How to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot
Your headshot is often your first impression.
Before someone reads your bio… before they hear you speak… they see your image.
If you’re investing in professional headshots in Minneapolis, preparation is everything.
The more intentional you are before your session, the smoother the experience — and the stronger your final images will be.
As a licensed beauty professional with over 20 years of on-set experience, I’ve seen what elevates an image… and what creates avoidable distractions.
Let’s make sure you walk in confident, polished, and fully prepared.
Skin Preparation: Create a Smooth Canvas
High-resolution photography captures detail.
Dry patches.
Texture.
Product buildup.
That’s why exfoliation is essential.
In the week leading up to your session:
• Gently exfoliate 2–3 times
• Focus on hydration
• Avoid introducing new skincare products
• Avoid aggressive treatments within 48 hours
If dermaplaning fits your budget, I absolutely recommend it. It creates an incredibly smooth canvas and allows makeup to sit beautifully on the skin.
If dermaplaning isn’t an option, consistent exfoliation and hydration will still make a noticeable difference.
On the day of your session, please arrive with a clean face and minimal skincare. A light moisturizer is perfectly fine. Avoid heavy oils, primers, or layered serums. My professional kit is curated to work seamlessly together, and unfamiliar products can sometimes cause pilling or separation under makeup.
Hair Preparation: Clean, Flexible, and Controlled
Please arrive with clean, fully dry hair.
I recommend double shampooing the night before or the morning of your shoot to remove oil buildup — especially at the roots. The cleaner the foundation, the better your hair will hold style and volume.
Avoid heavy styling products beforehand. I prefer starting with a fresh base so I can build structure and movement intentionally.
If you’re due for a haircut or color refresh, schedule it about a week before your session — not the day before — so your hair settles naturally.
If you wear lash extensions, make sure they are filled and balanced. If you’re missing a few, I can always add small clusters for symmetry.
Brows, Grooming & Details Matter
High-resolution cameras capture everything.
Before your session, ensure:
• Brows are shaped and tidy
• Facial hair is addressed
• Necklines are groomed
• Nails are clean and polished
While I am licensed, we want to use your session time strategically — focusing on makeup, hair, and photography rather than corrective grooming.
Preparation beforehand allows us to maximize your photography window and gives you more beautiful images to choose from.
Nails & Hands: Small Details, Big Impact
Your hands may appear in branding shots — especially if you’re holding a laptop, notebook, phone, or coffee mug.
Choose:
• Neutral polish
• Soft pink
• French manicure
• Or clean, natural nails
Avoid chipped polish or grown-out acrylics.
If your session includes full-length images and open-toed shoes, make sure toes are polished or covered appropriately.
These small details elevate the entire image.
Wardrobe Reminder
Your clothing should be:
• Steamed and ironed
• On hangers
• Free of lint
• Structured and crisp
Press collars, cuffs, and seams. High-resolution cameras pick up wrinkles that we may not notice in person.
If you haven’t already read it, I highly recommend reviewing:
👉 What to Wear for Professional Headshots
Wardrobe and preparation go hand in hand.
Bring What Makes You Feel Like You
You’re welcome to bring:
• Your signature lipstick
• Your preferred mascara (especially if you have sensitivities)
• A brush or comb
• Backup wardrobe options
I use disposable mascara wands and maintain strict sanitation standards. My products are tested and reliable — but I always respect personal preferences.
Already Have a Photographer? I’m Happy to Collaborate.
You don’t need to book a full photography session with me in order to work with me.
I regularly collaborate with photographers throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. If you already have someone you love behind the camera, I’m more than happy to join your session exclusively for professional hair and makeup.
In fact, many photographers prefer bringing in a dedicated beauty professional so they can focus entirely on lighting and composition — while I focus on polish, refinement, and on-set touchups.
This ensures:
• Makeup photographs flawlessly under studio lighting
• Hair remains controlled throughout the session
• Wardrobe and details are adjusted in real time
• You look consistent across every frame
Professional styling is not an add-on. It’s an investment in image quality.
If you’d like to book hair and makeup for your upcoming session, you can do so here:
Select your preferred styling service and note your shoot date. If you’re unsure which option to choose, the “Let’s Talk” booking link allows us to schedule a quick consultation.
I’m here to support your image — whether I’m behind the camera or beside it.
The Golden Rule of Headshot Preparation
Everything you perfect before stepping in front of the camera reduces stress and increases confidence.
Your professional headshot in Minneapolis should feel effortless.
When you walk in prepared, you walk in confident.
And confidence photographs beautifully.
Ready for Professional Headshots in Minneapolis?
If you’re ready to create polished, powerful images that reflect your leadership and ambition, I would love to work with you.
View session details and confirm availability here:
Let’s create an image that works as hard as you do.