What to Expect from a Professional Headshot Session

What to Expect from a Professional Headshot Session. At Kelly Tareski Photography, we understand the power of a great headshot in today’s professional world. A polished, high-quality image can open doors and create lasting impressions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect during a professional headshot session, from preparation to the final product. Our photography education approach ensures you’ll feel confident and look your best in front of the camera.

How to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot Session

Wardrobe Selection

Choosing the right outfit is essential for a successful headshot. Select solid colors that complement your skin tone and avoid busy patterns or logos that distract from your face. Bring multiple options to your session (both formal and casual wear). This variety allows for versatility and ensures you have choices that align with your professional image.

Grooming Essentials

Proper grooming creates a polished look. Be sure to always wear freshly pressed and wrinkle-free outfits that are well-fitted. This means not too big or baggy and not too tight. Schedule a haircut about a week before your session to allow your hair to settle naturally. Men should consider a fresh shave or trim their facial hair the morning of the shoot. Women should apply makeup that enhances their natural features without being overly dramatic. The goal is to look like your best self (not a completely different person).

Confidence Boosters

Mental preparation is as important as physical preparation. Start with a good night’s sleep before your session. Practice power poses in the mirror to boost your confidence. These poses, such as standing with your hands on your hips, can increase feelings of power and confidence. Try listening to your favorite upbeat music on the way to your session to elevate your mood and energy levels.

Hair and Makeup Services

Some photography studios (like Kelly Tareski Photography) offer professional hair and makeup services. These can enhance your look and reduce stress on the day of your shoot. If available, consider taking advantage of these services for a polished, camera-ready appearance.

Location Considerations

Think about the setting for your headshot. Will it be in a studio or on location? Each option offers different advantages. Studio shots provide controlled lighting and a clean background, while outdoor locations can add personality and context to your image. Discuss your preferences with your photographer to choose the best setting for your professional image.

As you prepare for your session, keep in mind that the next step is the actual photoshoot. Your thorough preparation will set the stage for a smooth and successful experience in front of the camera.

What Happens During a Professional Headshot Session?

Meeting Your Photographer

When you arrive for your professional headshot session, your photographer will greet you and immediately put you at ease. The session starts with a discussion about your goals. This conversation helps the photographer understand your vision and tailor the shoot to your specific needs.

Posing for Your Best Angle

The photographer will guide you through various poses designed to capture your best features. Research indicates that slight angles often produce more flattering results than straight-on shots. Your photographer will demonstrate how to position your body at a 45-degree angle to the camera, which can create a slimming effect and add depth to the image.

You’ll also learn how to perfect your facial expressions. Your photographer will help you master techniques for a confident, approachable look.

Lighting and Background Choices

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a polished headshot. Professional photographers use lighting setups to enhance your features and minimize imperfections. According to the Professional Photographers of America, proper lighting can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes by up to 30%.

For backgrounds, photographers offer a range of options. A survey by LinkedIn found that 70% of recruiters prefer simple, non-distracting backgrounds for professional headshots. Your photographer will work with you to select a background that complements your look without overshadowing you.

Capturing Your Authentic Self

Throughout the session, the focus remains on capturing your authentic self. Studies show that genuine expressions are more appealing and memorable than forced smiles. Photographers use conversation and relaxation techniques to help you feel comfortable, resulting in natural, engaging photos.

A professional headshot session is a collaborative process. Communication is key, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or concerns during the shoot. With the photographer’s expertise and your input, you’ll create headshots that truly represent you and elevate your professional image.

As the session progresses, you’ll move on to the next crucial step: reviewing and selecting your best shots. This process allows you to choose the images that best represent your professional persona and align with your career goals.

What Happens After Your Headshot Session?

Reviewing Your Images

After your professional headshot session, the process continues with an image review. This typically occurs within a week of your shoot. During this time, you will view a curated selection of your best shots. Professional photographers often capture hundreds of images but present only the top 20-30 for your consideration.

When you review your images, focus on those that best represent your professional brand. Look for shots where you appear confident, approachable, and authentic. Pay attention to details like your posture, facial expression, and the overall mood of the image. Your headshot will often be your first impression in professional settings, so choose wisely.

The Retouching Process

Once you select your favorite images, they undergo professional retouching. This process enhances your photos without altering your natural appearance. Professional headshots are essential for building trust with clients and partners, and a polished image is crucial for credibility.

Typical retouching includes skin smoothing, teeth whitening, and removing temporary blemishes. More extensive edits (like changing hair color or removing permanent features) are generally avoided as they can lead to an unnatural appearance.

The retouching process usually takes 3-5 business days, depending on the photographer’s workload and the complexity of the edits required.

Receiving Your Final Images

After retouching, you will receive your final images. Most photographers provide these in various formats suitable for different uses. You can expect high-resolution files for printing, as well as web-optimized versions for online use.

Along with your images, you will typically receive usage rights. These rights outline how you can use your photos. In most cases, you will have full rights to use the images for personal and professional purposes, such as on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials.

Some photographers offer additional services at this stage. For instance, they might provide guidance on how to use your new headshots effectively across different platforms. They may also offer printing services if you need physical copies of your images.

The entire post-session process, from image selection to final delivery, usually takes about two weeks. However, if you need your images sooner, many photographers offer rush services for an additional fee.

Final Thoughts

A professional headshot session transforms your personal brand and career. It captures your best self and presents you in the most professional light. In today’s digital-first world, your headshot often creates the first impression on potential clients, employers, or business partners.

We recommend updating your headshot every two to three years (or sooner if you’ve undergone significant changes). This practice ensures your online presence always reflects your current professional self. A high-quality, professional image can open doors, build trust, and set you apart in a competitive marketplace.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we provide an exceptional headshot experience. Our photography education approach delivers stunning images and valuable insights into presenting your best self. With extensive experience in capturing timeless portraits, we help you make a lasting impression in your professional journey. What to Expect from a Professional Headshot Session.