What To Know About A Headshot Session

Written By Dave Haworth

Headshot in studio with studio lighting

A professional headshot is more than just a nice photo—it’s your first impression, your personal brand, and your digital handshake. Whether you’re a business professional, entrepreneur, actor, or just want to upgrade your LinkedIn profile, a great headshot can make a real difference.

But what exactly makes a great headshot? How often should you update it? And how do you prepare for your session? Let’s break it all down.

Why Headshots Matter

Your headshot is often the first thing people see when they search for you online. Here’s why investing in a high-quality one is worth it:

  • First Impressions Count – Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company’s website, or social media, your headshot helps shape how people perceive you.

  • It Builds Trust – A clear, professional image makes you look credible and approachable.

  • You’ll Use It Everywhere – Beyond LinkedIn, your headshot can be used for business cards, speaking engagements, press features, and even dating profiles (no judgment I met my wife nearly 20 years ago on Match).

If your current headshot is a blurry selfie or has a busy background from your last holiday, it might be time for an upgrade.

Headshot vs. Portrait: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms headshot and portrait interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing.

Headshots:

✔ Typically cropped from the chest up

✔ Focus on your face, expression, and professionalism

✔ Used for business, corporate branding, and acting

Portraits:

✔ Can be full-body, waist-up, or more creatively composed

✔ More artistic with varied backgrounds, lighting, and poses

✔ Used for personal branding, storytelling, and editorial work

Which one do you need? If you want a simple, polished image for work or networking, go for a headshot. If you want more personality, variety, or storytelling in your photos, a portrait might be the better choice.

Headshot on location with natural lighting

How Often Should You Update Your Headshot?

A good rule of thumb is every 1-2 years, but here are some signs it’s time for a refresh:

  • You’ve changed your appearance – New hairstyle? Glasses or no glasses? If you don’t look like your current headshot, update it.

  • Career change or rebrand – If you’ve switched industries, started a business, or are repositioning your personal brand, your headshot should reflect that.

  • Your old headshot looks outdated – If your last professional photo was taken five years ago with a background that screams “early 2000s,” it’s time for a new one.

Different Types of Headshots

Not all headshots are created equal. The right type depends on your industry and personal brand.

Corporate Headshots

  • Clean, simple, and professional

  • Perfect for company websites, LinkedIn, and team pages

Actor Headshots

  • Expressive and dynamic

  • Often include different “looks” for casting versatility

Personal Branding Headshots

  • More relaxed and personality-driven

  • Ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and influencers

Creative & Editorial Headshots

  • More artistic and stylized

  • Great for authors, musicians, and public figures

Casual/Environmental Headshots

  • Shot in a natural setting (office, outdoors, café, etc.)

  • Helps tell a story about your profession or personality

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

A little prep goes a long way to getting the best results.

What to Wear

  • Stick to solid colors – avoid busy patterns and logos.

  • Layers work well – a blazer or jacket can add depth.

  • Make sure your clothes fit well – not too tight, not too baggy.

  • Keep jewelry minimal – nothing too distracting.

Pro Tip: Bring a couple of outfit options to the session!

Grooming & Skincare

  • Get a haircut a few days before (not the day of).

  • If you shave, do so the night before to avoid irritation.

  • Keep makeup natural—it should enhance, not overpower.

  • Stay hydrated and moisturize your skin leading up to the shoot.

Rest & Mindset

  • Get a good night’s sleep to avoid looking tired.

  • Drink plenty of water in the days before your shoot.

  • Practice a few expressions in the mirror to see what feels natural.

  • Most importantly—relax! I’ll guide you through everything on the day.

Final Thoughts

A great headshot isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident and presenting yourself in the best light. Whether you need a corporate headshot, a personal branding photo, or something more creative, investing in a professional session is worth it.

If you’re ready to update your headshot, let’s chat! I’d love to help you create an image that truly represents you.

Book Your Headshot Session Today

Dave Haworth

"Every image, a story worth sharing"

I am a portrait photographer dedicated to crafting impactful, story-driven imagery. Specialising in headshots, branding, environmental, lifestyle, fine art, conceptual, cinematic & editorial portraits and video, as well as social media content creation. I create visual narratives that resonate with your audience.

Based in Waterford, available throughout Ireland.

https://www.davehaworthphoto.ie