Our Guide to Your Headshot Photo Shoot

Want to build your career, lead a business, or step into the spotlight? A high-quality headshot is a must.

In this blog, we’ll cover what to expect at a House of Photography headshot session, how to prepare, and easy ways to collaborate with your photographer to create a timeless headshot that gives you a clear competitive edge.

Why invest in a professional headshot photo?

Never underestimate the power of a professional headshot. Quality portraits carry significant weight and can often be the deciding factor that opens doors in the professional world. 

Imagine you’re a talent scout reviewing dozens of profiles for a project. You come across two candidates with very similar experience, but one has a sharp, professional headshot while the other has a casual, low-quality photo. When there’s very little to differentiate them on paper, you’re naturally going to pick the person who looks the most polished and professional.

What’s more, with social media and online portfolios being the norm now, your headshot is often the first impression you make. Whether it’s attached to your email account, at the top of your LinkedIn page, or the profile picture on your Instagram, a high-quality portrait is more than just an asset; it’s a necessity for standing out.

Industries that require professional headshots

Even if professional headshots aren’t a strict requirement for your job or application, it’s strongly recommended that you have them taken — especially in entertainment industries where being in front of a camera is part of the job, and your appearance plays a key role in securing opportunities. 

Most commonly, professionally taken images are required for: 

Talent casting photos

These might be modelling casting photos, images for an acting portfolio, or music and entertainment headshots.

Corporate/professional photos

These include executive/academic portraits, company headshots, LinkedIn profile photos, and freelancer website shots.

Mentorship, coaching, and public speaking photos

These are often used by life coaches, career mentors, keynote speakers, workshop leaders, and professionals promoting their personal branding.

What happens at a headshot photo shoot?

At our FUJIFILM House of Photography, we’ve produced countless headshots for actors, models, business professionals, and creatives, and we always make sure that whoever walks through the door feels relaxed and at ease.

Our friendly photo shoots are led by expert in-house photographers and typically last around 45 minutes, with 30 minutes dedicated to shooting and 15 minutes for editing and finalising. 

Normally, we start with a quick chat about the type of photos you need, then move to our designated shooting area to capture your shots. Once we’re done photographing, we’ll carry out any retouching or edits onsite, and you’ll get copies of your photos sent directly to your email. If you wish, you can pay to have your images professionally printed from our in-house photo lab.

Feeling anxious about your appointment? We understand that not everyone feels comfortable behind the lens. And that’s completely normal. Our professional photographers will gently guide you, offering helpful tips and advice that’ll make you feel relaxed, and most importantly, deliver the best shots.

Photo shoot planning: What to bring with you 

You won’t need to bring much to your photo shoot. If you want to, you can carry a change of clothes, any products you might want to use to touch up your look, a bottle of water, and your phone for any reference photos you may have.  

As with any photo shoot, it’s best to get a good night’s sleep beforehand. That way, you’ll look and feel fresh on the day.  

What to wear to your photo shoot session

When it comes to choosing an outfit, what you need to wear will depend on your industry. 

Dressing for a casting

If you need casting photos for modelling or acting, it’s generally recommended to stick to simple clothing in a single colour, as anything busy or patterned will be too distracting. Something like a simple t-shirt or top in a colour that complements your skin tone is best.   

For these types of photos, it’s also recommended to keep makeup to a minimum. While it’s fine to lightly even out your skin tone or gently enhance your features, anything heavy or bold can take away from your natural look and make it harder for casting directors to see your true appearance. 

Remember: The goal with casting is to present a clean, versatile canvas that allows your expressions and personality to shine through. Your actual modelling photo shoots or stage/media productions are when you’ll get the chance to experiment with styling, dramatic makeup, and character-specific looks.

Dressing for business photos

If you’re opting for corporate photos, aim to dress in a smart, presentable way while still showing your personality. You might want to pair a blazer with a cheerful top or wear a pair of smart glasses to add a professional edge to a casual look. You know your industry best, so try to reflect that in your photo shoot attire. 

Top tip: A little grooming goes a long way. Neatly-styled hair, well-trimmed facial hair, and clean, ironed clothing can make a big difference to how your photos turn out. Of course, it’s still important to show who you are, but if you can strike the right balance between looking polished and staying authentic, you’ll end up with images that showcase your personality while presenting you at your best.

Professional headshot photography in London

Need professional headshots in London? Our FUJIFILM House of Photography is conveniently located just a few minutes away from Covent Garden station and around 4–5 minutes from Leicester Square station. 

Our experienced in-house photographers will produce 6 professional shots in a variety of different poses, and you’ll get to choose the images that you’re most happy with. The whole process is quick and easy, so you can start your morning by getting your picture taken and finish it enjoying the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden.

Ready to get started? Use our simple headshot booking tool to select a date and time that suits you.