How to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot: A Practical Guide for Corporate Teams
- Pierre R Michel
- Nov 8, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
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The Real Struggle Behind Headshot Day
For most people, headshot day sneaks up like a meeting no one put on the calendar. You tell yourself you’ll figure out outfits later, maybe get a haircut beforehand, and hope you’ll feel confident when the camera comes out. But the day arrives, and suddenly you’re in front of a lens trying to remember how to smile, whether your outfit actually works on camera, and if you’re giving the right expression for your role.
Corporate teams feel this even more. You're juggling deadlines, meetings, and the expectation to show up polished with very little time to prepare. That pressure is real.
The good news: a strong headshot doesn’t depend on being photogenic or having a model’s presence. It comes from preparation. And preparation is simple when you know what matters most.
That’s exactly what this guide gives you.
A Quick Story From a Recent Client
A few months ago, a law firm hired HSB ATL to update headshots for their partners and associates. One attorney showed up convinced she “didn’t photograph well.” She apologized before we even started. But she followed the prep steps we sent her—she brought intentional wardrobe options, skipped last-minute grooming changes, and reviewed a few examples of the style she wanted.
Within minutes of shooting, something shifted. She relaxed, trusted the process, and her final headshot became one of the strongest images in the entire gallery. Her team ended up using that photo across their website and internal branding.
Preparation didn’t just help her look good. It made her feel in control.
This guide is designed to give you that same experience.
How Professional Headshot Preparation Impacts Your Results
Understanding the Goal of a Corporate Headshot
A headshot isn’t simply a photo—it’s a communication tool. It sets tone before you speak, influences how your expertise is perceived, and supports the credibility of your brand.
Preparing well helps you:
Look confident and approachable
Match your company’s visual identity
Maintain consistency across departments
Reduce retakes and reshoots
Save time on shoot day
Your preparation allows your photographer to focus on expression, lighting, and angles rather than troubleshooting avoidable issues.
Preparation = Control
When you know what to expect and what to bring, it changes the entire energy of the session. Instead of hoping the camera is kind, you step into the frame with intention.
Why Most Professionals Feel Unprepared
Most people only get professional headshots every few years, so the process isn’t familiar. Common challenges include:
Not knowing which outfits photograph well
Worrying about skin shine, hair, or grooming
Feeling unsure how to pose
Overthinking how they “should” look
Realizing too late that accessories clash or patterns distract
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
With a simple plan, those concerns disappear quickly.
A Simple Framework to Prepare With Confidence
1. Align With Your Photographer
Clear communication is your biggest advantage. Share:
Your industry
How the photos will be used
Whether you prefer a bold, warm, or neutral style
Any angles or expressions you like
Any physical features you want emphasized or minimized
Great headshots are built on collaboration.
2. Choose Looks That Represent Your Role
Dress for the level of professionalism you want to project—not just what you wear on a random Tuesday.
Think:
Leadership roles: structured silhouettes, polished looks
Client-facing roles: friendly, approachable tones
Creative roles: personality-driven details, texture, subtle patterns
Finance/tech/legal: clean lines, reliable color palettes
We’ll go deeper on wardrobe next.
What to Wear for Professional Headshots
Choose Clothing That Flatters You on Camera
The camera likes simplicity and clean structure. Avoid pieces that fight for attention.
Strong choices include:
Solid colors
Tailored blazers
Smooth fabrics
Minimal patterns
Mid-tone colors (navy, forest, burgundy, charcoal)
Colors That Work
Deep blues and greens photograph reliably
Muted jewel tones add energy without distraction
Dark neutrals create a sharp, executive feel
What to Avoid
Bold logos
Busy patterns
Distracting textures
Bright neon tones
Anything too loose or too tight
Accessories
Keep them intentional.
Simple earrings
Clean chains or subtle necklaces
A single watch
No noisy bracelets or oversized statement pieces
Think “enhance the face,” not “steal the focus.”
What to Bring to Your Session
Bring a small but effective collection of options so your photographer can help you curate the final look.
Wardrobe Options
Two solid-color tops
One subtle pattern (if it fits your industry vibe)
A fitted blazer or business jacket
A dress with clean lines
Your work uniform if applicable
Accessories
Tie, pocket square, scarf
Small jewelry options
Cufflinks if needed
A clean pair of glasses if you normally wear them
Business Props (optional)
Works best for lifestyle or team branding sessions.
Examples:
Laptop or tablet
Notebook
Tools or objects relevant to your industry
Grooming Items
Lip balm
Oil blotting sheets
Brush or comb
Your preferred powder or finishing product
A little preparation makes retouching easier and more natural.
How to Make Shoot Day Run Smoothly
Give Yourself Time
Rushing is the fastest way to look tense in photos. Arrive a few minutes early so you can unwind and settle in.
Avoid Last-Minute Grooming Changes
No brand-new haircuts, drastic color changes, or experimental makeup within 48 hours. Stick to what you know works.
Stay Hydrated and Rested
Your skin always shows what your body feels.
Trust the Process
A great photographer (and yes, that includes HSB ATL) guides you through everything:
Posing
Expression
Angles
Adjustments
Confidence coaching
You don’t need to know how to be photogenic. You just need to show up prepared and open.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
A strong headshot gives your clients, colleagues, and future opportunities a clear picture of who you are. Preparation isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself without stress or guesswork.
If your team is ready for updated corporate headshots, or if you’re planning a company-wide photoshoot, HSB ATL makes the process smooth, organized, and tailored to your brand.
Ready for a headshot experience that feels effortless and delivers images you’re proud of?
Book your session or schedule a consultation with Headshot Solutions & Beyond today.
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