Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, refreshing your company’s website, or creating a standout badge photo for your next event, your professional headshot matters more than you think. At Pop Life Photo, we’ve helped everyone from global teams like Snowflake to top-level executives at Udemy look and feel their best on camera. Here’s your complete guide to showing up camera-ready.
Why Headshots Are Important
A great headshot is your digital handshake—it’s often the first impression you make. Whether you’re networking, job hunting, building client trust, or promoting your personal brand, a polished and professional photo is a powerful asset. It conveys confidence, reliability, and personality at a glance.
In the age of Zoom calls and online profiles, a strong headshot isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.
What to Wear (And What Not to)
Your clothing plays a subtle but crucial role in your headshot. The goal is to look sharp without distracting from your face.
Do:
- Stick to solid, neutral tones like navy, black, gray, or white. These draw attention to your face and suit most backdrops.
- Choose form-fitting garments that maintain structure and shape.
- Long or mid-length sleeves tend to photograph best.
- Pick a neckline that’s flattering and doesn’t require constant adjusting.
Avoid:
- Loud patterns, neon colors, or logos—they pull focus and may date the photo.
- Overly casual attire like t-shirts or hoodies.
- Big, shiny, or noisy jewelry.
Ultimately, if you feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing, it will show on camera.
Hair Tips
Your hair should look like “you on your best day.” Clean, styled, and free of frizz or flyaways is key. If you color your hair, do it a few days before. Avoid experimenting with new styles right before your shoot.
Makeup Tips
Consider professional makeup—especially for team sessions. At Udemy’s C-suite executive shoot, for example, we worked with a hair and makeup artist to ensure everyone looked camera-ready without being overdone.
If doing makeup yourself:
- Stick to a natural look with matte, neutral tones.
- Use blotting paper and setting powder to reduce shine. (We always have some available for you to use!)
- Bring lipstick or balm for touch-ups.
How to Prepare for Your Headshot
- Rest well the night before to look fresh and energized.
- Stay hydrated for radiant skin.
- Test your outfit: Try it on ahead of time and take a few selfies in natural light to check how it photographs.
Headshot Posing Tips
We’ve heard it all: “I’m not photogenic,” “I never know how to smile”—and that’s exactly where we come in. Our team specializes in natural posing guidance that doesn’t feel forced.
- Sit or stand with good posture: shoulders back, neck relaxed.
- Turn slightly instead of facing straight on—it’s usually more flattering.
- Keep arms relaxed and close to your body.
- Lean slightly forward at the waist to slim your jaw and chest.
- Look into the lens and give a soft, natural smile (we’ll coax it out of you!).
What Sets Pop Life Photo Apart
We don’t just snap a photo and move on. Every headshot session with Pop Life Photo is hands-on, personalized, and designed to bring out your most confident self.
1. Real-Time Adjustments
We’re there to fine-tune every detail, from straightening collars to smoothing flyaway hairs. Our trained staff helps with on-the-spot grooming, fabric adjustments, and positioning, ensuring every detail works in your favor.
2. Authentic Expressions
We know how to make you smile (the real one). Our process is relaxed and conversational, helping you ease into a pose that feels natural. We guide you through subtle movements and expressions to capture an image that actually looks like you.
3. Backdrops That Work for You
We offer a variety of professional backdrops for a clean, polished look. But we also encourage clients to think outside the studio. A textured wall or your modern office lobby can all create a unique visual that aligns with your brand’s personality.
4. On-Site Headshot Station = No Disruption
Forget the hassle of coordinating schedules across multiple studio locations. Our fully equipped on-site headshot station brings the professional studio to you—lights, backdrops, camera, and all. Your team can step in, get their photo taken, and get back to work in minutes.
5. Instant Delivery—No Waiting, No Chaos
One of our most-loved features: instant digital delivery. Each person receives their headshot immediately after the shoot. That means no follow-up emails, no download confusion, and no “chasing photos.” It’s seamless, stress-free, and efficient—ideal for fast-moving teams.
This also solves a common pain point: inconsistent quality and piecemeal results when employees go to different studios. With Pop Life Photo, every team member is photographed with consistent lighting, framing, and tone. They’re perfect for website directories, email signatures, and more.
Real-World Examples of Our Work
We’ve handled everything from massive conference activations to intimate leadership team portraits.
Large-Scale: Snowflake in Las Vegas
We executed an incredible two-day corporate headshot activation for Snowflake Sales National at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. We captured an average of 14 photos per person for roughly 400 employees over two days with two fully equipped headshot stations. That’s over 5,000 photos instantly delivered! This activation showcased the growing demand for studio-level results delivered quickly and at scale during corporate events. See the case study
Small-Scale: Udemy Executive Team
For Udemy’s top 10 C-suite executives, we provided a full-service, on-site experience. An expert hair and makeup team prepped each executive while our photographer captured professional yet personable headshots in a consistent style. The result? A cohesive visual narrative of their leadership—polished, confident, and brand-aligned.
Startups, Tech Companies, and More
We’ve worked with fast-growing startups that needed updated bios for investor decks, and established tech companies needing professional images for their new websites. Whether it’s 5 people or 500, we tailor the experience to your needs and space.
Ready to Book?
A confident headshot can open doors. With the right preparation, and the right team behind the camera you’ll not only look your best but feel your best too. Pop Life Photo takes care of everything, from setup to delivery, so you can focus on doing what you do best.
Contact us to book your session or inquire about a custom headshot experience for your team!