So you booked your professional portrait session, CONGRATULATIONS! That’s exciting, especially when it comes to making a great first impression. Whether this is for a corporate headshot, a personal branding session, or just a way to capture your best self, preparing ahead of time makes all the difference. A little planning goes a long way. From getting enough rest to picking the right outfit, every detail counts.
To help you feel confident and look your absolute best, here’s a checklist covering everything you need to do before your professional portrait session. This guide will walk you through each step so you arrive feeling prepared, relaxed, and ready to shine.
Key Photo Session Takeaways
Start preparing early
Think about rest, hydration, and outfit choices at least a week in advance.
Your skin and energy levels matter
Prioritize sleep and hydration to look your best.
What you wear matters
Your outfit should reflect your personality while complementing the backdrop.
Keep hair and makeup simple and professional
Natural polished looks always work best.
Relax and trust the process
Your photographer is there to guide you.
Get Plenty of Rest
You want to look and feel your best during your portrait session and sleep plays a massive role in that. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep for three nights leading up to the session. Well-rested skin looks brighter, smoother, and less prone to puffiness or dark circles.
Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and anything else that might dehydrate your skin or make you look tired. If possible, set a consistent sleep schedule at least a week before the session. When your body is well-rested, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
Stay Hydrated
If there’s one simple tip that makes a huge difference in how you look, it’s hydration. Drinking plenty of water in the week leading up to your session helps your skin look fresh, smooth, and naturally radiant. Increasing your water intake at least a week before the session gives your skin time to adjust and glow naturally, which is essential for business headshots.
Cut down on dehydrating drinks like soda, coffee, and alcohol. Stick to water and herbal teas. Well-hydrated skin needs less makeup and fewer touch-ups, making it ideal for headshots. Your natural complexion will look its best under professional lighting and fine lines or puffiness will be less noticeable.
Pick Outfits That Represent You
Your portrait should reflect who you are, so your outfit should match your style, profession, and personality, especially for your LinkedIn profile. Even if you’re going for a corporate headshot, there are ways to make your outfit warm and approachable. Choose clothing that fits well and makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you never wear a suit in real life, don’t force it. Instead, find something professional that still feels like you.
Think about the type of session you’re having. Are you aiming for a relaxed creative look or is this a formal executive headshot? Your outfit should align with your goals. If you’re a creative entrepreneur, a smart-casual blazer might be better than a stiff corporate suit.
What Are the Best Colors to Wear for a Professional Headshot
As a New Jersey lifestyle photographer, I usually work with a white or dark backdrop with hints of brown. Your clothing color should complement these backgrounds to enhance your look.
Best colors for a white background
Darker solid colors create a nice contrast. Navy blue, deep green, charcoal, and burgundy all stand out well.
Best colors for a dark backdrop
Light and neutral tones like soft pastels, beiges, and white keep the image elegant and professional.
Things to avoid
Stay away from bold patterns and busy prints. They distract from your face and can clash with the backdrop. Solid colors are timeless and help keep the focus on you.
Pick Out Your Clothes Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to pick out your outfit. Choose your clothes at least a week in advance. Try them on, check for wrinkles, and see how they look under different lighting. This way, you can make any adjustments if needed.
Each day leading up to the session, review your choices. This builds confidence and removes any last-minute stress. Being prepared means you’ll walk in feeling ready and relaxed and that confidence will come through in your portraits.
Hair and Makeup
Your makeup and hair should enhance your features without looking overdone. Since professional cameras pick up every detail, your makeup should be suitable for flash photography.
If you’re using a makeup artist, let them know it’s for a professional photography session so they can apply products accordingly
If you’re doing your own makeup, practice your look at least twice before the session to make sure it’s camera-friendly
Stick to natural professional makeup. Avoid heavy foundation, overly dramatic eyes, or glitter to keep your look professional for your headshot or portrait.
Keep your hair well-groomed and styled in a way that feels natural and effortless
Relax and Enjoy the Experience
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before a portrait session but trust me you’ve got this. The key is to enjoy the process. The more relaxed you are, the more natural and authentic your photos will look.
Don’t stress about posing. I’ll guide you every step of the way. My job as a New Jersey professional photographer is to capture your best angles and expressions. All you have to do is show up and trust that we’ll create something amazing together.
Who is New Jersey Lifestyle Photographer Ramon Trotman
If this is your first time working with me welcome. I’m Ramon Trotman a New Jersey lifestyle photographer specializing in portrait and professional headshot photography. My goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera so we can capture images that truly reflect who you are.
Stay connected
Check out my portfolio here Ramon Trotman Studio
Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and client features @ramontrotmanstudio
For business inquiries email me at info@ramontrotman.studio
Schedule your photography consultation here
Final Thoughts
A professional portrait session is an investment in yourself. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel and the better your photos will turn out. Stick to this guide, take care of yourself leading up to the session, and trust the process.
If you’re ready to book a session or need more tips reach out. Let’s create something amazing together.
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