How to Prepare for a Corporate Headshot Session (Without Overthinking It)
One of the biggest reasons people delay booking a headshot is simple - they’re not sure how to prepare: What to wear, how to look, whether they’ll feel awkward.
The reality is, it’s much simpler than people expect and overthinking it usually makes things worse, not better.
Here’s how to prepare properly, without turning it into a big production.
1. Keep Clothing Simple and Professional
This is where most people go wrong. They try to be too clever with outfits, and it distracts from the photo.
What works best:
Plain, well-fitted clothing
Neutral or muted colours
Layers (jacket, blazer, knitwear) for variation
What to avoid:
Busy patterns
Large logos
Anything too trend-led that will date quickly
If you’re unsure, bring two or three options. We can decide on the day what works best on camera. The goal isn’t to stand out because of what you’re wearing, it’s to look like a polished version of yourself.
2. Pay Attention to Grooming (But Don’t Overdo It)
You don’t need a full makeover but small details make a difference:
Hair tidy and how you would normally wear it
Facial hair trimmed and shaped
Minimal, natural makeup if worn
Avoid trying something completely new just before the shoot. If it doesn’t feel like you, it will show in the photo.
3. Timing Matters More Than You Think
Try not to rush into the session straight from something stressful.
If possible:
Avoid scheduling immediately after a long meeting
Give yourself 5-10 minutes to settle before we start
Have a drink of water and take a breather
You don’t need to feel perfect, just not flustered.
4. You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose
This is the biggest misconception.
People assume they need to know what they’re doing in front of the camera. You don’t.
A structured session will guide you through:
Where to stand
How to position your body
What to do with your hands
Subtle adjustments to expression
Most people start slightly unsure and settle into it within a few minutes. That’s completely normal.
(If you want to see how sessions are typically run, you can find more here.
5. Expression Comes From Conversation, Not “Smiling”
The best headshots come from natural interaction, not from forcing a smile. During the session, I’ll keep things relaxed and conversational so expressions develop naturally. That’s what creates a genuine, approachable look rather than something stiff or forced.
You don’t need to “perform”. You just need to show up.
6. Consistency Matters for Teams
If you’re organising headshots for a team, preparation needs to be slightly more structured.
It helps to:
Suggest a general dress code (e.g. smart business or business casual)
Avoid clashing colours or overly casual clothing
Ensure everyone understands the timing
This keeps the final images consistent, which is what makes them look professional across a website or LinkedIn page.
If you’re updating team photos, it’s worth doing it properly rather than individually over time.
7. Think About Where the Photos Will Be Used
Your headshot isn’t just for one place, it will likely be used across:
LinkedIn
Company website
Marketing materials
Press or speaking engagements
That’s why the style needs to be clean, neutral, and adaptable.
If you’re updating your wider visuals at the same time, it’s worth considering how everything fits together:
Final Thought
Preparing for a headshot session doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler you keep it, the better the result. Turn up well-presented, in something you feel comfortable in, and be open to a bit of guidance. Everything else is taken care of.
Ready to Book Your Headshot?
If you’ve been putting it off because you weren’t sure how it works, that’s usually the main hurdle.
Once it’s done, you’ll wonder why you waited.
You can find more details or book a session here:
https://www.scottbarronphotography.co.uk/headshots
