A Men's Guide to Preparing for a Headshot Session
1. Know the Purpose of Your Headshots
Before you start prepping, identify what your headshots are for:
- Corporate/Professional: Clean, sharp, and conservative—perfect for LinkedIn, resumes, or company profiles.
- Creative/Personal Brand: A bit more casual or expressive, depending on your brand.
- Actor/Performer: A strong range of expressions and a natural, true-to-you look.
Understanding this helps you decide on wardrobe, grooming, and facial expressions.
2. Grooming & Skincare Prep
Haircut
- Get a trim 3–5 days before the shoot to allow the cut to settle.
Beard or Facial Hair Grooming
- Clean-shaven? Shave the morning of or the night before.
- Beard? Trim and shape neatly. Clean neckline and cheek lines.
- Stubble? Make sure it looks intentional, not lazy.
Skin Prep
- Exfoliate: Use a gentle scrub or cleanser a few times before the session to smooth skin.
- Moisturize: Daily moisturizer (and beard oil if needed) helps reduce dryness and flaking.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the week before for clearer skin.
- Avoid New Products: Don’t try new skincare right before your shoot to avoid irritation or breakouts.
3. Eyebrows, Nose, & Ears (Yes, Seriously)
- Eyebrows: Clean up stray hairs between and around brows—but don’t over-pluck.
- Nose Hair: Trim if visible.
- Ears: Check for stray hair on or around ears and trim as needed.
4. Day-of Grooming Checklist
☑ Fresh shave or trimmed facial hair
☑ Moisturize face and lips
☑ Comb or style hair with light product
☑ Use blotting paper or light powder to reduce shine (especially on forehead, nose)
☑ Brush teeth, use floss or mouthwash
☑ Trim nails
5. What to Wear: Wardrobe Tips for Men
Your clothing should reflect the image you want to project: confident, capable, and polished.
Shirt Guidelines
- Solid Colors Work Best: Charcoal, navy, deep green, gray, black, white, burgundy.
- Avoid: Loud prints, logos, neon colors, or tiny patterns that may create moiré effects on camera.
Shirts to Consider:
- Dress shirts (white, light blue, gray, or black)
- Polo shirts (for a casual look)
- Well-fitted T-shirts or henleys (for lifestyle or actor shots)
- Sweaters or quarter-zips (layered over a shirt for a versatile look)
Jacket Options
- Blazers or suit jackets: Slim fit and structured shoulders enhance the silhouette.
- Layering: A jacket adds dimension and polish to your image.
Pants
In most headshots, pants won’t be visible, but if full-body or waist-up shots are included, make sure your pants match the tone of your shirt or jacket.
Shoes
Not always necessary, but polished shoes complete the look if you're doing standing shots or branding portraits.
Fit Is King
Make sure everything is:
- Tailored or well-fitted
- Clean and wrinkle-free
- Free of lint or pet hair
6. Accessories (Keep It Minimal)
- Watches: Can be a nice accent, especially for personal branding sessions.
- Jewelry: Skip it unless it’s a key part of your look.
- Ties: Optional, depending on the look; if you wear one, make sure it’s clean, pressed, and professional.
7. Expression & Posing Tips
- Practice Expressions: Use a mirror to find your best natural smile and serious look.
- Relax Your Face: Especially your forehead, jaw, and eyes.
- Posture: Good posture matters—back straight, chest open, chin slightly forward and down.
- Jawline Definition: Push your forehead slightly toward the camera—this creates a more defined jawline.
- Smile With Your Eyes: A subtle smile or neutral expression should still look approachable.
8. Session Day Essentials
☑ Bring extra shirt options (2–3)
☑ Pack grooming tools (comb, beard trimmer, lip balm)
☑ Iron clothes or bring a travel steamer
☑ Stay hydrated and avoid salty foods (to prevent puffiness)
☑ Show up 10–15 minutes early
☑ Stay relaxed and confident—your photographer will guide you
9. After the Session
- Review With Intention: Choose headshots that feel most like you and fit your intended use.
- Retouching: Ask for natural edits—minimize blemishes, reduce shine, but keep your authentic look.
- Multiple Looks: If you captured different outfits or styles, use them across various platforms (LinkedIn, company website, press features, etc.)
Final Thoughts
Great headshots are about confidence, approachability, and professionalism—not just perfect lighting. When you're well-groomed, styled, and comfortable, it shows. Whether you're getting a corporate headshot or a creative branding portrait, these prep steps will help you show up as the best version of yourself.