A great headshot does not happen by accident. The most polished results come from a little preparation before you step in front of the camera. Whether this is your first professional portrait or a long-overdue update, follow these steps to make the most of every minute.

In a hurry? Here’s what you need to know

• Book the session type that matches your goal — LinkedIn refresh vs full personal branding.
• Wear solid, mid-tone colours and bring two outfit options.
• Get a haircut five to seven days before, not the day before.
• Arrive well rested — tiredness shows in the eyes immediately.
• Come five minutes early, relax, and trust your photographer to direct you.

Choose the right session for your goals

Think carefully about where your headshot will be used. A solo LinkedIn refresh needs something different from a full company rebrand or a personal branding library. At Gannon Studios we offer sessions from a single LinkedIn headshot through to comprehensive personal branding packages — so it pays to match the session to your ambitions before you book.

Plan your wardrobe in advance

Clothing choices can make or break a headshot. As a general rule: stick to solid, mid-tone colours — navy, charcoal, teal, burgundy and forest green all photograph beautifully. Avoid busy patterns, large logos and bright whites, which create exposure problems. Bring at least two outfit options to the studio so you have a genuine choice on the day.

• Solid colours keep attention on your face, not your outfit.
• Ensure everything is freshly cleaned, pressed and fits properly.
• Check for lint, loose threads and collar issues before leaving home.

Gannon Studios tip:  We keep a lint roller and steamer at the studio — but catching it at home is always better. Bring a spare option if you are even slightly uncertain.

Sort your hair and grooming ahead of time

Have a haircut or trim five to seven days before your session. Fresh cuts can look slightly stark on camera; a few days of settling gives a more natural, flattering result. If you wear make-up, go slightly heavier than you normally would — professional lighting tends to wash out subtle applications.

Get a good night’s sleep and stay hydrated

Tiredness shows in the eyes immediately. Aim for at least seven hours the night before your shoot, avoid alcohol the previous evening, and stay well hydrated in the days leading up to the session. These small habits have a surprisingly large effect on how you look on camera.

Arrive early and give yourself time to settle

Rushing into a session is one of the most common mistakes. Aim to arrive five to ten minutes before your start time. This gives you space to check your appearance, have a brief conversation with your photographer, and arrive in front of the camera feeling calm rather than flustered.

Related reading:

• What to wear for a headshot — our complete wardrobe guide → gannonstudios.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-a-headshot
• How to pose for a business portrait → gannonstudios.com/blog/how-to-pose-for-a-business-portrait
• Book your session → gannonstudios.com/book-your-headshot-session

Ready to book your headshot session? Sessions from £99 · City of London studio · Same-day delivery available Book online at gannonstudios.com/book-your-headshot-session

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a headshot session take? A focused LinkedIn headshot session takes around 15 to 20 minutes. A broader individual session with multiple looks and wardrobe changes typically runs one to two hours. Our team will advise on the best session length when you enquire.

What should I do the night before my headshot session? Get a good night’s sleep, avoid alcohol, and stay hydrated. Lay out your outfit, check it is clean and pressed, and make sure any accessories you plan to wear are ready. Arriving prepared and rested makes a significant difference to the final result.

Can I change outfits during my session? Yes. We have a private changing area in the studio and actively encourage clients to bring two or three outfit options. More choice on the day means more flexibility in the final images.

Take the next step Update your professional image with a session at our City of London studio. gannonstudios.com · 020 3325 0758 · hello@gannonstudios.com

Written by the team at Gannon Studios — specialist headshot photographers in the City of London. gannonstudios.com