What to wear, how to groom, and how to prepare for a professional men’s headshot that feels natural, confident, and authentic.
Men's Headshot PREPARATION Tips
Look polished. Feel confident. Still look like you.
Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients, employers, or connections will have of you—and in San Diego's competitive market, it needs to count. But here's the thing: a great headshot isn't about looking like someone else's idea of "professional." It's about showing up as your best, most authentic self.
That starts before you ever step in front of the camera. Smart grooming and preparation make all the difference between a headshot that feels stiff and one that looks natural and confident. Over the years, I've worked with professionals throughout San Diego and Carlsbad—from tech entrepreneurs to real estate agents to corporate executives—and these are the exact tips I share with every client to help them feel comfortable and look their best.
Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company website, or building your personal brand, these straightforward strategies will help you show up camera-ready while still looking unmistakably like you.
Grooming & Appearance
Hair
Schedule your haircut 3–7 days before your session so it has time to settle and look natural—not freshly chopped. On shoot day, arrive with clean, dry hair styled with light product. Just enough to control flyaways and add shape, but not so much that it looks stiff or shiny.
If you color your hair, make sure your roots are touched up at least a few days before. Gray hair photographs beautifully if it's intentional and well-maintained, so own whatever look feels most like you.
Facial Hair
Whether you're clean-shaven or rocking a beard, make it intentional. If you're going smooth, shave the morning of your session or the night before to avoid redness and irritation. Use a good shaving cream and moisturize afterward to prevent razor burn.
If you have a beard or stubble, trim it and clean up the neckline and edges a day or two before for a sharp, polished look. And don't skip the details—trim nose hair (inside and out) and tidy up eyebrows if needed. If your eyebrows are particularly thick or unruly, a quick cleanup can make your eyes more defined without looking overdone.
If facial hair is part of your personal brand, we'll lean into it—just keep it well-maintained.
Ears & Neck
Small details make a big difference. Check for any stray hairs on your ears or the back of your neck—these can be distracting in close-up shots. If you recently got a haircut, make sure any loose hairs are washed away.
The Details Matter
Clean, trimmed nails make a difference—hands have a way of sneaking into photos, especially in more relaxed or candid poses. Keep nails short and clean, and if you tend to have dry or cracked hands, a little hand lotion the night before helps.
Don't forget to brush and floss—a clean smile always photographs well. If you have anything stuck in your teeth, you'll want to catch it before we start shooting.
What to Avoid
Skip the cologne or keep it very light—strong scents can be overwhelming in a small studio space. Avoid getting a spray tan or spending excessive time in the sun right before your session, as uneven tans or sunburn can be difficult to correct and may not photograph the way you expect.
Skin & Face
Skin Care
You don't need a complicated routine—just stick to the basics. Wash your face and apply a light, non-greasy moisturizer before your session. Avoid trying new products the week of your shoot to prevent unexpected breakouts or redness. And drink plenty of water the day before—hydrated skin photographs better and helps reduce that tired, dull look.
If you have visible blemishes or razor burn, don't worry—minor imperfections can be retouched. But if you're dealing with significant redness or irritation, it's worth rescheduling so you feel confident in your photos.
Eyes
A good night's sleep makes a real difference on camera. Tired eyes can look flat or strained in photos, so aim for at least 7–8 hours the night before. If you're prone to dark circles or puffiness, try a cold spoon or cooling under-eye gel in the morning to reduce swelling and refresh your look.
Lips
This one's easy but often forgotten: use lip balm in the days leading up to your session to keep your lips from looking dry or chapped on camera. Skip anything shiny or glossy on shoot day—just smooth, hydrated lips.
Clothing Tips (Simple but Important)
What to Wear
Your clothing should reflect your personal style and the image you want to project—whether that's corporate professional, creative entrepreneur, or approachably casual. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not someone playing dress-up.
Stick with solid colors or subtle textures. Neutrals like navy, charcoal, black, and white are timeless, while deeper tones like burgundy, forest green, or rich brown add depth without overwhelming your face. Lighter colors can work beautifully too, especially if they complement your skin tone, but avoid anything too bright or neon that might cast unflattering color reflections.
