As a professional headshot photographer, my goal is to ensure that everyone I photograph looks their absolute best.

Your headshot is often the first impression people have of you in a professional setting. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, preparing for a job interview, or creating a personal brand, a high-quality headshot plays a crucial role in how you're perceived.

A great headshot showcases your professionalism, confidence, and personality, helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace, this guide is designed to give you expert tips on how to prepare for your headshot session and ensure you look your best, from skincare and attire to posing and expression, every detail matters in creating a photo that truly represents you.

By following these tips, you’ll be ready to take a polished and professional headshot that highlights your unique qualities and leaves a lasting impression.

Let’s dive into the steps that will help you achieve the perfect headshot!

For men, there are three main options to consider: Saudi thobe, business casual, and formal business attire.

No matter which style you choose, the most important factor is that your clothes fit well. Unfortunately, ill-fitting clothes can’t be fixed in photos, so proper fit is key.

Here are my recommendations for choosing the right outfits:

Saudi attire

• Traditional Thobe: A classic and timeless outfit, the thobe is an authentic and excellent choice for headshots. Ensure it is clean, pressed, and fits well around the shoulders and neck. Avoid overly loose or tight fits, as both can detract from a polished look.
• Undershirts: To maintain a clean and professional appearance, wear a half-sleeve O-neck undershirt. This type of undershirt ensures no visible lines or bunching under your thobe, creating a smooth and seamless look.
• Headwear: Pair your thobe with a neatly arranged shemagh or ghutra for a distinguished and complete appearance. Opt for a crisp white or a traditional red-and-white patterned style to align with your preference and make a strong impression.

Business attire

• Solid Colors: Whether it’s your shirt, polo, or jacket, stick to solid colors only. Avoid stripes or small patterns, as these can create a distracting visual effect called moiré. While you don’t need to know the science behind it, you can avoid it entirely by choosing solid-colored clothing for your session.
• Well-Fitted Shirts: If you don’t wear casual or formal shirts often, try them on a few days before your session to ensure they still fit well. Our bodies change over time, and a shirt that doesn’t fit properly—especially around the neck—can detract from your photo.
• White Shirts with a Jacket: While white shirts are a classic choice, they’re not ideal for headshots on their own. White reflects the most light, which can make your shirt the brightest part of the image. Since your face should always be the focal point, a white shirt works best when paired with a darker jacket to balance the look.
• No Undershirts: Although undershirts are great for everyday use, they’re not ideal for headshots. They often show through or create visible lines on your chest and shoulders. For the best results, skip the undershirt altogether for your session.

Whether you have a full head of hair (Mashallah!) or a bit less (Guilty!), your hair plays a crucial role in your headshot.

As a photographer with years of experience capturing headshots, I’ve developed the following hair tips for men:

• Haircut Timing: Avoid getting a fresh haircut the day before your session. I suggest scheduling your haircut about a week in advance. This gives your hair a bit of time to grow, creating a more natural look without sharp cut lines.
• Shaved Hair: If you shave your hair daily, continue your routine on the day of your session. If you shave every few days or once every couple of weeks, try to leave 1-2 days between your last shave and the session.
• Hair Wash: If you wash your hair daily, there’s no need to change your routine. If not, I recommend washing your hair 1-2 days before your session to prevent it from looking too flat or greasy.

If you shave daily, you can skip this section. For those who grow a beard or shave less frequently.

Here are some essential facial hair tips:

• Nose and Ear Hair: Pay attention to any stubborn hairs in your nose and ears. I recommend trimming these before your session. While I can retouch small hairs, it’s always better to take care of them beforehand.
• Razor Burn: Use shaving creams and aftershaves suited for your skin to avoid irritation. If your skin decides to rebel and you get razor burn, don't worry! I can touch up any redness, so there’s no need to stress.

These skin and beauty tips are essential, especially in the week leading up to your headshot. Since your headshot focuses on your face, it’s crucial to get plenty of rest, take care of your skin, and stay hydrated before your session!

Here are key skincare tips to follow:

• No Sunscreen: Avoid using sunscreen on your skin on the day of your session. It can create an oily or shiny appearance that doesn’t look ideal in photos.
• Limit Sun Exposure: In the days leading up to your session, try to avoid excessive sun exposure. Fresh sunburns or redness can be distracting in your headshot.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the week before your session—this means a lot of water! Hydrated skin looks healthier and smoother. Avoid sugary or soda drinks, as they can dehydrate you and affect your skin’s appearance.
• Get Rest: A rested, confident, and energized look is key to a great headshot. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your session to look refreshed and sharp.

Preparing for your headshot may seem like a lot of work, but with these tips, you'll be fully equipped to look your best.

I’m here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your business headshot reflects your professionalism and confidence.

If you’re ready to create a standout headshot that captures your unique qualities, reach out and schedule your session today.

Let’s work together to make sure you shine in your photos!