1. Choose a Style that Reflects your Personality & Industry

Your headshot should work for your market and expresses your personality and strengths. Think about how you want to come across. You want to look like ‘you’ but in the way you want ‘others’ to see you in your role. If you work in a creative industry, you’ll want to avoid looking too corporate, keep your outfit smart but casual. If you’re a lawyer, then go for a formal look with a tailored jacket and smart accessories.

Remember that people do business with people, so be yourself.

2. Choose clothes that suit you and fit well

Your clothes make a big difference to how you feel and this will come across in the photos. Choose clothes that fit you well and that you feel confident wearing. Try them on and check them in front of a mirror beforehand. Do they fit well? Am I comfortable. Feel free to send me some shots of what you’re thinking if you just want some advice. If we’re doing the photoshoot at your home, you can just run and get changed.

3. Be honest

Many people worry that they look too young or old and think they’ll be judged for it but it’s still possible to be yourself while projecting the right image. Be honest with me in telling me the things you do and don’t like about your image. Perhaps you have a favourite side or you might prefer to be looking ‘away’ from camera. It’s always helpful to show me a photo from the past that you do like so she has something to work from.

4. Get your hair cut (but not immediately before the session)

If you're getting your hair cut, I recommend allowing a week or two in between your hair appointment and your headshot session. Don't get it cut immediately before - even if you're super-confident with your hairdresser, haircuts don't always go to plan and anyway, they tend to look a bit better after a few days, once they've had a chance to settle. If anything, book your shoot after you’ve confirmed your haircut!

5. Prepare beforehand

Ahead of your headshot session: drink plenty of water to hydrate yourself, exfoliate and moisturise your skin and get a couple of early nights. Make sure you outfits are clean, ironed, on hangars and ready to go... Crisply, ironed outfits photograph so much better than crumpled ones so it's worth the extra effort.

6. Don't rush on the day of the session

Don't book meetings too close to your session. You don't want to feel stressed because you're in a rush to get away. Aim to arrive a couple of minutes early so that you have time to chat, relax and check your appearance before the shoot. Brush your hair, check your teeth (and make-up), check your collar is sitting neatly and you are happy with how you look.

7. Relax

Everyone feels nervous before a photo shoot but if you're having one with me, I can assure you it's very relaxed and friendly. I know all the above sounds a bit daunting but during the session, we'll just be chatting and music will be playing: it's very lighthearted and absolutely nothing to worry about. If you do feel nervous beforehand, just try taking some deep breaths and tell me that you're feeling that way.