A professional LinkedIn headshot is often the first impression you make in the business world. Whether you are a startup founder, corporate executive, or freelance consultant, your profile photo communicates your personal brand within seconds. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for a successful headshot session.
What to Wear for Your Headshot
Choosing the right outfit is crucial for a professional headshot. Your clothing should reflect your industry and personal brand while remaining timeless. Avoid trendy patterns that may look dated in a few years.
Color Recommendations
Solid colors work best for professional headshots. Navy blue, charcoal gray, and deep burgundy convey authority and trustworthiness. Avoid pure white, which can cause glare, and neon colors, which distract from your face.
- Recommended: Navy, charcoal, burgundy, forest green, black
- Use with caution: White, pastels, bright colors
- Avoid: Busy patterns, logos, neon colors, pure white shirts without a jacket
Bring 2-3 outfit options to your session. This gives you flexibility and ensures we capture the perfect look for your brand. Many clients prefer to shoot in both a formal blazer and a more casual smart look.
Grooming and Preparation Tips
Proper grooming ensures you look polished and confident in your final images. Plan your grooming routine carefully in the days leading up to your session.
| Timing | For Hair | For Skin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week before | Get a haircut or trim | Start hydrating more |
| 2-3 days before | Color touch-up if needed | Avoid new skincare products |
| Day before | Wash and style as usual | Get good sleep, avoid alcohol |
| Day of session | Arrive with styled hair | Moisturize, minimal makeup |
For makeup, less is more. Natural-looking makeup photographs best. Avoid shimmer and heavy contouring, which can look unnatural in professional lighting. If you are unsure, our studio offers professional makeup services.
What to Expect During the Session
A typical LinkedIn headshot session at our Barcelona studio takes between 20-30 minutes. We use professional studio lighting optimized for headshots, ensuring flattering and consistent results across your images.
During the session, our photographer will guide you through various poses and expressions. We capture dozens of images to ensure you have plenty of options. Many clients are surprised by how quickly they relax once the session begins.
"I was nervous before my session, but the team made me feel completely at ease. The final photos exceeded my expectations and I have received countless compliments on my new LinkedIn profile."
- Maria Garcia, Marketing Director
Session Timeline
- Welcome and consultation (5 min): We discuss your goals and review your outfit options
- Setup and test shots (5 min): We adjust lighting and camera settings
- Main session (15-20 min): We capture your headshots with various expressions
- Review (5 min): Quick preview of favorites on the camera
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best preparation, some common mistakes can undermine your headshot. Being aware of these pitfalls will help you achieve the best possible results.
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Getting a haircut the day before | Hair looks too "fresh" and unnatural | Cut hair 5-7 days before session |
| Trying new makeup or skincare | Risk of breakouts or allergic reactions | Stick to your usual routine |
| Wearing wrinkled clothing | Looks unprofessional, requires heavy editing | Steam or iron clothes the night before |
| Not getting enough sleep | Dark circles and tired expression | Aim for 7-8 hours the night before |
Finally, remember that the best headshots capture your authentic self. Come to your session well-rested, prepared, and ready to let your personality shine through. A genuine smile is always more compelling than a forced one.
Ready to book your professional headshot session? Contact our Barcelona studio to schedule your appointment. We offer flexible scheduling including early morning and evening sessions for busy professionals.