Preparing for a headshot is more than just showing up with a clean face and doing your hair. A good headshot can say as much about you as your resume or LinkedIn profile. It is an opportunity to show who you are to the general public. Your personality, even if subtle, will come through in the photo. The following tips will help you prepare for your shoot, but remember, the most important thing is you do what makes you feel comfortable!

Preparing for a headshot can be daunting if you don't know what to expect. Here are a few tips to help you get ready.

Wear clothing that fits well and looks professional. Please wear clothes that fit well, but not so much that they restrict movement or make you feel uncomfortable sitting or standing still for long periods. You don't want to wear something too tight or too loose because this can distract from how well-groomed you are.

Choose colors that match your eye color: wearing green if you have blue eyes, purple if they're brown, etc., will help pull out the color of your eyes in the shot. Avoid bright white or neon colors: they tend to overwhelm the camera and wash out your skin tone. If you wear white, go with something creamier instead with more warm tones.

Don't wear patterns: stripes, polka dots, or plaids are okay if they're not too big or bold (think 2-inch pinstripes on a shirt). Larger prints may distract from your face and make it harder for the photographer to focus on what's important — you!

Wear clean clothes and iron them if necessary. You don't want wrinkles in your shirt or blouse showing up in your photoshoot. Wrinkles can make it look like you didn't care enough about the shoot to iron something nice to wear. Make sure your shoes are clean, too.

If you're planning on wearing glasses, bring them with you so that they can be included in the photoshoot if necessary. Also, consider bringing along any additional clothing items (like scarves) that might go with what you plan on wearing during the shoot to incorporate them into shots as needed!

MAKEUP O HAIR O GROOMING

Groom yourself. Make sure that you look nice and fresh, and it's always better to be ready than have to scramble to get ready after the fact. Take care of unwanted facial hair, brush your teeth, and make sure your hair has been styled nicely.

Keep your makeup natural and simple if possible — no bright colors or intricate designs (unless they're part of your job). A subtle touch of blush and mascara will make you look fresh-faced and beautiful without going overboard with a highlighter or eyeliner!

If you have long hair, consider wearing it down or pulled back in a low ponytail rather than high and tight on top of your head. The stylist (and photographer) must see the shape of your face when they're styling your hair and makeup to match the right look for your photoshoot.

Make sure your nails are trimmed and clean before meeting with any photographers or casting directors; this shows professionalism, but having long nails can also create shadows on shots that could take away from potential acting opportunities.