How to Prep for a Men’s Headshot Session That Makes an Impact
TL;DR: Preparing for a men’s headshot session is about more than showing up—it’s about showing up prepared. From wardrobe choices and grooming to mindset and posture, these tips will help ensure your headshot reflects professionalism, confidence, and approachability.
Know Your Purpose
Before stepping in front of the camera, get clear on what your headshot is for. Is it for LinkedIn? A corporate directory? A speaking engagement? An acting portfolio? Professional headshots for men vary depending on industry and context. A corporate lawyer needs a different vibe than a tech entrepreneur or a voice actor. Share your goals with your photographer upfront so they can guide the look, background, and mood accordingly.
Grooming Makes a Huge Difference
Small grooming details become big distractions in a close-up photo. Schedule a haircut 3–5 days before your session—not the day of—so it settles naturally. Clean-shaven? Shave the morning of with a fresh blade. Rocking facial hair? Make sure it’s trimmed and shaped. Moisturize your skin to avoid flakes and shine. If you’re prone to redness or shine, ask your photographer if light powdering is recommended before the shoot.
Choose the Right Wardrobe
Think clean, classic, and well-fitted. Avoid loud patterns, bold logos, or trendy fashion that may date your photo. Stick with solid colors—mid-tone blues, greys, and earth tones are reliable and look great under studio lighting. A blazer over a simple shirt is versatile and sharp. Bring 2–3 outfit options if possible; your photographer can help you choose the best one based on the setup.
Avoid Over-Accessorizing
Accessories should complement, not distract. If you normally wear a watch or subtle chain, go for it. But leave behind sunglasses, flashy jewelry, or anything that draws attention away from your face. In men’s headshots, simplicity always photographs best.
Sleep Well and Hydrate
Tired eyes and dehydrated skin show up in headshots. Get a solid night of sleep before your session and drink extra water the day before and morning of. Avoid alcohol the night before—it can dehydrate and cause puffiness, especially around the eyes.
Practice Relaxing Your Expression
One of the biggest challenges men face during headshots is looking stiff or overly serious. Practice relaxed smiles, a neutral expression with engaged eyes, and even a slight smirk. You want to appear approachable but confident. A good photographer will coach you during the session, but getting comfortable in advance goes a long way.
Think Posture, Not Pose
Most men don’t think much about posture until the camera’s on them—but it matters. Stand or sit tall with your shoulders back, chest relaxed, and chin slightly down (not up). Avoid locking your arms or looking too rigid. Subtle shifts in posture help your body look engaged without looking forced.
Bring Lip Balm and a Lint Roller
Yes, really. Dry lips can ruin otherwise perfect shots, and even invisible lint shows up under pro lighting. These little tools help keep you polished and reduce the need for heavy editing later.
Communicate With Your Photographer
Your photographer wants to help you look your best—don’t hesitate to ask questions or share preferences. Nervous about something? Say so. Want a specific look? Show reference photos. Your shoot will feel more collaborative, and your final photos will be more authentic.
Summary
A standout men’s headshot session starts with smart prep. From the clothes you wear to the energy you bring into the room, every detail shapes the image you put into the world. With the right planning, you’ll leave your session with photos that look sharp, feel like you, and work hard on your behalf.
