Preparing for your Corporate Headshots
with Sarah Hedden Photography
When preparing for professional headshots, it’s essential to present yourself in a way that’s both polished and true to your personal brand. Here’s a guide on what to wear and how to style your hair and makeup for a look that shines on camera.
Corporate Headshots
Let’s Start with What to Wear!
CHOOSE SOLID COLORS
Patterns and loud prints can be distracting in photos. Opt for classic, solid colors that enhance your skin tone without stealing attention. Make sure you look at the examples I have on this page to see what you like best!
STICK TO NEUTRAL AND DARK TONES
Shades like black, navy, and grey are timeless and work well in professional settings, while white can also be a great option if it contrasts well with your skin.
OPT FOR LONG SLEEVES OR THREE-QUARTER SLEEVES
These sleeve lengths tend to look more flattering and polished in professional images.
AVOID DISTRACTING DETAILS
Ruffles, busy patterns, and logos can draw the eye away from your face. Simplicity is often best for a professional headshot.
INVEST IN TAILORED PIECES
Well-fitted blazers (my favorite), button-downs, and sheath dresses give a clean, put-together appearance that works well on camera. I will have clips on hand if I need to tailer the blazer for you 🙂
But, Sarah, How do you ENSURE that everyone loves their headshot?
MY SECRET SAUCE
During your headshot session, I have my computer connected to my camera so you IMMEDIATELY see each shot taken. This ensures you love your pose, smile, outfit, etc. Also, I edit WITH you after you choose your favorite shot. I can edit a little or a LOT! Seriously, I can pretty much edit Skin, double chins, contouring…ANYTHING 🙂
I GOT YOU!
HAIR TIPS FOR HEADSHOTS
Your hairstyle should frame your face nicely and look polished but natural:
Go with Your Usual Style
Stick to a hairstyle you wear often and feel comfortable in. Avoid drastic new cuts or styles.
Bring Basic Styling Tools
Especially if your shoot is outdoors, pack essentials like a comb, brush, and hairspray for any last-minute touch-ups.
Trim and Tidy
If you need a haircut, schedule it a week or two before your session for a fresh look without the stiffness of a brand-new cut.
MAKEUP TIPS FOR A NATURAL, PROFESSIONAL LOOK
Makeup for headshots should highlight your features in a subtle, professional way:
START WITH A SMOOTH, MATTE BASE
A matte foundation controls shine and evens out your skin tone, providing a good base for the camera.
DEFINE YOUR FEATURES LIGHTLY
A bit of contour or bronzer, soft blush, and highlighter on the high points of your face can add subtle definition.
STICK TO NEUTRAL EYE MAKEUP
Go for soft, neutral shades for eyeshadow, and finish with a defining mascara. Avoid heavy eyeliner, which can look harsh in photos. Extra lashes thought? YES, PLEASE 🙂
OPT FOR A NATURAL LIP COLOR (UNLESS YOU WANT A POP!)
A lip shade close to your natural color adds a touch of polish without being overpowering. BUT, some can wear a bold lip. If you do regularly, GO FOR IT!
DON'T WORRY IF YOUR MAKEUP OR SKIN ISN'T PERFECT
Please remember, I’m an EDITOR! I can add contouring, blush, lashes and even tweak your lip color to ensure you LOVE your headshot.
TAKE A LOOK AT SOME RECENT HEADSHOTS
LOVELY NOTES
REAL QUOTES FROM REAL HEADSHOT CLIENTS
“Wonderful headshot photo shoot with Sarah“
Wonderful photo shoot with Sarah. Extremely professional and appointment went smoothly. Easy to find location and available parking right outside studio. Changing room made dressing convenient. Many pictures taken in multiple poses (even for headshot). They are then shown on big screen to select favorite three photos. Had them emailed to me before I even got into my car.
“She’s a wizard with
the edits!”
Loved working with Sarah for a headshot session. She was accommodating, patient, and organized. She paid attention to the details and she’s a wizard with the edits! Looking forward to booking a portrait and/or branding session in the near future!
Josnelly
“She made me feel so comfortable and welcome, and the photos turned out so well“
I hired Sarah Hedden for my professional headshot for work. I was nervous, because I don’t photograph well. She made me feel so comfortable and welcome, and the photos turned out so well. She has incredible creative skills and technical skills, so it’s the perfect combination for a professional photographer. Also, her studio is amazing.
I STILL HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
I "severly dislike" having my picture taken.
I can’t tell you how many people I photograph say, “I don’t photograph well.” It’s probably 90% of all my sessions. I pride myself on not only making sure everyone is comforatable and tell you exactly how to pose to ensure you have the most flattering image. Plus having my computer connected to the camera let’s us both see what the best pose is and what we need to change each time. If there’s something I can edit that you don’t like, I’ll tell you! Seriously, I GOT YOU!
How Quickly will I get my Edited Images?
I edit with you after the session and send them to you immediately!
Can I send you my outfit ideas?
Absolutely! Text me at 904-504-1759 your different outfit choices (on you would be best) and I’ll give my hones opinion! You can also bring multiple with you to the session and I’ll tell you then!
What if my company requires a certain backdrop or sizing?
Just let me know ahead of time and I’ll make it work.
Do you offer on-location Headshots?
Absolutely! Check out my blog on On-Location Headshots.