HOW TO TAKE THE BEST PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS

Hair, Wardrobe and Retouching Tips for a Successful Headshot Session

A great professional headshot should do more than simply show what you look like.

It should feel current, confident, approachable, and genuinely like you.

After more than 20 years of photographing professionals, actors, entrepreneurs, and creatives, I’ve learned that the strongest headshots rarely result from a single perfect pose or expression. They come from a combination of thoughtful preparation, flattering lighting, good direction, appropriate styling, and an environment where you can relax in front of the camera.

Here are a few of the things that can make the biggest difference.

HAIR + MAKEUP

Professional hair and makeup can be a wonderful addition to a headshot session, but the goal should never be to make you look like someone else.

The best camera-ready styling simply helps you look polished, refreshed, and like the best version of yourself.

I work with experienced hair and makeup artists who understand professional photography and know how to prepare clients for studio lighting while keeping the finished result natural.

Professional styling can help:

• Even and refine the appearance of skin
• Reduce unwanted shine
• Add subtle definition to the eyes and lips
• Keep hair polished throughout the session
• Give you one less thing to think about before stepping in front of the camera

For many clients, it also creates a more relaxed start to the experience.

If professional hair and makeup isn’t right for you, that’s perfectly fine too. The most important thing is that you arrive feeling comfortable and recognizable as yourself.

FOR WOMEN

Choose pieces that feel like a polished version of what you naturally wear professionally.

Solid colors tend to photograph beautifully, and simple necklines usually keep the emphasis where it belongs—on you.

A jacket or blazer can create a more polished look, while a simple top can feel warmer and more approachable.

Bring a few options whenever possible. Sometimes a color or neckline that seems perfect at home photographs differently under studio lighting, so having choices gives us flexibility.

Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel good.

Confidence photographs better than any particular color, neckline, or trend.

You can find more wardrobe ideas in my guide to what to wear for women’s headshots.

I wrote a whole post with my top tips and tricks for you ladies to help you pick what to wear for your headshots. Read the whole post HERE.

FOR MEN

Fit is especially important for men’s headshots.

Shirts, jackets, and collars should sit cleanly and comfortably without looking oversized or overly tight.

For professionals in Hawaiʻi, a well-chosen Aloha shirt can absolutely work for a business headshot when it reflects your profession and personal style. Look for one with a clean collar and a pattern that doesn’t overpower your face.

For a more traditional professional look, a pressed dress shirt, sport coat, or jacket can work beautifully.

Whatever you choose, make sure clothing is clean and wrinkle-free before your session. Small wardrobe details become surprisingly noticeable in a close-up portrait.

You can read more in my guide to what to wear for men’s headshots.

I wrote a whole post with my top tips and tricks for wardrobe styling for my male clients too. Read the whole post HERE.

YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW HOW TO POSE

Many clients arrive saying some version of:

“I don’t know what to do in front of the camera.”

You don’t need to.

I’ll guide you through posture, positioning, angles, expression, and small movements throughout the session.

Most of the adjustments are subtle.

A slight change in the shoulders.

A small shift of the chin.

A different expression.

A little more energy through the eyes.

Those tiny changes can completely transform a photograph.

My goal isn’t to put you into a rigid pose. It’s to give you enough direction that eventually you stop thinking about what you’re doing and simply become present.

That’s usually when the best photographs happen.

NATURAL RETOUCHING MATTERS

Professional retouching is the final stage of creating a finished headshot.

Digital cameras capture an extraordinary amount of detail—often more detail than we notice when looking at someone in person.

Thoughtful retouching helps bring the photograph closer to the way we naturally perceive one another.

Every final high-resolution image I deliver is professionally retouched.

That may include subtle adjustments to:

• Skin tone and temporary blemishes
• Flyaway hairs
• Clothing distractions
• Color and contrast
• Small elements that pull attention away from your face

My approach to retouching is simple:

You should still look like you.

The goal isn’t to erase lines, change your features, or create an unrealistic version of you.

It’s to create a polished professional photograph where nothing unnecessary distracts from your expression and presence.

You can learn more about my retouching and photo editing approach.

WHAT REALLY MAKES A GREAT HEADSHOT?

It isn’t perfect hair.

It isn’t the perfect jacket.

And it definitely isn’t knowing your “best side” before you arrive.

A great headshot comes from the combination of preparation, lighting, direction, expression, and connection.

Most importantly, it should look like the person someone will actually meet.

Professional.

Confident.

Approachable.

Current.

And unmistakably you.

Learn more about our retouching and photo editing services  HERE.

READY TO UPDATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT?

If your current photograph no longer reflects the person you are today, I’d love to help you create one that does.

Whether you live here in Hawaiʻi or are visiting Honolulu, we can plan your session in advance and create a headshot you’re genuinely excited to use.

READY TO BOOK WITH TRACY?

Select your category below to begin