The Ultimate Guide to Professional Headshots: How to Prepare for Your Best Look

Quick Guide: For the best professional headshots in Zionsville, focus on fit, finish, and the "10% Rule." Choose solid mid-tones, prioritize well-tailored necklines, and hydrate for 48 hours to ensure skin clarity. Use the "Thumbnail Test" to check your wardrobe before your session.

The 10% Rule: Defining Your Best Professional Self

You’ve likely heard the advice to "just be yourself," but for a headshot, we aim for "You, plus 10%." Think of this as the version of you that walks into a final-round interview or a keynote presentation. It’s not about a transformation; it’s about polish. If you never wear a suit to work, don't wear one for your headshot—you’ll look like you’re wearing a costume. Instead, take your standard professional attire and elevate the details: ensure it’s perfectly pressed, the fit is impeccable, and your grooming is intentional. For makeup, this means your "everyday look" with slightly more definition around the eyes and a matte finish to handle studio lighting.

What should I wear for professional headshots?

The goal of a headshot is to keep the focus on your eyes and expression, not your outfit.

• Stick to Solid Colors: Busy patterns (stripes, small checks, or bold florals) can create a "moire" effect on digital screens, making the photo look distorted or vibrating.

• Choose Mid-Tones: Navy, charcoal, emerald green, and deep plum are universally flattering and provide great contrast against most backgrounds.

• Prioritize Fit: Clothes that are too baggy can make you look larger on camera, while clothes that are too tight create distracting pull-lines. Choose "fitted" over "loose."

Strategic Wardrobe: Beyond Just "Solid Colors"

The structure of your clothing is also vital.

• The Power of the V-Neck: Moderate V-necks and scoop necks are universally flattering because they elongate the neck and frame the face. High necklines or bulky scarves can often make a subject look "stifled" in a tight crop.

• The "Thumbnail Test": Most headshots will be seen as a tiny circle on LinkedIn or a website directory. Before choosing an outfit, look at yourself in a mirror and squint until your face is the size of a coin. If your collar or jewelry looks distracting at that size, it’s too much.

• The Undergarment Factor: This is the most overlooked "quality" tip. Ensure you are wearing seamless undergarments that match your skin tone under light fabrics. Visible straps or bunching lines are difficult to edit out and can ruin the "clean" silhouette of a professional blazer or blouse.

• Jewelry and Eyewear: Keep jewelry minimal. Small studs or a simple pendant add personality without pulling the eye away from your expression. If you wear glasses, ensure they have an anti-reflective coating. If not, bring your frames, but consider removing the lenses if they create a heavy "green" or "purple" glare.

Advanced Grooming: The Finishing Touches

High-resolution cameras capture every detail, so "good enough" grooming doesn't exist in a headshot session.

• Brows and Shaving: If you get your brows waxed or threaded, do it 3–5 days prior to allow any redness to fade. For those who shave their face, do so about 3-4 hours before the shoot to avoid "5 o'clock shadow" while ensuring any razor burn has time to calm down.

• Hair "Settling" Time: Fresh haircuts can often look too "sharp" or rigid. Schedule your trim for 7 days before the session. This gives the hair a week to grow just a fraction of an inch, allowing it to lay more naturally.

• The Matte Finish: Even if you prefer a "dewy" look in real life, studio lights reflect off oils. Use a translucent powder or blotting papers on the "T-zone" (forehead, nose, and chin) right before we start.

The Mental Shift: Posing with Intent

A headshot is a communication tool. Before you arrive at our Zionsville studio, decide what you want your photo to say.

• Pick One Word: Are you aiming for Approachability, Authority, or Creativity? * The Connection: Instead of "smiling for the camera," imagine you are greeting a client you truly enjoy working with. This subtle mental shift changes the muscles around your eyes (the "Duchenne smile"), making the photo feel authentic rather than forced.

Timeline	Category	Action Item
7 Days Out	Hair & Grooming	Final haircut, trim, or root touch-up. Avoid major style changes.
5 Days Out	Grooming	Brow shaping or waxing to allow any skin redness to fade.
3 Days Out	Wardrobe	Finalize 3 outfit options. Perform the "Thumbnail Test" in a mirror.
48 Hours Out	Skin & Health	Double your water intake. Skip high-sodium foods and alcohol.
Night Before	Logistics	Steam and hang all clothes (no folding!). Clean your glasses/lenses.
Day Of	Final Polish	Shave 4 hours prior. Bring a "touch-up kit" (lint roller, comb, powder).

Ready to put these tips into practice?

A great headshot is the ultimate first impression. Let’s collaborate to capture a look that’s authentic, professional, and uniquely you.