Are you using a selfie, wedding photo, or photo from three hairstyles ago as your profile photo?

Then it is time for a new headshot!

I know, I know, you are busy, you want to get a new haircut, your want t lose five pounds, it’s too expensive, and you hate having your picture taken.

What if I told you it didn’t have to take a lot of time, I could help you look like you already lost five pounds, and I promise to do my best to make it fun and low stress?

If you set the date to make it happen you can make sure to get your haircut and your nails done in time!

Contrary to what you might think, getting the haircut is not the first step. Scheduling your headshot is the first step. Then work backwards from there. (Unless you have a hairstylist that schedules really really far out, this will work.)

You see once you know the date you need to look your best on, you can set up all your appointments to make sure you look as awesome as you are.

10 Steps to Getting Ready for Your Headshot Photoshoot

1. Call and schedule your headshot session for two to four weeks away.
2. Make an appoinment for a haircut and/or color about 7-10 days from your session date. This gives you a chance to make sure you really like your haircut and get it touched up if you need too.
3. While you are there schedule your manicure and pedicure for 1-2 days before your session. If you wax your eyebrows then have them waxed 1-2 days beforehand by a person you trust. Make sure that you get a bottle of whatever color you decide on for touch ups just in case you chip your polish. Or have the gel manicure so there is almost no way to chip it. If you don’t paint your nails, still get a manicure to get rid of hang nails and make sure your nails are nice and neat and clean. Make sure to clean them before your shoot as well.
4. Look through your wardrobe and pick out 3-4 looks that reflect your style and personality. Make sure that they will all be ready to go the day of. Perhaps a run to the dry cleaners is in order? Or maybe you need to replace a button. Make sure you try the clothes on with the undergarmets and shoes you plan to wear with them. Check for pinching, bra straps showing, buttons missing, pants or sleeves needing a hem.
5. Work out all of your accessories and simple changes you can make to your hairstyles if you want more variety in your images.
6. Make an appointment to have your hair styled and make up done the day of if you think you would like to have this done by someone else. Make sure that they know your style and do your make up the way you really want it and in a way that reflects your brand.
7.  For a minimum of 2 days, but really more like 4-5, before your shoot, avoid eating salty foods and drinking alcohol, get some exercise, and sleep as much as you can. This will help reduce any bloating and under-eye bags.
8. The day before your shoot, get a massage, if you can swing it. Do whatever makes you feel relaxed and happy. A massage, meditaion, excerise, whatever works for you.
9. Prep all of your clothes on hangers to avoid wrinkling the night before. Steam or iron anything ahead of time. If you have garment bags, use them. Make sure to hang them in your car. (Make sure to download and read the What to Wear for Headshots guide before picking out your clothing. Sign up below to download it.)
10. If you made a hair and make up appointment have it done with some extra time padding before your shoot to avoid running late. You want to get as much out of your shoot as you can.

The key to a good headshot is coming ready for the shoot. Relaxed, styled, and ready to go. If you are in a hurry or still getting ready it can show in your photos.

Use you photo shoot as an excuse for some amazing self care! Not that you need an excuse, but  hey, a little extra leg massage with your pedicure may be necessary in order to be relaxed for your shoot! ; )

Download your free What to Wear Guide here. And as always, if you have any questions feel free to ask!