Getting Ready for Your Headshot

Your team has a headshot session coming up with me, Damon Bates. First, relax — this is easier and more enjoyable than most people expect. My whole approach is built around coaching you through it, so you don't need to know a thing about posing or what to do in front of a camera. That's my job. Yours is just to show up feeling good. Here's how to do exactly that.

What We're Going For

The quality I aim to capture is what I call approachable confidence— you, looking credible and at ease, the way you'd want a client or colleague to see you. The session is quick, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. I'll direct you the whole way, we'll review your images together on a screen in real time, and you'll actually learn a bit about how to look your best on camera as we go.

What to Wear

Wear what you love and feel comfortable in, and generally lean toward neutral colors. Avoid busy prints and overly bright tones — though if you have a bright piece you love, bring it and we can try it. A white shirt or blouse is fine under a jacket, but on its own it reflects a lot of light and can wash out your skin tones. Simple lines photograph best, so it's worth skipping scarves, ruffles and fringe.

Since each session runs only about 15 minutes, there isn't time to change outfits — so come dressed in the look that makes you feel your best. If you choose a patterned shirt, keep the pattern subtle; solid colors are the safe choice. And one small thing that matters more than you'd think: crisp, freshly pressed clothing looks and drapes far better in a photo than something that's been worn soft.

If your company has a specific dress standard for these headshots — a blazer, or a jacket and tie, for example — please follow it, and check with your coordinator if you're unsure.

Grooming, Hair & Makeup

For men: a clean shave or crisply trimmed facial hair, plus moisturizer as needed. I don't recommend makeup for men.

For women: light, daily-routine makeup usually photographs best — no need for anything heavier than usual. If you have a lip color you always wear, feel free to bring it; if you never wear lip color, that's perfectly fine too. A hairbrush on hand for a quick touch-up before you sit down is always helpful.

On the Day

Show up at your scheduled time, dressed and ready. That's really it. I'll handle the lighting, the direction and the retouching afterward — nothing heavy-handed, just you looking like yourself on your best day. Most people walk out saying it was far less painful than they feared — and that they actually learned something about how to look good in front of a camera. I think you will too.