Your Headshot Session: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Your Headshot Session: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Your headshot is more than just a photo — it’s your story, your brand, and your first impression all in one. This guide will help you and your team prepare so everyone shows up confident, polished, and aligned with your brand.

Two important resources to prepare for your headshot or branding session.

• Headshot Archetype Guide — discover the style that fits you and your team

• What to Wear Guide- how to pick the best looks for your headshot

1. Individual Preparation

Plan Your Outfits

• Choose professional outfits that reflect your personality and role.

• Avoid distracting patterns or logos.

• Consider layers or accessories for variety.

• Think about your headshot archetype — this helps guide your pose, expression, and outfit choices. Check the guide here.

Hair, Makeup & Grooming

• Keep hair clean and styled naturally.

• Makeup should enhance your features without heavy shine.

• Men: trim facial hair or shave as preferred.

Mindset & Energy

• Get a good night’s sleep and hydrate well.

• Practice your best expressions in the mirror to feel confident.

• Take a few deep breaths before your session — relaxed energy translates into authentic photos.

2. Team Preparation

Coordinate Branding Colors & Outfits

• Choose a color palette for the team that aligns with your brand.

• Decide on styles that complement each other without being identical. Consider creating a color palette in Canva for your team. .

• Make sure everyone knows what to bring so photos look cohesive.

Schedule & Communication

• Send reminder emails with session times, location, and any pre-session tips.

• Encourage team members to review the headshot archetype guide to understand their role in the brand story.

• Confirm attendance to keep the session efficient and smooth.

Review Brand Priorities

• Audit your website, social media, and marketing materials.

• Decide which photos need updating first — individual headshots, group shots, or team leaders.

• Make notes to share with the photographer so the session covers your top priorities.

3. On the Day of Your Session

For Individuals

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in.

• Bring all outfit options and accessories.

• Relax, breathe, and remember: we’ll guide you through natural poses and confident expressions.

For Teams

• Ensure everyone is on time and ready to move efficiently through the schedule.

• Start with individual headshots, then move to group photos.

• Keep energy positive — the camera picks up on confidence and teamwork.

4. After Your Session

• You’ll receive high-quality images sized for web, print, and social media.

• Use them consistently across all professional platforms.

• Update your website, LinkedIn, social media profiles, and marketing materials to reflect your refreshed professional image.

• Your headshots are yours to use for your business, marketing, and personal branding — and we want you to get the most value from them. Here’s what you need to know:

  What you can do:

  • Use your images on your website, LinkedIn, social media, email signature, and marketing materials

  • Include your headshots in internal company documents or presentations

  • Share with your team for professional branding purposes

  What you cannot do without additional licensing:

  • You cannot give your headshots to a third party for use in their advertising or commercial campaigns without a separate license.

  • If another company wants to use your headshots in a third-party campaign, they will need to license the images directly from Still and Wild.

  Why this matters:
  This ensures your images are protected, used correctly, and maintain their professional integrity. It also prevents unauthorized use in contexts that don’t represent you or your brand accurately.

Quick Reminders

• Plan outfits, hairstyles, and accessories ahead of time.

• Review the Headshot Archetype Guide for inspiration.

• Stay hydrated and rested.

• Arrive ready to show your most confident, authentic self.

• Come ready to have fun.