Headshot Blog Post

In the modeling world, your headshot is your calling card. It’s the first impression agencies, clients, and casting directors will have of you—and you only get one shot (literally) to make it count! A strong headshot can open doors, while a weak one might get you overlooked before you even get a chance to showcase your talent.

Whether you’re shooting your first headshot or refreshing your portfolio, nailing the details matters. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right look, posing like a pro, and getting a headshot that makes you stand out in the competitive world of modeling.

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Headshot

Different types of modeling require different types of headshots. Make sure your headshot aligns with the specific market you’re targeting:

👉 Commercial Modeling: Warm, approachable, and natural. Smiling shots with minimal makeup and soft lighting work best. 👉 Fashion/Editorial Modeling: High-fashion headshots often require strong expressions, minimal smiling, and more dramatic styling. 👉 Beauty Modeling: Close-up shots that focus on your facial features—clear skin, striking eyes, and symmetry are key. 👉 Fitness Modeling: Your headshot should reflect strength and energy, so a confident expression with a natural glow works well. 👉 Acting Crossover: If you’re also considering acting, a natural and expressive headshot with minimal retouching will work best.

Pro Tip: If you're targeting multiple markets, consider getting different headshots for each style.

2. Choose the Right Photographer

Your headshot is only as good as the photographer behind the camera. Here’s how to choose the right one:

✅ Portfolio Check: Look at the photographer’s past work—do their headshots capture natural expressions and highlight facial features well? ✅ Industry Experience: A photographer experienced with models (not just portrait photography) will understand the nuances of a great modeling headshot. ✅ Communication Style: Make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with the photographer. A relaxed model always takes better photos. ✅ Natural Lighting vs. Studio: Outdoor natural light creates a soft, glowing look, while studio lighting creates crisp, high-contrast shots. Decide which works best for your goals.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask the photographer if they’ve shot headshots for modeling agencies before—this matters!

3. Prepare Your Skin and Hair

A flawless headshot starts with a clean and polished canvas.

🌟 Skincare:

• Hydrate well the day before the shoot.

• Exfoliate and moisturize to create a smooth surface.

• Avoid new skincare products or treatments right before the shoot to prevent breakouts or irritation.

💇‍♀️ Hair:

• Keep your hairstyle simple and natural.

• Avoid heavy styling products that might make your hair look stiff or greasy.

• If your hair is curly, make sure it’s defined but not overly styled.

💄 Makeup:

• Less is more! A clean, natural look enhances your features without distracting from them.

• Focus on even skin tone, defined eyes, and a soft lip color.

• If shooting a beauty headshot, highlight your eyes and lips more.

Pro Tip: If you’re not comfortable doing your own makeup, hire a makeup artist who specializes in headshots.

4. What to Wear for Your Headshot

What you wear in your headshot should complement your natural features, not overpower them.

👗 Clothing Tips: ✔️ Solid colors work best—avoid busy patterns or logos. ✔️ Stick with neutral or soft tones that complement your skin tone. ✔️ For fashion or editorial headshots, try black, white, or muted jewel tones. ✔️ Keep your neckline clean and simple. Tank tops, V-necks, or off-the-shoulder styles work well.

💎 Jewelry:

• Keep it minimal or skip it altogether.

• Small studs or hoops are fine, but avoid anything too flashy.

Pro Tip: Bring a couple of options to the shoot. Sometimes certain colors or styles work better on camera than expected.

5. Master Your Posing and Expression

The right pose and facial expression can elevate your headshot from "good" to "stunning."

👀 Eyes:

• Engage your eyes—look directly into the lens as if you’re having a conversation with the camera.

• Keep your eyes slightly narrowed to avoid a "wide-eyed" look.

• A soft gaze works well for beauty and commercial shots, while intense eye contact is better for editorial and fashion shots.

😌 Relax Your Face:

• Keep your jaw relaxed and your tongue resting lightly on the roof of your mouth to avoid tension.

• Smile naturally—think of a happy memory instead of forcing a fake smile.

• Avoid overthinking your expressions. Less is more!

💁‍♀️ Body Language:

• Keep your shoulders relaxed.

• Slightly turn your head to one side to avoid a stiff or "mugshot" look.

• If shooting a ¾ headshot, keep one arm relaxed and slightly bent to create a natural silhouette.

Pro Tip: Practice your facial expressions in the mirror before the shoot. Find your "signature look" and get comfortable with it.

6. During the Shoot – Relax and Communicate

Photographers can sense when a model is nervous or uncomfortable. Make the most of your time in front of the camera by staying calm and focused:

✅ Take deep breaths between shots to reset. ✅ If you’re unsure about a pose or expression, ask the photographer for guidance. ✅ Trust the process—photographers often capture the best moments when you least expect it.

7. Editing and Retouching – Keep It Natural

A little retouching is expected, but don’t go overboard. The goal is to enhance your natural features—not change them entirely.

✔️ Remove blemishes or minor skin imperfections. ✔️ Brighten the eyes and teeth slightly. ✔️ Maintain your natural skin tone and texture. ❌ Avoid overly smooth skin or plastic-looking edits.

Pro Tip: If the final edits don’t look natural, don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments.

8. Selecting the Right Final Headshot

After the shoot, you’ll likely have dozens of images to choose from. Here’s how to narrow it down:

✅ Choose a headshot where your eyes are focused and expressive. ✅ Look for a natural, relaxed expression. ✅ Make sure your face is well-lit and symmetrical. ✅ Pick a headshot that reflects the type of modeling work you want to do.

💎 Final Thought: Confidence is Key

The best headshots come from models who feel confident in front of the camera. Prepare ahead of time, communicate with your photographer, and focus on creating a natural and authentic connection with the lens. A stunning headshot isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about showing who you are and why you belong in the modeling world.

You’ve got this—now go crush that shoot! 👑