# How to Prepare for Your Professional Headshot: The Complete Guide to Looking Confident & Camera‑Ready > 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… > URL: https://pauladeegan.co.uk/how-to-prepare-for-your-professional-headshot/ > Last modified: 2026-09-28T12:13:04+00:00 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](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/professional-headshot-surrey/)** helps you appear confident, approachable and credible — essential for LinkedIn, your website, marketing materials and social media. As a [**Surrey headshot photographer**](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/professional-headshot-surrey/), 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. [View Headshot Packages](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/professional-headshot-surrey/) ### **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](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/corporate-team-headshots/)** for company websites - **[Actor headshots](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/actor-headshots/)** for casting profiles - **[Personal branding photography](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/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](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/business-headshots/men-what-to-wear-for-a-professional-headshot/)** or **[What to Wear Guide for Women](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/business-headshots/women-what-to-wear-professional-headshot/) f**or detailed outfit tips. [View Headshot Packages](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/professional-headshot-surrey/) ### **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. “I have a lifelong fear of cameras and usually tense up when a lens is pointed at me but Paula made me feel really relaxed. She took a great range of photos, all with different looks which was exactly what I wanted. I’m really happy with the results!” Laura, Personal Branding Photography Client ### **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. [View Headshot Packages](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/professional-headshot-surrey/) ### **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. “Would highly recommend Paula to anyone needing new headshots, she made the process fun and I’m delighted with results. So cross with myself that I put it off for so long!” Rosemarie, Business Headshot Client ### **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. I only photograph a limited number of headshot sessions each week to give every client plenty of time and attention. If you’re working towards a specific deadline, I’d recommend booking early. [Ready to book?](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/professional-headshot-surrey/) [Have questions?](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/contact/) I’m here to help you look your absolute best and look forward to hearing from you soon! [I’m Ready to Book!](https://pauladeegan.co.uk/professional-headshot-surrey/)