Preparation
How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session
A simple checklist so you show up rested, ready, and confident.
By Joshua Michael Shelton · Headshots LA · Updated July 2026
How do you prepare for a headshot session? Get a good night’s sleep, hydrate for a few days beforehand, keep skin and grooming simple and consistent, bring your planned wardrobe options, and arrive a few minutes early to relax. The biggest factor is being at ease — which is exactly what your photographer’s coaching is for.
The week before
- Hydrate — it shows in your skin
- Avoid new skincare or treatments that could irritate your skin
- Book grooming (haircut, brows) about a week out, not the day before
- Plan and try on your wardrobe — see what to wear
The night before & morning of
- Get a full night’s sleep
- Eat a normal meal so your energy is steady
- Steam or press your outfits
- Arrive a few minutes early to settle in
During the session — let the coaching work
You don’t have to know how to pose. Joshua directs posture, angle, and expression in real time, so all you have to do is show up and respond. Most people relax within the first few minutes — that’s when the best frames happen.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Should I get a haircut before headshots?
Yes, but about a week before — not the day of — so it looks natural and settled rather than fresh-cut.
How much sleep should I get before a headshot session?
A full night. Rest shows in your eyes and skin, and being relaxed produces far better expressions.
What should I bring to my session?
Your planned wardrobe options, any grooming touch-up items, and a relaxed attitude. Headshots LA provides the coaching and direction.
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