How a Photographer Prepares for Her Headshot Session
Sep 30, 2025 | By: Dorie Howell
How a Photographer in Vienna Virginia Prepares for Her Headshot Session
As a photographer, I spend most of my time behind the camera helping clients look their best. But every so often, it’s my turn to step in front of the lens. Preparing for my own headshot session is a process I take seriously. Just like my clients, I want to look my best in front of the camera and in the images I put out into the world. And honestly, since losing 180 pounds, I am a lot, I mean A LOT more particular about what my images look like. I worked hard to become a better version of myself internally and externally, so now these images seem to hold much more weight (no pun intended).
Even with the new body, I am not always completely comfortable stepping in front of the camera. Just like my clients, I don’t want to spend a ton of time taking pictures of myself or having someone take pictures of me. I often wonder if people really care if I post a new picture of myself every couple of weeks. Does it really move the needle in my business?
I have come to the conclusion that yes, it does matter that people see updated images of me. It shows that I believe in the service I provide and do the things that I suggest to my clients. Having a headshot that is 10 years old does not do me (or my clients) any favors. If anything, it shows that I don’t practice what I preach. Not having those updated images could be interpreted as not believing in the power of good imagery. This goes against everything I stand for in my business.
So yes, I get my headshot taken, or take my own often. This means that I need to go through the same steps as my clients do to get camera-ready. Are all these things necessary? Probably not. But they are required for me to feel and look my best.
By sharing my process, it will help you next time you need to step in front of my camera for your next headshot session. So here is how a photographer in Vienna, Va prepares for her headshot session.
Let’s go!
Defining the Purpose of the Images
The most important part of my prep has nothing to do with clothes or beauty. Before I step in front of the camera, I get clear on why I’m doing this session.
What am I using the images for?
How many final shots do I need?
Will these be for my website, LinkedIn, speaking events, or media features?
Having those answers allows me to communicate my goals clearly to the photographer. It’s not just about looking nice. It really isn’t. It is more about creating images that are strategic, usable, and on-brand for my business. I don’t have time to waste just hoping I get some images I can use. I am strategic about what I need, where the images will go, and how they will be used.
I encourage my clients to be just as strategic when they book a session with me. I ask them how they will use the images. This sets the tone for a successful session. After all, I can’t give them the results they want if I don’t know from the start the results they need.
Location and What to Wear
The next decision that needs to be made is where I want the session to take place. As a studio photographer, I can easily create professional studio shots for myself if I need them. So when I hire another photographer, I usually choose an on-location session. A different environment often feels fresher and more authentic, and it adds variety to the images I’ll have available for my brand.
The location is important because it ties into the outfits that I choose. Is it a formal, office-like setting? I probably will choose more formal business or business casual clothing. Want to catch me in the studio with more of a Behind the Scenes vibe? Well then you are probably going to find me in jeans and a cute shirt. Sitting in a coffee shop? That would lend itself to a casual outfit.
Clothes matter. They should fit well, be structured, and reflect my brand’s colors. I think about how I want my business represented and choose pieces that align with that image.
Having one outfit usually isn’t enough for me. I always pack backup options and encourage my clients to do the same. Extra shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories that can mix and match take a lot of the guesswork out of the session. I love having the flexibility of being able to change things out if I am just not loving how certain pieces look on camera. Things can look different on camera than they do in a mirror, and having choices gives me the flexibility I need on the day of the session.
Do you want to know how to use current trends in your business images? Check out this post I wrote about Fall Headshot Trends That Will Get You Noticed
Personal Grooming
Part of looking polished is grooming, and for me, this is non-negotiable. It takes work to put your best face forward for men and women. Adding these things into your schedule as you prepare for your headshot will make a HUGE difference.
Nails:
Ladies: I get a gel manicure one or two days before my session. My go-to color is OPI’s Bubble Bath or similar. This is a great neutral color that works with almost every outfit and skin tone. If you see me with blue nails in any of my branding images, I guarantee you that those images were taken on the spur of the moment and were not part of an official photo session. True confession: I do my own nails. I have done my nails at home for years; I have since high school. I have trained myself to do acrylics, gel manicures, and now builder gel.
