Professional Headshot FAQs

I understand that booking a professional headshot session can come with a lot of questions—especially if you don’t regularly enjoy being in front of the camera. My goal is to make the entire experience simple, comfortable, and fully guided from start to finish.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions I receive about professional headshots, LinkedIn photos, corporate sessions, wardrobe preparation, retouching, and what to expect during your session.

Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, building your personal brand, or scheduling corporate headshots for your company, these answers should help you feel more prepared and confident before your session.

Professional Headshots for Lawyer wearing suit

1. What should I wear for professional headshots?

Simple, fitted clothing with minimal patterns typically photographs best for professional headshots. Solid colors, layered outfits, sport coats, sweaters, and clean button-up shirts are excellent options. Busy patterns, oversized clothing, neon colors, and distracting graphics should generally be avoided because they pull attention away from your face and expression.

For more detailed wardrobe recommendations, view our:

• Women’s Professional Headshot Preparation
• Men’s Professional Headshot Preparation

2. How long does a professional headshot session take?

Most sessions last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Sessions are intentionally relaxed and not rushed so we have time to review images together, make adjustments, and create a variety of strong expressions and looks.

The goal is to create confident, natural images—not rushed photos.

3. How many outfits should I bring?

I recommend bringing several outfit options to your session. Different colors, layers, jackets, and shirt styles can dramatically change the final look of your headshots.

We’ll review all wardrobe options together and decide what photographs best on camera.

For business professionals, I typically recommend:

For Men:
• multiple button-up shirts
• layered outfits
• sweaters or jackets
• sport coats or blazers
• multiple tie options if needed

For Women
• Slim-fitting solid color tops for women
• Minimal patterns
• Silk blouses
• Cotton button-up shirts
• V-neck sweaters
• Professional blazers or suit coats
• Simple necklines
• Minimal jewelry i.e. diamond stud earrings, small necklace, etc.

4. Should I smile in my professional headshot?

Yes—but naturally.

Most professional headshots look best with approachable confidence rather than overly serious or exaggerated expressions. During the session, I guide you through a variety of expressions to create images that feel authentic and professional.

I specialize in creating a relaxed, conversational environment that helps clients feel comfortable in front of the camera and naturally brings out genuine expressions and confident smiles. Many people initially feel camera shy or nervous, which is completely normal. Over the years, I’ve developed a guided approach that helps clients relax and feel comfortable throughout the session.

5. Do you retouch professional headshots?

Yes. Every final image includes professional retouching.

Retouching is designed to look natural and polished while still looking like you. Temporary distractions such as blemishes, under-eye shadows, stray hairs, skin redness, skin wrinkle reduction, clothing wrinkle reduction, and minor distractions are carefully refined without making images look overly edited.

The goal is clean, realistic, professional results.

6. What backgrounds work best for headshots?

Simple backgrounds generally work best because they keep focus on the subject.

Popular options include:

• neutral gray
• darker charcoal
• light gray
• high-key white
• light blue
• lightened black
• painted muslin for portraits

The best background depends on:

• your profession
• intended usage
• company branding
• personal style

We’ll review background options together during your session.

7. What is included in a professional headshot session?

Individual sessions start at $495 and include:

• guided professional photoshoot
• wardrobe guidance
• multiple looks
• lighting direction
• image review during the session
• one professionally retouched image

Additional retouched images are available afterward.

You can view full professional headshot pricing on the pricing page.

8. How quickly will I receive my image?

One final retouched image is typically delivered within 2–3 days after image selection. Every image is individually retouched and carefully refined before final delivery to ensure a polished, professional result.

The final retouched image is first sent for review and approval. If additional corrections or adjustments are requested, extra time may be needed before final delivery.

After approval, clients receive:

• 2 cropped versions
• 1 uncropped version
• web and print optimized files

This provides flexibility for LinkedIn profiles, websites, business cards, marketing materials, and other professional uses.

9. Do you offer corporate headshots for teams?

Yes. EMS Headshots specializes in corporate headshots and on-location headshots for companies and teams throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area.

On-location sessions are designed to create:
• consistent lighting
• consistent branding
• efficient workflow
• professional results for teams of any size

You can learn more on the Corporate Headshots page.

10. Do you offer on-location headshots?

Yes. A complete portable studio setup can be brought directly to your office or event location.

On-location sessions are ideal for:

• corporate teams
• law firms
• tech companies
• medical professionals
• executives
• conferences and events

The goal is to efficiently photograph teams while maintaining high-quality, consistent results.

11. What is the difference between LinkedIn headshots and corporate headshots?

LinkedIn headshots are typically designed for individuals looking to improve:

• LinkedIn profiles
• resumes
• websites
• personal branding

Corporate headshots are generally photographed for:

• company websites
• staff directories
• executive teams
• marketing materials
• corporate branding consistency

Both styles prioritize professionalism, but the intended usage and styling may differ slightly.

12. What should men do before a headshot session?

Men should prepare by:

• bringing multiple outfit options
• shaving the night before if needed
• trimming facial hair evenly
• moisturizing lightly the night before
• bringing lip balm or chapstick
• ensuring clothes are clean and pressed
• getting haircut 3 to 5 days prior to photo shoot

For more preparation recommendations, view the Men’s Professional Headshot Preparation guide.

13. What should women do before a headshot session?

Women should prepare by:

• bring multiple outfit options
• avoid busy patterns
• choose fitted clothing
• moisturizing lightly the night before
• bring various lipstick shades and/or lip balm
• keep makeup natural and matte
• avoid glossy makeup products
• style hair naturally and professionally

For full wardrobe and preparation recommendations, view the Women’s Professional Headshot Preparation guide.

14. Can you help if I feel uncomfortable in front of the camera?

Absolutely.

That is exactly what I aim to help with and one of the major benefits of working with a professional headshot photographer. This is also why we take our time during the session.

At the beginning of a photoshoot, it’s completely natural to feel a little nervous or awkward in front of the camera. As the session progresses, those feelings usually begin to fade and clients naturally become more confident and comfortable.

Throughout the session, I provide expert guidance and coaching to help create relaxed, natural expressions. This is one of the biggest advantages of working with a professional headshot photographer rather than using a self-service photo booth or having a friend take your photos.

The goal is to create approachable, confident images—not stiff or awkward poses.

15. Where are you located?

EMS Headshots is located in San Francisco at:

352 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

On-location headshots are also available throughout:

• San Francisco
• Oakland
• San Jose
• Marin County
• surrounding Bay Area locations

You can visit the Contact page for additional information.

Still Have Questions?

Visit the Contact Page and I’ll be happy to help.

Professional headshots in San Francisco and the Bay Area

Not All Headshots Are Created Equal: Feel Comfortable & Confident

At EMS Headshots, we take the time to help clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. From the initial conversation to the final image selection, every session is fully guided to create natural expressions and polished, professional results.

Many people feel nervous or uncomfortable in front of the camera at first, which is completely normal. Through relaxed direction, conversation, and coaching, clients quickly become more comfortable and confident during the session.

If you have additional questions that were not answered above, feel free to contact us anytime. We’re always happy to help.

Ready to Schedule Your Session?

Professional headshot sessions in San Francisco start at $495 and include one professionally retouched image.
Looking for more information?
Visit our About EMS Headshots page or contact us directly with questions before booking.

EMS Headshots specializes in LinkedIn headshots in San Francisco designed for professionals who want confident, modern, polished images.

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