The LightFlex headshot session guide
Wear and Prepare
Your headshot. Your best light. A little planning helps you arrive feeling comfortable and ready to be yourself.
Advice from John McCosh, photographer and owner of LightFlex Studios.
Start with the real you
A photograph people recognize.
Whether you’re connecting with a casting director, a prospective client, or your social media audience, your headshot should feel like you. When someone meets you in person or on Zoom after seeing your picture, you want to be recognized.
You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll guide you through small adjustments in posture, angle, and expression. The goal is a portrait that makes people feel they’d like to talk to you.
14 tips from John
Dress for your audience.
Choose clothing that supports your message and keeps the attention on you.
Start with your audience.
Corporate, creative, casual, or holiday-inspired? Think about who will see your headshot and dress for that connection. Message me with any questions.
Let yourself stand out.
Avoid anything more eye-catching than you. Your face and expression should be the focus of the image.
Choose jewelry thoughtfully.
Jewelry is welcome. Keep it intentional and understated enough that it does not compete with your face.
Skip logos unless intentional.
Avoid visible logos unless you are representing that brand and want it to be part of your message.
Make comfort a priority.
If you feel good, it shows. Choose clothes that feel comfortable and let you move naturally.
Bring on the layers.
Jackets, scarves, or sweaters over a shirt or dress make it easy to vary your look. Removing a layer gives us options without changing your core outfit.
Remember your footwear.
If you want a portrait that includes more than your head and shoulders, plan your shoes, too. Feet can be an afterthought, but people notice what you wear.
Find your best colors.
Choose colors that flatter you. Ask friends what they like on you, or look through favorite photos for colors that recur. Avoid shades that closely match your skin tone.
Approach white with care.
White reflects more light than the rest of you and can pull attention from your face. Avoid it if possible. If you wear white, press it well and add a layer.
Be thoughtful about black.
Black can look flat and may need extra attention to lighting. If it is part of your look, we can talk about how to make it work.
Plan for your glasses.
If glasses are part of your everyday look, wear them. Reflections can limit posing and lighting. Anti-reflective lenses help; ask your optician about borrowing frames or safely removing lenses for the session.
Explore your best side.
Most people have small differences between their eyes. The side with the larger eye can be a starting point. Look for a favorite angle in photos you love; I will help you find it.
Choose a flattering fit.
Clothes that follow your shape help avoid added visual bulk. Keep them comfortable, too.
Use texture thoughtfully.
Lace, ruffles, beading, sequins, or ruching can add interest. Look for texture in solid colors; avoid patterns or details that distract from your face.
Not sure what works? Send John your questions before your session.
Prepare & bring.
A few small details to take care of before you arrive.
Before your session
- Think about where your photographs will appear and what you want them to say.
- Share favorite photos, examples, questions, or concerns beforehand.
- Choose clothes that fit comfortably, and have them clean and pressed.
- Aim for the hair and makeup you’d like to have on a good day. Keep makeup natural.
- Get a good night’s rest and leave enough time to arrive without rushing.
What to bring
- A few clothing options and useful layers, such as a jacket, scarf, or sweater.
- Jewelry or other details you want to include intentionally.
- Your glasses, if you normally wear them, with clean lenses.
- Anything you use for quick hair or makeup touch-ups.
- Appropriate shoes if you’d like portraits that show more than your head and shoulders.
If you’d like professional hair or makeup, ask about arrangements before booking.
What to expect.
You bring yourself. I’ll help with the rest.
Direction throughout.
I’ll guide you through posture, angles, and expression to create an engaging connection with the person viewing your image. You don’t need a practiced pose.
Light that suits you.
I put careful thought into lighting, including accurate skin tones. Your clothing, glasses, and the look you want help shape how we approach the session.
A natural finish
Retouching that keeps you recognizable.
My approach to editing is natural. I can soften eye redness, tidy temporary skin blemishes, and brighten teeth while keeping you recognizable. If you’d like more extensive retouching, we’ll talk about it when we edit your images.
For current session inclusions and booking details, visit Book a Headshot. Have a specific question about your session? Let’s talk.
“I have had people get emotional and tell me the picture I just took is the best they have ever looked. That is the most gratifying part of my life as a photographer.”
JOHN MCCOSH · PHOTOGRAPHER & OWNER
Questions? Let’s talk.
Tell me what you have in mind, or ask about anything you’d like help preparing.