The best thing you can do to prepare for your photo shoot is to take care of yourself in the days leading up to your session. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, and drink plenty of water for a few days and on the day of your session. This will make your skin very hydrated to fill in lines and wrinkles, under-eye circles, and give you a healthy glow.

Most people underestimate the relationship of sleep and appearance. Even one night of poor sleep can result in puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles. Make sure you get plenty of sleep in the nights leading up to your photo session so you look and feel rested. 

Hair & Grooming

Schedule your haircut about a week or two before your shoot to allow your hair to grow into the new style. A new haircut looks its best after at least a week, and colored hair looks more natural after 1-2 weeks’ worth of shampooing. Some shades of freshly colored hair can look too vibrant and unnatural on camera, especially a hair color with any red tones, drawing more attention to your hair than your face.

If you have a beard, trim it evenly so it’s nicely groomed. Darker colored beards tend to be accentuated in photos - trim it well so it's not too thick. If you’re going clean-shaven, get a good shave before your headshot.

Makeup

If you do your makeup yourself, do your makeup how you usually wear it for an average day, or possibly a nice dinner out with friends. I do not recommend wearing heavy makeup; a close headshot will show clumps of mascara or dark lipstick. Choose light to medium eyeliners, eye shadows, and lipsticks that are only a shade or two darker than your skin tones. This brings your features out in a subtle manner without making it look like you're wearing lots of makeup. Avoid caking on heavy foundation, or wearing shiny eye shadows or lip gloss: too much shine is distracting on camera and looks wet. Skin blemishes, pimples, and even wrinkles can be retouched. 

If you plan to have your hair or makeup professionally done on the day of your photo shoot, I recommend going somewhere you're familiar and comfortable with.  

What to wear

Wear something that makes you feel confident, comfortable and represents your style.  And make sure it fits you well.  Choosing a tailored, well-fitting outfit will be much more flattering. Boxy, ill-fitting clothing will make you look sloppy. 

Choose colors that accentuate your skin tone. For most professionals, I recommend classic dark colors like navy and gray. If you have a unique style, feel free to incorporate it into your headshot, just don't overdo it with crazy patterns or bright colors. You want the focus to be on your face, not your trendy necklace or pocket square. 

Avoid wearing all black or all white, unless it’s under something, such as a suit jacket, cardigan, or sweater. You shouldn’t be able to tell what decade it is in the photo. Don’t choose anything with bold, distracting patterns or colors, unless you can layer a plain blazer or sweater over it so not much of the pattern is showing and you get just a pop of color. Stay away from neon colors, shiny or reflective fabrics. 

Don't limit yourself to seasonal clothes. Unless it is a part of your brand identity, I recommend staying away from short sleeves or tank tops. Executive headshots tend to look better without bare arms, but if you'd like to try showing arms in a sleeveless blouse or shift dress, I can make it work. Just bring a blazer or sweater to put over it as an additional option. Turtlenecks are not recommended since they tend to make people look like they have no neck at all. 

While V-necks can help accentuate the neckline and generally look best on women, plunging necklines that reveal cleavage should be avoided. Turtlenecks are not recommended since they tend to make people look like they have no neck at all.

Button down shirts with long sleeves tend to work best for men all year round. Bring a suit jacket or blazer and a tie if you want to have a mix of formal and informal looks in your images.  

Glasses & Accessories

If you wear eyeglasses, think about whether or not you'd like to include them in your photos. For some, eyeglasses are a part of who they are and they feel like their most authentic self when they are wearing them. Some people choose to take a few with and a few without their eyeglasses, but ultimately it is up to you. I always do my best to minimize glare on eyeglasses, but depending on the lighting and time of day, it's not always possible to eliminate it completely. 

For jewelry, go for something small, classic, and not very reflective or flashy. Earrings shouldn’t dangle more than an inch from your earlobe. Simpler is always better. If I notice your jewelry before I notice your face, I may suggest removing some of it.