Professional Headshot Preparation Tips for Men

When preparing for a professional headshot session, men can follow these tips to ensure they look their best:

Clothing choice

The most important aspect of your wardrobe choice is that you look and feel good in it. 

  • Opt for solid colors: Solid colors like navy, black, gray, or white work well for professional headshots. Avoid busy patterns or graphics that can be distracting.
  • Choose timeless styles: Classic button-up shirts, suits, or blazers convey professionalism and sophistication.
  • Ensure proper fit: Make sure your clothing fits well and is tailored to your body. Ill-fitting clothing can appear sloppy in photographs.
  • Consider bringing at least 2 suit or sports jackets, and 3 of your best fitting plain shirts.
  • Shirts with straight collars work better than floppy collars. Be sure to iron or remove wrinkles.
  • A tie isn’t necessary, but adds a nice touch. If considering a headshot with a tie, bring a selection of ties that go with your shirt selection. See how to tie a full Windsor knot or a half Windsor knot.

Grooming

  • Hair: Get a fresh haircut a few days before your headshot session to ensure a polished look. If you have facial hair, groom it neatly or consider shaving for a clean-shaven look. Pay close attention to those little hairs that grow everywhere.
  • Skincare: Moisturize your skin to keep it looking healthy and hydrated. Avoid heavy skincare products that can create a shiny or oily appearance.
  • Nails: Trim and clean your nails to ensure a polished appearance, especially if your hands will be visible in the headshots.

Accessories

  • Keep it simple: Limit the number of accessories you wear to avoid distracting from your face. A classic watch or simple tie can add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the image.
  • Glasses: If you wear glasses, consider whether you want to wear them in your headshots. If so, ensure they are clean and free of smudges or glare from the camera flash.
  • If you wear glasses and have contacts, it would be great to use the contacts so that you may be photographed with and without your frames.

Communication with the photographer

  • Communicate your preferences: Before the session, discuss your preferences and any specific ideas you have with the photographer. They can provide guidance and ensure your vision aligns with the final results.
  • Relax and have fun: Try to relax and enjoy the experience during the headshot session. A confident and relaxed demeanor will translate into more natural-looking photos.

By following these tips and paying attention to details, you can prepare effectively for your professional headshot session and ensure you project a polished and professional image.

About Banyan Headshots + Portraits

Your image is your first impression — make it unforgettable.

Banyan Headshots + Portraits delivers premium headshot and portrait photography for professionals and teams in Charleston, South Carolina. Whether you're a driven individual ready to own your personal brand or a company that wants a cohesive, powerful team presence, we create images that command attention and get results.

Located just outside Downtown Charleston, we offer in-studio and on-location sessions tailored to your goals — from individual LinkedIn headshots to full corporate portrait days for groups of any size.

Ready to look the part? Explore our headshots for individuals, headshots for groups and teams, or portrait sessions — and book your Charleston photography session today.