers, lip balm, a comb, and a small mirror for quick fixes between setups.

Eat Beforehand Low blood sugar kills energy. Have a proper meal so you feel sharp and comfortable.

Leave Stress at the Door This is your time. Clear your schedule, silence your phone, and enjoy the experience.

What to Expect at Your Session

30–60 Minutes

Your session is designed to be relaxed and efficient. We will move through multiple looks without rushing.

Multiple Setups

Different backgrounds, lighting styles, and outfit changes give you a range of options for different uses.

Professional Direction Throughout

You do not need to know how to model. Your photographer will guide you through every pose and expression.

See Previews On-Set

You will see images on the camera screen throughout the shoot so you know exactly how you look.

Edited Delivery in 5–7 Days

Your professionally retouched images will be delivered to an online gallery within a week of your session.

Pro Tip

The most important thing you can bring to your session is a positive attitude. Confidence is the best accessory — and it always photographs beautifully.

Ready to Book Your Session?

Let’s create headshots that make a powerful first impression. Book your session today and walk away with photos you are proud to share.

Book Your Session powerportraits.com