Why Most People Get Disappointing Headshots
Studies show that people form a first impression in as little as 100 milliseconds — and your headshot is often the first impression clients, employers, or partners have of you before they ever meet you.
LinkedIn profiles with professional photos receive 14x more views and 36x more messages than those without. The stakes are real.
Most disappointing headshots happen for one of two reasons: the photographer didn't coach the client, or the client arrived unprepared — wrong clothing, rushed, unsure what to expect.
Preparation is the part you control. This guide gives you everything you need.
Quick Headshot Prep Checklist
Short on time? Here's the essentials at a glance.
1 Week Before
- Get a haircut (not the day before)
- Color your hair if needed (let it settle)
- Plan and test your outfit options
- Book makeup/hair appointments if needed
Night Before
- Steam/press outfits and hang in garment bag
- Skip alcohol and salty foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
Day Of
- Eat a light meal, avoid salty foods
- Apply makeup (slightly heavier than usual)
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Bring touch-up supplies in a small bag
Bring to Your Session
- 2-4 outfit options on hangers
- Hair products and brush/comb
- Makeup bag and blotting papers
- Reference photos if you have them
What to Wear for Your Professional Headshot
Clothing is one of the most controllable factors in your headshot results.
Do Wear
- Solid colors — navy, charcoal, forest green, burgundy, black
- Well-fitted clothing (not too tight, not baggy)
- Classic, timeless styles that won't date quickly
- Clothes you've worn before and feel confident in
- Pressed, wrinkle-free garments (steam the night before)
- 2-4 outfit options (we have unlimited wardrobe changes)
Avoid
- Busy patterns — stripes, plaids, florals (cause visual distortion on camera)
- Logos or branding on clothing
- Bright white against light backgrounds
- Neon or very saturated colors that pull focus from your face
- Distracting statement jewelry
- Brand new outfits you've never worn before
Why Patterns Are a Problem
Busy patterns like stripes, plaids, and small prints create a visual distortion called “moiré effect” when photographed and compressed digitally. The result is a distracting visual banding that pulls the viewer's eye away from your face — exactly the opposite of what you want. Solid colors keep all attention where it belongs.
Hair Preparation
Timing Your Haircut
Schedule your haircut 5-7 days before your session — not the day before. A brand-new cut looks too tight on camera and needs a few days to relax into its natural shape.
If you color your hair, do it at least one week before to allow the color to settle and avoid any scalp redness or irritation.
Day-of Hair Tips
- Style hair as you would for an important meeting
- Bring products for touch-ups between outfit changes
- If hair is very clean and hard to style, a light dry shampoo can help add texture
- Women: consider bringing options for hair up and hair down — both can look great
For Men
- Shave or groom facial hair 1-2 hours before your session — not the morning of (to allow redness to settle)
- Bring a razor and grooming supplies for touch-ups
- Trim nose and ear hair — small details show clearly in close-up photography
Makeup & Grooming Tips
For Women
- Go slightly heavier than everyday makeup — studio lighting washes features out
- Use matte foundation and powder — avoid shimmer or glitter that reflects harshly under lights
- Set your makeup well so it lasts through multiple outfit changes
- Bring blotting papers and your compact for touch-ups between looks
- Avoid applying heavy face lotion immediately before the session — it can create shine under lights
- Consider booking a professional makeup artist for the best results — we can recommend trusted local artists in Modesto
For Men
- A light application of matte setting powder significantly reduces shine under studio lighting — even if you don't normally wear any products
- Moisturize the night before for healthy skin, but avoid applying lotion the morning of
- Bring blotting papers for in-session touch-ups
- If you have visible blemishes, a small amount of concealer can save editing time
- Trim eyebrows if needed — camera picks up details your mirror might miss
The Night Before Your Session
How you prepare the night before has a direct impact on how you look on camera.
- Lay out 2-4 outfit options and hang them in a garment bag
- Steam or press any wrinkled clothing
- Set out your makeup, hair products, and touch-up supplies
- Get a full 7-8 hours of sleep — it shows in your eyes
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day
- Eat a light dinner and avoid salty foods that cause puffiness
- Skip alcohol — it affects your skin and eye clarity
- Confirm your session time and studio address
- Avoid applying new skincare products that could cause a reaction
Pro tip: If your eyes tend to be puffy in the morning, place two spoons in the freezer overnight and apply them to your under-eye area for 1-2 minutes the morning of your session. It works.
