Decide where the headshot will be used
A LinkedIn photo, a law firm bio, and a realtor sign all call for different looks. Tell your photographer where the image will appear so they can choose the right background, framing, and crop.
What to wear
Wear what you'd wear to an important meeting in your field. Solid colors beat patterns. Mid-tones like navy, gray, and soft blue flatter most skin tones and don't distract.
- Do: solid colors, well-fitted collars, simple jewelry
- Avoid: tiny stripes and checks, big logos, and brand-new clothes you haven't worn yet
Grooming
Get a haircut three to five days before, not the day of. Bring a comb or brush. A little powder helps control shine under any light.
Indoor or outdoor?
Indoor headshots in your office look corporate and consistent across a team. Outdoor headshots, with trees or brick softly blurred behind you, feel more approachable and work well for personal brands and LinkedIn.
During the session
Good headshots come from direction, not luck. Brendan gives small prompts, like chin forward, shoulders turned, or think of something that made you laugh, and shows you previews so you know when you have the shot.
Written by Brendan Reynolds, Rochester, NY photographer