Single-Handed Arts, LLC

Professional Headshot Guide 



Professional Headshot Session Prep Guide

I’m looking forward to working with you. Headshots are designed to present you at your best — polished, approachable, and authentic. A little preparation goes a long way toward achieving that.

1. What to Wear

Keep it simple and timeless.
Solid colors photograph best. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or graphic prints that pull attention away from your face.

Choose flattering, neutral tones.
Blues, grays, earth tones, and muted colors tend to work well. Extremely bright colors or neon shades can be distracting.

Fit matters more than fashion.
Well-fitted clothing always looks better on camera than loose or overly tight garments.

Layers add depth.
Blazers, jackets, sweaters, or structured pieces help create a polished, professional look.

Bring options if unsure.
If time allows, bringing 1–2 alternate outfits gives us flexibility.

2. Grooming & Personal Appearance

Hair
Style your hair as you normally would for a professional setting. Avoid trying a brand-new haircut right before the session.

Skin
Well-hydrated skin photographs better. If you use moisturizer, apply as usual.

Makeup (if applicable)
Aim for a natural, slightly polished version of your everyday look. Camera lighting tends to soften makeup.

Facial Hair
If you shave or trim, do so shortly before the session to maintain a clean, intentional appearance.

3. Glasses

If you normally wear glasses, bring them.
Ensure lenses are clean. If you have multiple pairs, feel free to bring options.

4. Rest & Preparation

Get good sleep.
Fatigue shows easily on camera, especially around the eyes.

Stay hydrated.
Hydration subtly improves skin appearance.

Arrive relaxed.
Give yourself enough time so you’re not rushing or stressed.

5. Expression & Mindset

You don’t need to “know how to pose.”
Part of my job is guiding you through posture, angles, and expressions.

Think about how you want to be perceived:

  • Approachable

  • Confident

  • Authoritative

  • Friendly

  • Creative

We’ll shape the images accordingly.

6. What I’ll Handle

During the session, I’ll guide you through:

  • Body positioning

  • Head angles

  • Micro-adjustments

  • Expression coaching

The goal is natural, confident images — not stiff or overly posed.

Final Tips

• When in doubt, choose simpler clothing
• Avoid anything that feels uncomfortable or distracting
• Wear something that makes you feel confident

Confidence translates directly into strong photographs.

Looking forward to working with you,
Joshua Hubbell