Day-of Session Checklist
- Eat a light breakfast — avoid heavy, salty foods
- Drink water — dehydration visibly affects skin on camera
- Shower and groom as you would for an important meeting
- Apply makeup (slightly heavier than everyday for camera)
- Pack clothes on hangers; bring hair products and a compact
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle in before the session
- Silence your phone and clear your schedule — be fully present
What to Expect at Your Session
The most common fear going into a headshot session is feeling awkward or not knowing what to do. We hear this from nearly every client — CEOs, attorneys, healthcare executives — all of them.
At Rojas Photography, you are never on your own in front of the camera. Our sessions are built entirely around real-time coaching. We guide your posing, angles, and expression step by step throughout the session. You see your images on a screen in real-time and give feedback as we go — so you always know what's working.
When you arrive, we'll do a brief consultation to review your goals and outfits. Sessions typically run 30-45 minutes, but there is no time limit — take as long as you need. Unlimited wardrobe changes are included. Your professionally edited images are delivered to a private online gallery within 48 hours.
Headshot Preparation by Industry
Different professions project different qualities. Here's a quick reference by industry.
| Industry | Clothing | Best Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Executive | Classic suit or blazer, solid tie | Navy, charcoal, black |
| Attorney / Legal | Suit or blazer with collared shirt/blouse | Navy, charcoal, dark gray |
| Real Estate Agent | Business casual blazer, approachable style | Navy, burgundy, warm tones |
| Healthcare Professional | Business casual or scrubs with a blazer | Navy, teal, dark blue |
| Financial Advisor / CPA | Conservative suit or blazer | Navy, charcoal, deep green |
| Entrepreneur / Startup | Business casual with personality | Dark solids, brand-aligned tones |
| Creative Professional | Business casual with a creative touch | Bold solids that match your brand |
| Sales Professional | Blazer, approachable business casual | Navy, warm neutrals |
Real results from Rojas Photography — Modesto, CA
Attorney
Corporate Executive
Healthcare
Finance / CPA
Real Estate
Sales
How to Look Natural and Relaxed on Camera
Feeling stiff in front of a camera is normal. The good news: it's almost entirely solvable with the right photographer and a few simple techniques.
Before Your Session
- Practice expressions in a mirror — find your natural resting face and a genuine smile
- Bring 2-3 reference photos of headshots you admire
- Come with questions — knowing what to expect reduces anxiety
During Your Session
- Take slow, deep breaths between shots — tension shows in your jaw and shoulders
- Shake out your hands and roll your shoulders before each set
- For a genuine smile: recall a funny memory rather than saying “cheese”
- Trust your photographer's guidance — that's what we're here for
If you're feeling particularly stressed or unwell on the day of your session, it's okay to reschedule. Mental state shows in photos more than most people realize.
What Retouching Is Included
Every image is professionally edited. Here's exactly what that includes — and what it doesn't.
What We Retouch
- Temporary blemishes and breakouts
- Skin tone correction and color balance
- Shine and glare reduction
- Stray hairs and flyaways
- Wrinkle reduction in clothing
- Under-eye shadow softening
What We Don't Alter
Retouching is designed to present the best version of you — not a different person. We don't alter your permanent features, bone structure, eye color, or body shape.
This is exactly why preparation matters so much. The better you arrive, the better the final images — and the less time is needed in editing.
What to Do With Your Headshots After the Session
Update LinkedIn First
Profiles with professional photos get 14x more views and 36x more connection requests. LinkedIn profile photos should be a square crop, minimum 400x400 pixels. Upload the highest resolution version you have.
Then Update These
- Company website bio page
- Professional email signature
- Industry directories and association listings
- Google Business Profile
- Business cards (if due for a refresh)
How Often to Update
Update your headshot every 2-3 years, or sooner if your appearance has changed significantly — new hairstyle, significant weight change, or a major career transition. An outdated headshot creates a disconnect when people meet you in person.
Image Sizing Guide
- LinkedIn: 400x400px (square)
- Website bio: varies — we can provide wider crops during selection
- Email signature: 100-200px wide
- Print: use the highest resolution file provided
Behind the scenes at a corporate headshot session with Kaiser Permanente — Pleasanton, CA
Ready to Put This Into Practice?
Book your guided headshot session in Modesto. We handle the coaching — you just show up prepared.
Headshot Preparation — Frequently Asked Questions
Walk Away With a Headshot You're Proud to Use
500+ executives, attorneys, and business leaders across Modesto and the Central Valley have done it. Now it's your turn.