Women’s Headshot Tips to Help You Look & Feel Your Best
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing so many incredible women here in Carlsbad and throughout San Diego—entrepreneurs, realtors, creatives, executives, and everyone in between. And the part I love most? Watching someone go from “I’m not photogenic” to “Oh wow… that looks like me on a really good day.”
With every women’s headshot session, I’ve learned what truly helps clients feel prepared, confident, and comfortable in front of the camera. What to wear, what to avoid, the small details that make a big impact, and the mindset that brings out natural, approachable expressions—everything that matters when you want professional headshots that feel like you.
This guide keeps things simple and stress-free. You’ll find my go-to tips for choosing outfits that photograph beautifully, feeling your best before your San Diego headshot session, and showing up with confidence—because when you feel good, it absolutely shows.
And since the most common question I hear is, “What should I wear for my headshots?”, we’ll start there with clear, easy recommendations that help you look polished, natural, and unmistakably you.
Let’s make this an enjoyable, empowering experience that leaves you feeling proud of how you show up—both in your photos and in the world.
Know who you want your headshot to speak to
Before you ever step in front of the camera, it helps to pause and think about who you want your headshot to connect with—and what kind of first impression you want to create. Are you trying to attract new corporate clients in San Diego? Position yourself as an expert for speaking engagements? Build trust and visibility online?
Your audience and goals shape everything: the tone, the wardrobe, the styling, and even the expressions we work on during your Carlsbad headshot session. If you're in a traditional field like law, finance, or real estate, a clean and polished look often feels right.
But if you’re a creative, a coach, or a founder in the startup world, showing a bit more personality can help your headshots feel authentic, modern, and uniquely “you.”
Many of my clients choose a mix of looks—something formal, something semi-casual, and one that’s relaxed and approachable. It gives you versatility across your website, LinkedIn, social media, speaking pages, and any place your image represents your brand.
My goal is to make sure your professional headshots speak directly to the people you want to reach… and instantly communicate the confidence, warmth, and credibility behind your work.
What to Wear for Headshots: Style Tips That Keep the Focus on You
Your headshot is all about you—your face, your energy, your presence. What you wear should support that, not steal the spotlight. Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you feel confident and look polished on camera:
Stick to Solid Colors
Busy patterns and loud prints can distract from your face, which is where we want the attention to land. Solid colors photograph cleanly and keep the focus exactly where it should be—on you.
Choose Clothes That Fit Well
Baggy or slouchy tops can look bulky on camera and take away from that sharp, professional vibe. Well-fitted, tailored pieces always photograph best and flatter your shape.
Skip the Low-Cut Tops
Since headshots are framed mid-chest and up, a low neckline might draw attention away from your face. If you’re unsure, err on the side of modest—it keeps the look clean and timeless.
Long Sleeves Are Your Friend
Short sleeves (and especially cap sleeves) can sometimes fall awkwardly or add visual distractions. Long sleeves or ¾ sleeves keep the lines clean and tend to be more flattering in cropped photos.
Watch Those Undergarments
Make sure straps are hidden and tops aren’t sheer under studio lights. If you love a sheer or lighter top, consider layering it with a blazer or structured jacket—it adds dimension and polish.
Color Choices Matter
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Vibrant colors: These can make your headshot pop, especially if your brand or personality is bold and bright.
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Dark tones: Navy, charcoal, deep greens, and burgundy are always classic and flattering.
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Avoid colors that match your hair or skin too closely—dark hair + black top, or pale skin + beige top can wash things out unless you layer or add contrast.
Keep Jewelry Minimal (or None at All)
Unless jewelry is part of your personal brand, simple is best. Big earrings or statement necklaces can pull attention away from your eyes. The most impactful headshots are often the simplest.
Think of your wardrobe as your supporting cast—you are the star of the show. If you're still unsure, feel free to bring a few options to your session. I’m always happy to help you choose what works best on camera!
Choosing the Right Outfit: Let Your Headshot Reflect Your Role
All of the tips above are great starting points—but the truth is, what you wear for your headshot should reflect yourindustry and the kind of impression you want to leave.
For example, if you're in a field like law or finance, you’ll likely want to project confidence, trust, and authority. A tailored suit in a classic color like navy, charcoal, or black, paired with a crisp blouse (or a tie for men), sends that message loud and clear.
But if you’re a real estate agent, coach, or someone in a more relationship-driven profession, there’s more room to soften the look a bit. You still want to look polished, but a business-casual outfit—like a fitted blazer with a soft-colored blouse—can help you come across as both professional and approachable. A subtle print or pop of personality is totally welcome, as long as it doesn’t take away from your face.
At the end of the day, your outfit should support the image you want to project. Think about how you want people to feel when they see your headshot—then dress for that.
Choosing the right look can feel tricky, but with these tips, you'll walk into your session feeling prepared, confident, and ready to show up as your best self.
How Should I Style My Hair for Headshots?
Hair can truly make or break the overall feel of your headshot—it frames your face, adds movement, and helps express your personal style. That’s why we highly recommend booking professional hair and makeup with your session.
We work with an experienced stylist who comes right to our studio and knows exactly how to style hair so it looks amazing both in person and on camera. She understands the little details that can make a big difference in your final images.
After years of photographing women’s headshots, here are a few simple tips we’ve learned:
Flyaways Happen—Don’t Stress
Stray hairs are totally normal, especially with studio lighting. We have hairspray on hand and, if needed, flyaways will be cleaned up during our signature retouching process. No need to worry!
