You've booked your professional headshot session - congratulations! Now comes an important part: preparation. How you prepare for your headshot session directly impacts the quality of your final images. Proper preparation helps you look your best, feel confident, and get headshots you'll be proud to use for years to come.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for your headshot session, from the week before to the moment you arrive at the studio.

Why Does Preparation Matter for Headshots?

Professional headshots are an investment in your career. Taking time to prepare properly ensures:

• You look refreshed and well-rested on camera
• Your hair and grooming are at their best
• You have clothing options that photograph beautifully
• You feel confident and relaxed during the session
• You get maximum value from your session time

One Week Before Your Headshot Session

Schedule Hair and Grooming Appointments

Get your haircut or color done 1-2 weeks before your session, not the day before. This timing allows your hair to settle and look natural rather than freshly cut. The same applies to:

• Hair coloring or highlights
• Eyebrow shaping or tinting
• Beard trimming or shaping
• Any facial treatments

Start Taking Care of Your Skin

Your skin needs time to respond to good care:

• Drink plenty of water daily (at least 8 glasses)
• Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)
• Avoid trying new skincare products
• Moisturize daily
• Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn or tan lines
• Avoid excessive alcohol which can cause puffiness

Plan and Gather Your Wardrobe

Start selecting your outfits now rather than the morning of your session. Review our guide on what to wear for professional headshots and:

• Try on all outfit options to ensure proper fit
• Check for stains, missing buttons, or needed repairs
• Plan to bring 3-5 different looks
• Get clothing dry cleaned or pressed
• Consider colors that complement your skin tone

Practice Your Smile

It might feel silly, but practicing makes a difference:

• Practice genuine smiles in front of a mirror
• Think of happy memories to create authentic expressions
• Try different smile intensities (subtle to full)
• Notice what feels natural versus forced

The Day Before Your Headshot Session

Get Everything Ready

Prepare everything the night before to avoid last-minute stress:

• Lay out all outfits with any needed accessories
• Press or steam all clothing to remove wrinkles
• Pack your bag with everything you'll need
• Charge your phone (for viewing photos during the session)
• Confirm your appointment time and location

Take Care of Your Body

• Get a full night's sleep (at least 8 hours)
• Avoid alcohol which causes puffiness and bloodshot eyes
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid salty foods that cause bloating
• Don't try any new skin products or treatments

For Men: Grooming Decisions

Decide now about facial hair:

• If you shave, do it the morning of (not the night before)
• If you have a beard, trim and groom it the day before
• Trim ear and nose hair
• Clean and trim fingernails

For Women: Preparation Steps

• Plan your makeup look (or confirm professional makeup artist)
• Wash your hair if you'll style it yourself
• Avoid heavy, greasy skincare that can cause shine
• Remove old nail polish or get a fresh manicure

The Morning of Your Headshot Session

Start Your Day Right

• Eat a healthy, normal breakfast (avoid heavy, greasy foods)
• Drink water but don't overdo it (you don't want to be running to the bathroom)
• Take any allergy medication if needed (red, watery eyes don't photograph well)
• Avoid foods that stick in your teeth or cause bad breath

Hair and Makeup

Style your hair and apply makeup as you normally would for a professional setting, or arrive early for professional hair and makeup:

• Use products that control shine and flyaways
• Makeup should be slightly heavier than daily wear (cameras need more definition)
• Bring touch-up supplies for throughout the session
• Avoid overly shiny makeup or lip gloss

Get Dressed Strategically

• Wear comfortable clothes to the studio
• Bring your session outfits wrinkle-free on hangers
• Wear (or bring) appropriate undergarments for each outfit
• Bring any needed shape wear

What to Bring to Your Headshot Session

Create a checklist and pack the night before:

Clothing and Accessories

• 3-5 outfit options on hangers
• Multiple shoe options if they'll show in photos
• Jewelry and accessories (keep minimal)
• Glasses if you wear them (clean lenses!)
• Lint roller for removing pet hair or dust

Grooming and Touch-Ups

• Makeup for touch-ups throughout the session
• Powder or blotting papers to control shine
• Hairbrush, comb, and styling products
• Hair ties if you want some photos with hair up
• Deodorant (studio lights can be warm)
• Breath mints or gum

Reference Materials

• Examples of headshots you like (saved on your phone)
• Notes about how you'll use the headshots
• Any specific requirements from your industry

Comfort Items

• Water bottle to stay hydrated
• Snacks for energy (avoid anything messy)
• Phone charger
• Any prescription glasses or contacts you might need

How to Feel Confident and Natural on Camera

Many people feel awkward in front of the camera. Here's how to overcome it:

Mental Preparation

• Remember that everyone feels a bit awkward at first
• Trust that your photographer knows how to direct you
• Focus on the purpose of your headshots (they're helping your career!)
• Think of it as a professional collaboration, not a test

During the Session

• Breathe deeply and naturally
• Listen to your photographer's direction
• Think happy thoughts to create genuine smiles
• Don't overthink your expressions
• Take breaks if you need to reset
• Ask to see photos periodically for feedback

Body Language Tips

• Stand or sit up straight with shoulders back
• Elongate your neck slightly (avoid double chin)
• Relax your shoulders (tension shows in photos)
• Keep your jaw slightly relaxed
• Genuine smiles reach your eyes - think of something that makes you happy

Timing and Logistics

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to:

• Find parking without stress
• Use the restroom
• Touch up hair and makeup
• Relax and get comfortable with the space
• Discuss goals with your photographer

Time Management

Most headshot sessions last 1-2 hours. Arrive with enough time before and after so you're not rushed:

• Don't schedule anything immediately before that could make you late
• Allow buffer time after in case the session runs slightly long
• Avoid scheduling stressful appointments right before

Communication with Your Photographer

Before the Session

Reach out to your photographer if you have questions about:

• What to wear or bring
• Specific looks or styles you want
• How the photos will be used
• Any concerns or special requests

During the Session

Don't hesitate to:

• Ask questions if you're unsure about anything
• Request to see photos on the back of the camera
• Speak up if something doesn't feel right
• Provide feedback on what you like or don't like

What NOT to Do Before Your Headshot Session

Avoid these common mistakes:

• ❌ Getting a haircut the day before or day of
• ❌ Trying new skin treatments or products
• ❌ Drinking heavily the night before
• ❌ Getting sunburned or spray tanned
• ❌ Dramatically changing your appearance
• ❌ Staying up late or skipping sleep
• ❌ Eating garlicky or messy foods right before
• ❌ Wearing wrinkled or stained clothing
• ❌ Arriving late or rushed
• ❌ Bringing negative energy or stress

Special Considerations for Different Types of Headshots

Acting and Modeling Headshots

If you're getting acting or modeling headshots:

• Bring wardrobe that shows your type and range
• Practice different expressions (serious, friendly, intense)
• Know your best angles from self-practice
• Be ready to take direction and try different looks

Business and LinkedIn Headshots

For professional business headshots:

• Dress in your typical professional attire
• Aim for approachable yet competent expressions
• Consider how colleagues and clients perceive you
• Bring business cards if you want to share with your photographer

After Your Session: What Happens Next

Understanding the next steps helps set proper expectations:

• Your photographer will typically show you a preview of images during the session
• Final edited images usually take 1-2 weeks
• You'll select your favorites from a larger set of images
• Professional retouching will be applied
• You'll receive high-resolution digital files

Ready for Your Headshot Session?

Proper preparation makes all the difference in getting headshots you'll love. At Ace Photo & Video, we guide you through every step of the process and make sure you feel comfortable and confident during your session. We serve Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin with both studio and on-location options.