Preparing for your Studio Headshots
Making the Most of Your Session
A professional headshot doesn’t need to feel stiff, formal or awkward. Our aim is to create images that feel natural, confident and genuinely like you. Here are a few tips to help you feel relaxed and get the most from your session.
You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose
You don’t need to arrive knowing what to do in front of the camera. We’ll guide you throughout the session, from how to position yourself to where to look and how to relax your expression. We’ll give you simple direction rather than expecting you to figure it out yourself.
Relax and Trust the Process
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous at first, especially if you don’t have your photograph taken often. The first few minutes are about getting comfortable and finding what works for you. Trust us to guide you, and don’t worry if it feels strange at first. We’ll take plenty of photographs and make small adjustments as we go.
Look at the Camera
For a professional headshot, looking directly into the lens creates a strong and confident image. We’ll let you know exactly where to look and when.
We may also capture a few images looking slightly away from the camera to give you some variety.
Bring a Few Options
If you're unsure what to wear, bring a couple of options. Different colours, necklines or jackets can completely change the look of your headshot, and we can help you choose what works best. Most importantly, choose something you feel confident wearing. If you feel good, it will show in your photographs.
Most Importantly, Be Yourself
Your headshot should look like you on a really good day, not like a completely different person. We want you to leave the studio feeling confident that you have photographs that represent you, your personality and your professional image.
The most common question is “what do I wear?”
The best outfit is something that makes you feel comfortable, confident and like yourself. Your headshot should reflect how you would normally present yourself professionally.
Keep it simple. Solid colours and simple styles tend to work really well on camera and keep the focus on you.
A few things to consider:
Choose something that fits you well and makes you feel confident
Avoid very busy patterns, large logos or distracting graphics unless they are part of your brand
Consider colours that work well with your business or personal branding
Bring 2 or 3 options if you're unsure. We can help you decide which works best once you're in the studio
For a more corporate look, a blazer, shirt, blouse or smart top can work really well. For a more relaxed or creative business, choose something that reflects your personality and how you normally work.
Most importantly, don't wear something just because you think you "should". If you feel uncomfortable in it, that will come across in your photographs.
Ideas and Personalising your Experience
We always encourage you to share any ideas or inspiration you have before your session. If there’s a particular style, pose or type of headshot you love, feel free to send it over. This helps us understand the look you’re after and make sure your images feel right for you.
Your headshot should reflect you and your professional style. Whether you’re looking for something polished and corporate, relaxed and approachable, or a little more creative, we can tailor the session to suit you and how you want to be represented.
If you’re having headshots taken for a business or personal brand, let us know where you’ll be using them. LinkedIn, your website, social media, team profiles and marketing materials can all benefit from slightly different images.
We can also capture a variety of poses, expressions and crops so you have plenty of options to use across your professional platforms.
Cream Background
The cream backdrop has a soft, warm tone that adds a cosy, comfortable vibe to your photos. It’s a gentle, neutral background that really flatters skin tones and brings a nice warmth to the images.
It works for all sorts of sessions, and while it looks great with most colours, I especially recommend neutral or pastel outfits to complement the backdrop.
Black & Blue Background
The black (or deep blue) backdrop brings a gorgeous, dramatic touch to your photos. It adds real depth and intensity, creating a stunning contrast that makes light-coloured outfits and subjects really stand out.
It’s an amazing choice for formal, elegant sessions or if you’re looking for something a bit more artistic and creative.
White background
The white backdrop gives you that clean, timeless look that always feels fresh. It’s a simple, neutral background that really puts the focus on you and your loved ones.
It works beautifully for all kinds of sessions. From Family portraits, children's photography, or even pet portraits. Plus, it goes with any outfit and style, making it super versatile.
It’s perfect if you’re after something modern and minimalist, want to make vibrant outfits pop, or just love that polished, professional feel.
Before your session, your photographer will give you a quick call to chat through the final details, answer any last-minute questions, and make sure you're feeling relaxed and ready for your photos.
Thank you for taking the time to read through your preparation guide.
A little preparation goes a long way, but there’s no need to overthink your session. We’ll guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Most importantly, come as yourself and trust us to take care of the rest. We’ll create a range of natural, professional images that you’ll feel confident using across your business and online presence.
We can’t wait to meet you and create your new headshots.