Your Best Headshot Yet: A Practical, No‑Fluff Guide to Showing Up Confident, Prepared, and Camera‑Ready

Most people don’t wake up thinking, “I can’t wait to be in front of a camera today.”  

And that’s exactly why this guide exists.

Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, refreshing your website, or stepping into a new role, your headshot should feel like you on your best day — confident, approachable, and unmistakably professional.

This guide walks you through simple, practical steps to help you feel prepared, relaxed, and ready to shine.

Let’s make this easy.

1. Start With Intention: What Do You Want Your best Headshot to Say?

Before you think about outfits or posing, take 60 seconds to reflect on your brand:

• How do you want to be perceived — confident, warm, bold, calm?

• Who will see these photos — clients, employers, collaborators?

• Where will they live — LinkedIn, your website, proposals, speaker profiles?

  
  

Knowing the vibe you want helps us create images that feel aligned, intentional, and unmistakably you.

2. Get Comfortable on Camera (Even If You’re Not a “Photo Person”)

You don’t need to know how to pose — that’s my job. But a few tiny habits make a big difference:

• Relax your jaw by gently exhaling through your mouth.

• Drop your shoulders (they creep up when we’re nervous).

• Lean slightly toward the camera — it reads as confident and engaged.

• Think “soft eyes” instead of a forced smile.

• Use micro‑movements — a small shift of weight, a tiny chin adjustment, a natural breath.

  
  

These subtle cues help you look relaxed and natural, not stiff or staged (but, don't worry, I'll guide you through these)

3. Colours That Photograph Beautifully

The right colours can elevate your headshot instantly. A few reliable choices:

• Jewel tones (emerald, navy, burgundy) add richness and depth.

• Modern neutrals (charcoal, cream, olive, tan) feel polished and timeless.

• Avoid overly bright reds/oranges — they can reflect onto your skin.

• Solid colours over busy patterns — they keep the focus on your face.

• Choose colours that match your brand personality — bold, calm, creative, classic.

  
  

If you’re unsure, bring two options. We’ll choose together.

4. Do a Quick “Expression Audit”

This is a fun, surprisingly helpful exercise:

• Scroll through photos of yourself you actually like.

• Notice what your eyes do when your smile feels genuine.

• Identify 2–3 expressions that feel most “you.”

• Bring a couple of reference photos — not to copy, but to communicate the vibe.

It gives us a shared language for expression and helps you feel more in control.

5. Simple Grooming Tips (No Beauty Blogger Advice Here)

Just the practical stuff:

• Hydrate the day before — it genuinely helps your skin.

• Avoid new skincare treatments 48 hours before.

• Bring lip balm and a hairbrush for quick touch-ups.

• If you wear glasses, clean the lenses and bring an anti‑glare option if you have one.

• Light powder or blotting sheets help reduce shine (for all genders).

  
  

These small steps keep you looking fresh without overthinking it.

6. Body Language That Works on Camera

A few posture cues that instantly elevate your presence:

• Think tall through the spine, relaxed through the shoulders.

• Lean slightly forward — it reads as confident and engaged.

• Chin slightly forward and down — hello jawline.

• Hands relaxed, not clenched.

• Weight on your back foot for a natural stance.

  
  

These are tiny adjustments, but they make a huge difference.

7. Try Your Outfits in Natural Light

This is one of the most underrated prep steps:

• Stand near a window.

• Take a few quick phone snaps.

• Check for wrinkles, transparency, gaping buttons, or distracting textures.

• Make sure the neckline sits well when you move.

  
  

If it looks good in natural light, it’ll look great on camera.

8. A 10‑Minute Pre‑Session Warm‑Up

A simple ritual to shake off nerves:

• Stretch your neck and shoulders.

• Roll your wrists and shake out tension.

• Practice a few natural smiles.

• Take a few slow breaths.

• Say your name out loud — it relaxes your facial muscles.

You’ll walk into your session feeling grounded and ready.

9. What to Bring on the Day

A small, practical checklist:

• A backup outfit

• Lint roller

• Lip balm

• Hairbrush or comb

• Water

• Glasses cleaning cloth

• Any props relevant to your brand (optional)

  
  

Nothing fancy — just the essentials.

10. The Most Important Thing: You Don’t Need to Be Photogenic

You don’t need to know how to pose.  

You don’t need to “perform.”  

You don’t need to be perfect.

You just need to show up as yourself.

I’ll guide you through everything — expression, posture, angles, micro‑adjustments — so your headshot feels natural, confident, and unmistakably you.

You’re in good hands.

Trish

Creative Director | Photographer | Brand Strategist