Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!
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A 5-Step Checklist for Headshot Preparation
A great headshot isn’t just made in the camera; it’s made in the 48 hours before you arrive at the studio.
After two decades as a professional headshot photographer, I can tell you that the most confident clients aren’t the ones who “love the camera”—they are the ones who feel prepared. When you remove the “fear of the unknown,” your authentic personality has the space to shine through.
This guide is your ultimate Headshot Preparation checklist to ensure you look polished, feel relaxed, and walk away with an image that levels up your professional brand.
1. Wardrobe: The “Power Suit” vs. The “True Self”
Your clothing should complement your face, not compete with it. For a timeless, professional look, avoid busy patterns, thin stripes (which can distort on digital screens), or very bright colors.
- Color Choice: Stick to solid, mid-to-dark tones like navy, charcoal, forest green, or deep plum. These colors add depth and keep the focus on your eyes.
- The Layering Trick: Layers are a photographer’s best friend. A well-fitted blazer or structured jacket adds instant authority, while a clean blouse or button-down underneath keeps the look approachable.
- Checklist: Ensure everything is steamed and lint-free. The high-resolution lens sees every wrinkle that a mirror might miss.
2. Grooming: The Art of Subtle Refinement
You want to look like the best version of yourself, not a different person entirely.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water for 48 hours prior to your session. Proper hydration is the best “filter” for your skin, making it look bright and rested.
- Hair & Makeup: Avoid drastic changes right before your shoot. Don’t try a brand-new hairstyle or a heavy contouring technique you’ve never used. If you are doing your own makeup, aim for “daytime professional”—clean, matte, and defined.
- Checklist: Pack a small “touch-up” kit. Include lip balm, a hairbrush or comb, and oil-blotting sheets to manage any shine under the studio lights.
3. Posing: Leave the “School Portrait” Behind
The most common phrase I hear is, “I don’t know what to do with my hands.” Here is the secret: you don’t have to know.
Part of your Headshot Preparation is simply deciding to trust your photographer. My role is to handle the angles, the chin placement, and the expression coaching. You don’t need to practice “smiling” in the mirror—that often leads to stiff, forced expressions.
- Checklist: Focus on “active posture.” Practice sitting or standing tall with your core engaged. When your posture is strong, your confidence follows.
4. Logistics: Clear the Mental Clutter
If you arrive at the studio stressed, sweaty, or frustrated by traffic, it will show in your eyes. Mental preparation is just as vital as your wardrobe.
- The 15-Minute Buffer: Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. This gives you time to check your hair, change your shoes, and take a few deep breaths before we start.
- Checklist: Hang your outfits in the car rather than folding them in a bag. Double-check the studio address and parking instructions the night before so the morning of your session is effortless.
5. Strategy: Identify Your “Why”
Before we click the shutter, we need to know where these images are going. A photo for a conservative law firm’s “Partners” page requires a different energy than a photo for a creative tech startup’s LinkedIn profile.
- Match Your Industry: Think about your target audience. Do you need to look authoritative and “buttoned-up,” or creative and “disruptive”?
- Checklist: Communicate your goals with me. When I know your industry and your career trajectory, I can adjust the lighting, backdrops, and coaching to match that specific “vibe.”
Ready to Step Into the Light?
Headshot preparation is the ultimate antidote to camera anxiety. When you take the time to prepare, you allow the most professional, confident version of yourself to take center stage. You’ve done the hard work of building your career; now, let’s make sure your photo reflects that success.
Ready to put this checklist into practice? Click HERE to book your 2026 session and receive my exclusive, deep-dive client preparation guide!
Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!