Plan Haircuts or Color Touch-Ups About a Week Before
Hair usually looks its most natural and flattering about 5–7 days after a cut or color. Avoid booking changes too close to your session—you want your hair to settle in and feel like you.
Stick to a Style That Feels Like You
This isn’t the time to try something drastically new. You want to look like your best self—not a version of you no one recognizes. Whether you style it yourself or work with our stylist, keep it classic and comfortable.
Hair Up = Face Forward
Pulling your hair back (even loosely) can highlight your face and neckline beautifully. It tends to slim the face and adds a confident, polished touch—something to consider!
Curls? Yes. But Keep It Natural
Soft waves or curls can add lovely texture, but don’t overdo it. The goal is to enhance your natural look, not to make it feel like a special-occasion hairstyle.
Blowouts Look Best the Same Day
If you’re planning a blowout, book it for the morning of your session. (Just a note: we don’t offer blowouts in-studio, but we can recommend local salons.)
Wash Hair the Day Before (Not the Day Of)
Hair tends to cooperate better when it's not squeaky clean. If you’re skipping a blowout, wash your hair the day before and apply a bit of product to reduce frizz and keep things smooth.
Want help deciding on your look? I’m always happy to chat through options or recommend what will work best on camera. You deserve to feel confident walking in—and even more confident walking out.
Best Makeup Tips for Professional Headshots
Makeup can truly elevate your headshot—but the key is keeping it natural, clean, and flattering. The goal is never to hide who you are—it’s to enhance your natural features so you look like the best version of yourself.
We always recommend a “less is more” approach. And if you want to feel extra confident, we offer professional hair and makeup services right here in the studio with artists who know exactly how to prep you for the camera.
Here are some of our go-to tips to help you feel and look your best:
Hire a Pro (Seriously—it Makes a Difference)
Even if you’re great at doing your own makeup, a professional makeup artist who understands how products behave on camera can make a huge difference. They know how to enhance your features while keeping everything looking smooth, natural, and photo-ready.
Go for a Natural, Comfortable Look
When you look in the mirror, your makeup should still feel like you. We suggest choosing tones close to your natural complexion and avoiding anything too bold or trendy unless it’s part of your signature style. The goal is to complement your features—not compete with them.
Skip the Shimmer
While highlighter and contouring can be beautiful in person, they often don’t translate well on camera. Too much shine can make the skin appear oily or uneven. We recommend skipping shimmer products and going for a soft, matte finish instead.
Prep Right on the Day Of
If you're getting your makeup done in our studio, we ask that you come with a clean face—no makeup, no sunscreen, no heavy creams. Just a gentle, oil-free moisturizer and eye cream are perfect. This helps our artist apply makeup evenly and keeps it lasting longer under the lights.
Less Powder, More Glow
High-definition cameras pick up everything—and too much powder can make skin look dry or cakey. Let our post-session retouching handle any final polish. We’ll take care of small skin fixes without making you look overly “airbrushed.”
You don’t need to wear a lot to look amazing. With the right prep and a soft touch, your makeup can highlight your confidence and bring focus to where it matters most—you.
Skin & Beauty Prep for Your Headshots
Let’s be honest—your face is the star of your headshot session, so giving your skin a little extra love beforehand can go a long way.
The week leading up to your shoot is the perfect time to pamper yourself a bit. A rested, glowing face doesn’t just photograph better—it helps you feel more confident walking into your session.
Here are a few of our favorite pre-shoot skin and beauty tips to help you look and feel your absolute best:
Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Water is your best friend the week of your shoot. Hydrated skin looks smoother, plumper, and more radiant. Try to cut back on sugary drinks and stick with lots of water—it really does show in your skin.
Waxing? Schedule It Early
If you plan to wax your brows or any facial hair, do it at least a few days before your session. Waxed areas can stay red or irritated longer than expected, so give your skin time to calm down. Avoid waxing the day before or day of—your future self will thank you.
Thinking About a Facial? Treat Yourself Early
A facial is a lovely way to prep your skin—but like waxing, timing matters. If you're booking one, schedule it about a week out. Your skin may need a few days to settle and glow without any post-facial redness or sensitivity.
Exfoliate, Gently
Exfoliating helps remove dead skin and gives you a fresh, smooth surface for makeup—but don’t do it the day before your session. Give your skin a couple of days to bounce back from any potential redness.
Moisturize More Than Usual
Whether you're already a skincare pro or just starting out, the week of your headshot is a great time to bump up the hydration. A rich moisturizer or even a hydrating mask (we love Summer Fridays) can give your skin that extra softness and glow.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Yes, it really matters. A good night’s sleep before your session helps reduce puffiness and makes your eyes look brighter and more energized. Try to get those 8 hours in—you'll feel more refreshed, and it’ll show in your photos.
Whether you’re wearing makeup or going bare-faced, healthy skin and a little prep go a long way. Let’s make sure you walk in feeling rested, radiant, and totally ready.
Capturing Your Best Shot
Why Working with a Professional Photographer Matters
Getting the perfect headshot isn’t just about standing in front of a camera and smiling—it’s about connection, comfort, and capturing you at your best. That’s where working with a professional photographer makes all the difference.
With the right guidance, lighting, and posing (plus a few laughs along the way), a seasoned headshot photographer will help you feel relaxed and confident—so the real you shines through. Whether you’re going for polished and professional or relaxed and approachable, we’ll work together to bring that vision to life.
From helping you prep beforehand with wardrobe and beauty tips, to coaching you during the session, my goal is to make the process easy and enjoyable.
Let’s create headshots that feel authentic, confident, and totally you—images that make the right first impression before you even say a word.
Ready to look your best? Reach out and let’s plan your session together.