A great headshot is one of the most valuable tools you have for making a strong first impression. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, actor, consultant, lawyer, therapist or dentist, your profile photo acts as the visual handshake of your brand. A high‑quality professional headshot helps you appear confident, approachable and credible — essential for LinkedIn, your website, marketing materials and social media.
As a Surrey headshot photographer, my goal is to make your session relaxed, enjoyable and genuinely empowering. With a little preparation, you’ll walk away with images that feel authentic, polished and unmistakably “you”.
What a Professional Headshot Can Do for You
A strong headshot can:
- Build trust with potential clients
- Strengthen your personal brand
- Improve your visibility on platforms like LinkedIn
- Help you stand out in competitive industries
- Make your website and marketing materials look more professional
Your headshot is often the first thing people see — so it’s worth making it count.
Define the Purpose of Your Headshot
Before your session, think about where your images will be used. This helps us tailor the style, background and expression.
Common uses include:
- LinkedIn headshots
- Corporate headshots for company websites
- Actor headshots for casting profiles
- Personal branding photography for entrepreneurs
- Press and media features
- Professional bios
If you’re unsure, we’ll talk through your goals during your session.
Choose a Style That Reflects Your Personality & Industry
Your headshot should feel like you — but the version of you that represents your professional role.
Think about the impression you want to make:
- Warm and friendly
- Strong and authoritative
- Creative and modern
- Calm and trustworthy
Your industry can guide your choices too:
- Creative fields: relaxed, modern, authentic
- Corporate roles: polished, structured, confident
- Entrepreneurs: approachable, professional, trustworthy
- Actors: expressive, natural, true to your casting type
Wear Something That Makes You Feel Confident
Your outfit affects how you feel, and how you feel affects how you look. Choose clothing that fits well, sits neatly and reflects your professional identity.
Before your session:
- Try on your outfits in advance
- Check for pulling, gaping or creasing
- Make sure collars and necklines sit properly
- Ensure everything is clean, ironed and ready to go
Most clients bring at least two options — I’ll help you choose what works best on camera.
If you haven’t already, explore my What to Wear Guide for Men or What to Wear Guide for Women for detailed outfit tips.
Be Honest About Your Preferences
Everyone has preferences — a favourite side, a preferred angle, or features they feel self‑conscious about. Sharing these with me helps us create images you genuinely love.
If you have a past photo you like, bring it along. It’s incredibly helpful for understanding your style and comfort zone.
A great headshot should always look like you, just on your best day.
Plan Your Haircut or Styling Ahead of Time
If you’re getting a haircut, do it a week or two before your session so it has time to settle. Fresh cuts can look sharp, but they can also look a little too “new”.
A professional blow‑dry or styling appointment on the day is a great idea — it boosts confidence and photographs beautifully.
Prepare Your Skin & Appearance Before the Session
A little preparation goes a long way:
- Drink plenty of water the day before
- Moisturise your skin
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Avoid heavy alcohol the night before
- Bring lip balm or powder if you use them
- Make sure outfits are steamed or ironed
These small steps help you look fresh, rested and polished.
Give Yourself Time on the Day
Arrive on time so you're not feeling rushed and gives you time to settle in, breathe and check your appearance.
Before we start, take a moment to:
- Smooth your hair
- Check your teeth
- Adjust your collar or jewellery
- Take a couple of deep breaths
A calm start leads to natural, confident expressions.
Relax — I’ll Guide You Through Everything
Almost everyone feels nervous before a headshot session. That’s completely normal.
My sessions are friendly, relaxed and collaborative. I’ll guide your posing, expression and angles so you never feel unsure about what to do. We’ll chat, adjust as we go, and review images on the back of the camera so you can see how great you look.
The lighting is flattering, the process is simple, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly you relax once we get started.
After Your Session: Choosing & Retouching Your Images
Once we’ve finished shooting, you’ll choose your favourite images from a selection. My retouching style is natural and subtle — enhancing without altering who you are.
Typical retouching includes:
- Softening under‑eye shadows
- Evening skin tone
- Reducing temporary blemishes
- Brightening eyes
- Smoothing flyaway hairs
Your final images will look polished, professional and authentically you.
Ready to Book Your Headshot? Let's Create Images You're Proud to Share
If you’re ready to update your professional image — whether for LinkedIn, your website, acting profiles or personal branding — I’d love to help you create headshots that feel confident, natural and authentically you.
My sessions are relaxed, friendly and fully guided, so even if you’re camera‑shy, you’ll feel supported every step of the way. Together we’ll create polished, professional images that make a strong first impression and elevate your brand.
Click below to book your session or get in touch with any questions — I’m here to help you look your absolute best.
Paula is a Photography Institute graduate & founded Paula Deegan Photography in 2014. Paula creates professional headshots and portraits for actors, creatives and professionals across Surrey and London.