5 Essentials to Bring to Your Headshot Session
Your headshot isn’t just a photo—it’s your handshake before the handshake, your digital first impression, and a key part of your professional brand. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, your company’s website, or a feature in a publication, a strong headshot can open doors. But here’s the secret: the best headshots aren’t just about the camera—they’re about preparation.
What you bring to your session can make the difference between a photo you like and one you love. As experienced San Antonio headshot photographers, we’ve seen how a little planning creates confidence, flexibility, and a smooth experience in front of the lens. That’s why we’ve put together this guide of five game-changing essentials to help you ace your session and walk away with photos that exceed your expectations.
Let’s dive in and make sure you’re ready for your best headshot session yet.
1. Your Vision and Goals
Why This Matters
Every headshot should feel authentic and unique to you. Whether you’re a San Antonio entrepreneur or part of a corporate team, sharing your vision with your photographer ensures the final images align with your goals.
Quick-Action Checklist: Vision and Goals
✅ Save inspirational photos on your phone or Pinterest for reference.
✅ Clarify the purpose of your headshots (e.g., LinkedIn, website, marketing materials).
✅ Share any branding details like company colors, logos, or style guidelines.
Pro Tip: Be open to collaboration. Your photographer’s expertise combined with your vision will result in headshots you love.
2. Wardrobe Options That Tell Your Story
Why It’s Important
Your outfit sets the tone for your headshots. It’s your chance to tell your story—whether that’s polished professionalism, creative energy, or approachable leadership. Having multiple wardrobe options gives you a variety, allowing your photographer to capture different looks for a variety of uses. For example, if you’re a San Antonio entrepreneur looking for headshots for LinkedIn, you might want something formal. But if you’re capturing team headshots for your company’s website, a business-casual look might feel more approachable.
If you’re still debating how many outfits you need, check out our article, Top 3 Reasons Why You Need More Than One Look for Your Headshot. It’s a quick read that might inspire you to bring that extra jacket or blouse.
Quick-Action Checklist: Wardrobe Options
✅ Bring at least 2-3 outfits for variety.
✅ Stick to solid colors and avoid bold patterns or logos.
✅ Incorporate layers like blazers, sweaters, or scarves for versatility.
✅ Don’t forget to iron or steam your clothes.
✅ Pack a lint roller for last-minute touch-ups.
Pro Tip: Stay on-brand! If you’re representing your business, include colors or styles that align with your company’s image.
Not sure where to start? Don’t miss our guide, Dress for Success: What to Wear for Professional Headshots, where we dive deeper into choosing colors, textures, and accessories that photograph beautifully.
3. A Headshot Survival Kit
Why You Need One
Details matter, and a well-stocked survival kit can save you from small mishaps that might otherwise distract from your photos. Whether it’s taming flyaways, keeping your skin shine-free, or avoiding lint on your blazer, these small items make a big impact.
Quick-Action Checklist: Survival Kit
✅ Hair tools: Comb, brush, or hairspray for flyaways.
✅ Face fixes: Blotting papers, translucent powder, and chapstick.
✅ Clothing care: Lint roller, safety pins, and a spare outfit (just in case).
✅ Compact mirror: For last-minute checks before stepping in front of the camera.
Pro Tip: If this is a team session, consider creating a shared kit for everyone to use—it’s a thoughtful way to make the experience smoother for your colleagues.
4. Confidence Boosters
Set the Tone for Success
Your confidence is your best accessory, and we’re here to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Sometimes, all it takes is the right environment to bring out your best. Whether it’s music, moral support, or a little pep talk, don’t underestimate how much these can elevate your session.
Quick-Action Checklist: Confidence Boosters
✅ Playlist ready: Bring your favorite songs—from ratchet to righteous 😂! We’ve heard it all, from Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us 5 times in a row to smooth ’80s yacht rock, and we’re happy to play whatever puts you in the zone.
✅ A friend: For individual sessions, bringing a trusted friend can help ease nerves and make you laugh. They can also keep an eye out for details like crooked collars or stray hairs.
✅ Power piece: Maybe it’s a pair of shoes that make you feel unstoppable or a necklace that always gets compliments. Wearing something that makes you feel like your best self can work wonders.
Pro Tip: Visualize the purpose of your headshots—whether it’s landing your next big opportunity or proudly representing your company. Channel that energy during your session.
5. A Flexible Mindset (and a Little Patience)
Trust the Process
Professional photographers know how to bring out your best, even if it takes a little time to warm up. Come prepared to experiment with poses, lighting, and expressions—you might be surprised by which photos you love the most.
Quick-Action Checklist: Flexible Mindset
✅ Don’t rush: Give yourself plenty of time to feel comfortable and settled.
✅ Embrace guidance: Trust your photographer’s expertise when it comes to posing or small adjustments.
✅ Have fun: The best photos come when you’re relaxed, laughing, and enjoying the moment.
Bonus Tips for Teams
For team headshots, a little coordination goes a long way. Encourage complementary colors while allowing for individual styles. If you’re leading the shoot, check out our article, How to Organize a Corporate Photoshoot for Your Company, for a complete guide to planning a seamless session.
Streamline the Process: Create a schedule so everyone knows when it’s their turn. This keeps the session organized and ensures no one is waiting longer than necessary.
Pro Tip: Consider having a communal survival kit on-site to help everyone look their best!
Final Pro Tip: Plan Ahead for Success
Preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming—small efforts go a long way. Take 10 minutes the night before your session to double-check your wardrobe, pack your essentials, and think about your goals. When you show up ready, it’ll show in your photos—and you’ll feel confident knowing you’ve set yourself up for success.
What’s Next?
By now, you’re well-prepared to make the most of your professional headshot session. The only thing left to do is take the next step.
What are your goals for this headshot? Is it about representing your brand, leveling up your LinkedIn profile, or creating a cohesive company image? We’d love to hear about your vision.
Let’s create something amazing together. Reach out today to schedule your session, and see why professionals across San Antonio trust us to capture their best side.
Your next great opportunity starts with a great headshot—let’s make it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This gives you time to settle in, make final touch-ups, and get comfortable before we start. Arriving early ensures you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll have a moment to relax and prepare mentally.
Pro Tip: Think of this time as your warm-up. It’s your chance to adjust your outfit, hydrate, or even listen to your favorite song to ease into the moment.
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Start by sharing guidelines with your team, like coordinating complementary colors or avoiding busy patterns. Create a schedule so everyone knows when it’s their turn—this minimizes downtime and keeps the session running smoothly. Remind team members to arrive early, looking polished and ready to go.
Need more detailed advice? Check out our guide: How to Organize a Corporate Photoshoot for Your Company for step-by-step planning tips.
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Absolutely! Bringing someone you trust can help ease nerves and make you feel more comfortable. They can offer moral support, fix any stray hairs, and even crack a joke or two to lighten the mood. Just make sure it’s someone who’ll help you feel at ease rather than distracted.
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Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your individual session and 5 minutes before your team session. This gives you time to settle in, make last-minute adjustments to your outfit or makeup, and relax before stepping in front of the camera. For team sessions, arriving early helps ensure everyone stays on schedule and the process runs smoothly.
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You’re not alone—many people feel this way! A great photographer should guide you through poses, expressions, and adjustments to make you feel at ease. The key is to focus on being yourself and trusting the process. To help you relax, bring a favorite playlist or something that boosts your confidence. And remember, this is your time to shine—we’re here to make sure you look and feel your best.
Ready to get started?
Contact us today to book your session and take the first step toward enhancing your company’s visual identity!
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