Skip loud patterns, bold logos, or busy graphics—they pull attention away from your face and can look dated quickly. Small patterns like fine checks or herringbone can work if they're subtle, but when in doubt, go solid.
Fit is everything. Well-fitted, tailored clothing always photographs better than anything oversized or too tight. If you're wearing a jacket or blazer, make sure the shoulders fit properly and sleeves hit at the right length. For shirts, avoid anything with excess fabric bunching around the torso.
Bring 1–2 outfit options if you're unsure. We'll look at them together and choose what works best for your session and goals.
Layers Add Versatility
Consider bringing a blazer, cardigan, or even a casual jacket—layers give us options and can shift the tone of your headshot from formal to relaxed. A simple swap from buttoned-up to open collar or adding a jacket can give you multiple looks in one session.
What to Avoid
Skip short sleeves unless it's very intentional for your industry or brand—long sleeves photograph more professionally in most contexts. Avoid clothing with visible wrinkles, stains, or pilling. And double-check that your outfit doesn't have distracting hardware, like large zippers or overly shiny buttons.
Details Matter
Iron or steam your clothes before your session—wrinkles are more visible on camera than in person. Check that collars sit flat, buttons are secure, and seams aren't twisted. Empty your pockets completely so there's no bulging or awkward lines. Lint-roll everything, especially dark clothing.
If you're wearing a tie, make sure it's the right length (tip should hit around your belt) and properly knotted. For those wearing accessories like watches or simple jewelry, keep it minimal and classic—nothing too flashy or distracting.
Final Prep Before You Arrive
Take Care of Yourself
Eat something light an hour or two before your session—no one photographs well when they're hungry, distracted, or low on energy. Skip anything too heavy or greasy that might make you feel sluggish or bloated. And keep drinking water throughout the day so you feel (and look) your best.
Give Yourself Time
Arrive a few minutes early so you're not rushed or stressed. This gives you time to settle in, use the restroom, do a final mirror check, and take a breath before we start. A calm, relaxed mindset shows up in your photos.
Do a Final Check
Before you walk in, take a quick look: collar sitting right? Lint-free? Hair in place? Anything in your teeth? These small checks save time and help you feel confident from the first shot.
Trust the Process
If you're nervous about being in front of the camera, that's completely normal—most people are. I'll guide you through everything: posing, expression, angles, and even where to look. You won't be left guessing or feeling awkward. My job is to make this easy and help you look natural, confident, and like yourself.
We'll review shots as we go so you can see what's working, and we'll adjust until you're happy with the results.
Extra Tips (The Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference)
Eyewear Prep
If you wear glasses, clean them thoroughly before your session—smudges and fingerprints are magnified on camera. Bring a microfiber cloth with you for touch-ups between shots. If you have a second pair, bring them as a backup option. We can work with glasses, but be aware that certain frames and lighting angles can create glare or reflections. If glare becomes an issue, we can adjust positioning or you can temporarily remove the lenses if you're comfortable doing so.
De-lint & De-hair
Run a lint roller over your entire outfit before you leave home, and bring it with you. Pet hair, dust, and fuzz show up easily in photos, especially on darker colors. A quick once-over takes seconds but saves significant retouching time later.
Shoes Matter
Even if you assume they won't be in the shot, wear clean, presentable shoes. Plans change during sessions—a standing shot or three-quarter pose might end up being your favorite, and scuffed or dirty shoes can be distracting. Plus, wearing shoes you feel good in affects your posture and confidence.
Check Your Phone
Silence your phone before the session starts. Constant notifications are distracting and can pull you out of the moment. We want you focused and present so your expressions feel genuine and relaxed.
Bring Touch-Up Essentials
Consider bringing a small bag with basics: comb or brush, extra product for hair, lip balm, tissues, and any makeup for minor touch-ups if needed. Having these on hand means quick adjustments between outfit changes without losing momentum.
Need more prep tips? Visit our Pre-Session Headshot Tips page.
If you're ready to book your professional headshot in San Diego or Carlsbad, visit my Headshots page for details and availability.