Guys: Get a manicure or at least put on some hand lotion and push back your cuticles. Hands do sometimes make an appearance in modern headshots.
Hair: I book this a week before the session. Fresh cuts and color need time to settle, and this buffer gives me space to practice styling it the way I want.
Guys: If you spend a lot of time out on the golf course or out in the sun a week is needed to make sure that there isn’t a harsh tan line around your ears and hairline.
Teeth: Yes, I whiten my teeth. (and almost everyone who you see online whitens their teeth too.) A great smile is part of a great headshot for me. I have spent thousands of dollars on keeping my teeth straight and I want them to shine in my pictures. Ever since I was in high school, people would always comment on my easy, natural smile, and I want those teeth bright. And by whitening them at home, it means I don’t have to spend the time whitening them in post-production. (yes, we all edit our smiles) This saves me steps in Photoshop. A program I love to hate. As a tea drinker, I want to make sure my teeth are bright and clean for the camera. A confident smile can make a huge difference. These two products do a great job in helping keep my smile bright without breaking the bank.
Skin: I double down on hydration and my skincare routine. Drinking plenty of water keeps my skin looking fresh, and sticking to my cleansing and moisturizing routine ensures it’s as healthy and radiant as possible. This is especially important as we age. I don’t know about you but I don’t want those little lines making an appearance in my photos. I do notice my face aging as the years pass by, but that doesn’t mean I am not fighting it every step of the way. Proper care helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and makes skin glow under camera lights. Here are my go-to products for my mature-ish skin the night before and the morning of a session.
(You might notice that I don’t have any retinoids or anti aging products/treatments listed. I do use them, I just don’t add those products the night before a session, as they can cause irritation. All anti-aging products and devices like red light therapy, electrocurrent therapy, or extreme exfoliation treatments like dermaplaning, hydrofacials, or micro-needling shouldn’t be done within five days of your session. If you are leaning toward Botox, that should be done at least two weeks before the session.)
The Night Before
Wrapping Mask - What is this you might be asking yourself? It is a way to lock in all that great moisture before you go to bed. Your skin will be so soft when you wake up, I promise!
The Day of Routine
Skip the Sunscreen - yes, as a skincare girl, I use sunscreen religiously. Especially being someone who is so fair. But on days when I am going to have my picture taken, I skip it. Sunscreens, especially those that are made in the US, are usually made with ingredients that will show a white cast when photographed. That will mess up all your hard work with your makeup. So on session days, skip the sunscreen.
Do I need makeup?
YES!!! I highly recommend hiring a professional make-up artist if you are not a make-up person. Especially if you lean toward being someone who feels like mascara, blush, and tinted lip oil is a full face of makeup. Stepping in front of the camera means you need to wear makeup. And you probably need to wear more than you think. No matter how many times I have my picture taken, I always have to add more blush, mascara, and lipstick after I check out my test shots.
Wear all the makeup.
Do These Things Matter?
I’ve learned in working with many clients that the concerns I have when I step in front of the camera are the same ones they have. We all want to look fresh, feel confident, and put our best face forward. I want my hair to look great. I want my outfits to fit well. I want my skin to glow and my smile to shine. I know all my clients want those things too.
Prepping for a headshot session is about more than showing up with a smile. It’s about being intentional in all the things that are required leading up to the session. Some people might read this and say, “ugh, this is too much.” I get it. But photographers are not miracle workers when it comes to making you look the way you want to look in your images. You need to help us a little bit in the prep.
When I do these things I walk out with images that not only look good, but actually work for my business. And that’s exactly the experience I want to create for my clients as well.
Ready to book your next session where you will look great and feel even better about the images we create? Hit the button below and let’s connect.
Want to know the secret of a great headshot that goes beyond clothes and hair? Check out this post I wrote about Going Beyond the Clothes.