Suggestions for Preparing for Your THIAC Conference Headshot Session
A positive and calm mindset is one of the most helpful ways to prepare for your headshot session. Getting a good night’s sleep and arriving with a relaxed, open attitude can make a meaningful difference in your experience.
When selecting your clothing, choose something that feels comfortable and reflects how you would like to be presented professionally. Clothing appropriate for an important but slightly casual meeting is often a good reference, as it conveys both professionalism and approachability.
As this is a headshot, what you wear from the waist up is most important. Well-fitted, tailored pieces such as shirts, blouses, jackets, or blazers tend to photograph best and help create a polished appearance.
Wearing a jacket, particularly in a darker tone, can help keep the focus on your face. If your style is more creative or casual, a coloured jacket, shirt, or blouse can also be a suitable option.
Wearing a tie is a personal choice and will depend on your professional context and the image you wish to project within your organization. However, if a tie is not part of the outfit, a jacket is suggested. We strongly recommend wearing a shirt that fits well and is wrinkle free.
Wearing colour and patterns can help express style and personality. That said, it’s best to choose clothing that complements rather than overwhelms your portrait and continues to feel current over time. We recommend opting for long sleeves or tailored garments when possible, and avoiding highly seasonal pieces (such as short sleeves or heavy scarves), so your portrait maintains a consistent, professional look throughout the year.
Accessories can be a great way to complement your portrait, as long as they do not distract from the overall image. Glasses and jewelry are often used to express personality and are entirely a personal choice. If you regularly wear glasses, we recommend keeping them on for your session; if they are optional, feel free to bring them along as an alternative.
Jewelry can also complement your outfit and may hold personal meaning that helps you feel more comfortable. We recommend keeping pieces subtle and avoiding long necklaces, as they may interfere with the framing of the headshot.
Regarding makeup, based on our experience, most people photograph best when they look like themselves on a strong professional day. We recommend approaching makeup in the same way you would for an important meeting or professional engagement, rather than having it done specifically for the photoshoot. A natural, well-balanced look tends to translate best on camera.