Get Media Prepared to take your best shot!

After you have chosen a professional photographer with headshot experience, there are a few things you can do to take your best shot.

Your attire for a headshot session should be as formal or informal as your industry’s norms. A law partner will be dressed very differently than the owner of a landscaping company, for example. However, your approach to your photo session is the same and the preparation begins at least a week in advance.

  • Best colors (color blocking recommended)
    • Navy blue, light blue
    • Black
    • Brown
    • Maroon
    • Gray
    • No bold stripes or elaborate patterns
    • On trend but not “trendy” – In other words classic and timeless
    • No logos other than your own company’s
  • Jewelry should be stylish but conservative and minimal. Again, classic and timeless work beautifully here.
  • Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables for 3 days leading up to the shoot and avoid salty foods. ** ** **Watermelon is the super fruit for photo shoots!
  • Drink a lot of water in the days leading up to your session. It’s great for the skin.
  • Do NOT drink alcohol the night before your session. It swells the face.
  • Glasses:
    • If you normally wear glasses but do not plan to be photographed with them on, wear contacts that day or take them off for good 2 hours prior to your session. Glasses imprint the nose and temples.
    • If you plan to wear glasses make sure the lenses are clean and the frames are straight.
  • Bring your own trusted beauty products (brushes/combs, makeup, etc.) with you if possible. Most of the time you will be your own stylist.
    • Do NOT experiment with any new beauty products in the days leading up to your session. Guard against rashes, swelling or other unforeseen adverse reactions to your skin and face.
  • Schedule any hair appointment/cut 2 or 3 days prior to your shoot to give your hair recovery time.
  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before your shoot.
  • Bring a friend or colleague for support and another set of objective eyes when possible.
  • Most importantly, SMILE but don’t “over smile.” It creates creases in the face.

All that is left is to relax and enjoy your time in front of the camera. Now you’re camera ready and it’s an important part of being Media Prepared!

-Eric Cox