Your company booked a headshot booth. Good news: you are getting a professional photo without taking a half day off work or paying for a studio session. Here is everything you need to know before you walk up.
The whole thing takes about two minutes. Really. But a few small decisions made the night before will make a noticeable difference in what you walk away with.
What to Wear
You will be photographed from roughly the chest up, so what happens above the shoulders matters most. That said, people always notice when the top half of an outfit does not fit right, so start there.
Solid colours beat patterns. Small checks, thin stripes, and busy prints can shimmer or buzz on camera. A solid top keeps the attention on your face, which is the whole point of a headshot.
Go with colours that have some depth. Navy, charcoal, forest green, burgundy, and warm neutrals all photograph well and work across a wide range of skin tones. Bright white can read hot under studio lights. Neon can throw colour onto your face.
Fit matters more than price. A well-fitting basic shirt looks better than an expensive one that pulls at the shoulders or gaps at the collar. Check your collar in a mirror while seated, not standing.
Bring a second option if you can. A blazer or jacket you can add or remove gives you two distinct looks in the same two minutes. It costs you nothing and doubles your choices.
Skip the logos. Unless your organization requires it, avoid company branding of any kind.
A note on jewellery and glasses. Simple is better. Large earrings pull attention. If you wear glasses, wear them, that is how people know you. Anti-glare lenses help, but we can work around reflections either way.
The Night Before
Nothing dramatic. A few things that quietly show up in photos:
Get a real night of sleep. It shows in your eyes more than anything else you can control.
If you are getting a haircut, schedule it two or three days out, not the morning of. Fresh cuts need a day to settle.
Hang your shirt so it is not wrinkled. Wrinkles across the chest are the most common fixable issue we see.
Drink water. Skin looks better hydrated.
Grooming and Makeup
The goal is to look like yourself on a good day, not like a different person.
Makeup: slightly more defined than your everyday look, but not much. Even out your skin tone, define your eyes a little, choose a lip colour with some warmth. Matte finishes photograph better than shimmer under studio lighting. Powder on the T-zone helps if you tend to get shiny.
Hair: wear it the way you actually wear it. A style you are not used to will show in how you hold yourself. Bring whatever you need to refresh it after a morning of conference sessions.
Right Before You Step Up
You have been in sessions all morning. Here is the thirty second reset:
Straighten your collar and check for anything on your shirt.
Blot or powder if you are shiny.
Roll your shoulders back and down once. Tension sits there and the camera sees it.
Take one slow breath out before you step in.
That is it. You do not need to arrive with poses figured out.
What Happens on the Footprints
Here is the actual process, so nothing catches you off guard.
You step into the lighting setup and we take it from there. We will tell you exactly where to place your feet, your shoulders, and your chin, then run through a few different angles and expressions in about two minutes. You will see previews as we go, so you know what you are getting before you leave the booth.
Then you scan a QR code to register. Your photos are matched to you through facial recognition and land in your own private gallery, already retouched. From there you select the ones you want and download them. Additional images are available to purchase if you want more than your selections.
No waiting weeks. No wondering how it turned out.
Quick Answers
How long will I be at the booth?
About two minutes in front of the camera. Lines move at 25 to 30 people an hour, so the wait is usually short.
What if I hate having my photo taken?
Most people say that. You will not be standing there guessing what to do with your hands. We direct the whole thing, and it is over before the nerves have time to build.
When do I get my photos?
Immediately after your session. They are retouched and delivered to your private gallery, matched to you by facial recognition once you scan the QR code.
What counts as retouching?
Skin evened out, blemishes and stray hairs cleaned up, distractions removed. You will still look like you.
Can I come back if I am not happy?
If the line allows, absolutely. Just ask.
Do I have to smile?
No. Some roles call for warm and approachable, others for calm and direct. Tell us what the photo is for and we will get the right read.
Come as you are, but come a little prepared. Two minutes, a few good options, and a photo you will actually want to use.
Questions before the event? Reach out to Hello Headshots and we will sort it out ahead of time.
