5 Mistakes to Avoid Before Your Headshot Appointment
Your headshot is often the first impression people get of you — whether it’s for your business profile, LinkedIn, website, or personal brand. A professional headshot has the power to instantly communicate confidence, trustworthiness, and approachability. But even with an experienced photographer and a professional setup, small missteps before your session can impact your final images.
Here are five common mistakes to avoid before your headshot appointment to ensure you walk away with headshots you absolutely love.
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Prepare
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they can “wing it” on the day of their session. Preparation plays a huge role in how confident and polished you’ll look in your photos.
What to do instead:
- Plan your outfit at least a few days before your appointment. Try everything on to make sure it fits well, feels comfortable, and photographs nicely.
- Get plenty of rest the night before your shoot. Fatigue can show up as dull skin, puffy eyes, and low energy.
- Hydrate and eat well the day before — it makes a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and how you feel.
By giving yourself a little extra time to prepare, you’ll step into your session calm, confident, and ready to shine.
2. Choosing the Wrong Outfit
Your outfit sets the tone for your headshot. The wrong clothing — whether it’s too busy, too casual, or simply not your style — can distract from your face and send mixed messages about your personal brand.
Common outfit mistakes:
- Wearing busy patterns, stripes, or logos that draw attention away from your face.
- Choosing clothing that doesn’t fit properly — too tight or too loose can both be unflattering.
- Ignoring the purpose of your headshot. A corporate executive, an actor, and an entrepreneur will each want different vibes from their image.
Pro tip: Stick to solid, neutral, or jewel tones that flatter your skin tone. Bring a few outfit options so your photographer can help you choose what works best under studio lighting.
3. Neglecting Hair and Makeup
Even the most natural look requires some attention. Flyaways, uneven skin tone, or shiny spots can be distracting in photos. Professional hair and makeup artists know how to enhance your features so you look like yourself — just more polished and camera-ready.
Avoid these common missteps:
- Skipping makeup altogether or applying too much. Studio lighting can wash you out, so light touch-ups are key.
- Getting a haircut or color the day before your session. Always do this at least a week in advance in case it needs to settle or be adjusted.
- Forgetting to groom facial hair or brows.
If your photographer offers professional hair and makeup services, take advantage of them. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your final images.
4. Overthinking Instead of Relaxing
One of the most common mistakes before a headshot session is overthinking how you’ll look. You start worrying about your smile, your angles, your posture — and by the time you step in front of the camera, you feel tense and self-conscious. The truth is, the camera captures energy more than anything else.
Here’s what to do instead:
- Trust your photographer. A great photographer will guide you every step of the way — from how to stand to what expressions look most natural.
- Focus on how you want to feel, not how you look. If you think “I’m confident and approachable,” that energy will come through more powerfully than any forced smile.
- Breathe and move. Small movements like shifting your weight, tilting your chin slightly, or relaxing your shoulders keep your photos dynamic and natural.
When you stop fixating on perfection and start showing up as yourself, that’s when the magic happens. Your best headshot isn’t about posing — it’s about presence.
5. Forgetting the Goal of the Session
Your headshot isn’t just a pretty picture — it’s a professional tool that represents your brand, your values, and the story you want to tell. One common mistake is showing up without clarity on what you want your image to communicate.
Before your session, ask yourself:
- How do I want people to feel when they see my photo?
- Where will this image be used — LinkedIn, a website, a press release, or a dating profile?
- What does my brand or career path say about my personality and style?
When you share these answers with your photographer, they can tailor lighting, posing, and background choices to align perfectly with your goals.
Final Thoughts
Your headshot is your visual handshake — it can open doors and create instant connections when done right. By avoiding these five mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success and ensure that your session captures your best, most authentic self.
Take time to prepare thoughtfully, trust your photographer’s direction, and remember that confidence is your best accessory. When you feel good, it shows — and that’s exactly what makes a headshot unforgettable.
