Getting Headshots in NYC: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Getting professional headshots in NYC is one of the smartest investments you can make in your career—but if you've never done it before, it can feel intimidating. Here's everything you need to know.

Step 1: Know What Kind of Headshot You Need

Not all headshots are the same. The style depends on where it's going:

• LinkedIn/Professional: Clean, approachable, and polished. Usually shot from the chest up with a simple background. Your goal: look competent and trustworthy.
• Acting/Theatrical: Character-driven, showing range. Multiple looks, different expressions. Your goal: show casting directors your types.
• Executive/C-Suite: Premium, authoritative. Studio lighting with a more editorial feel. Your goal: command respect.
• Personal Branding: A mix of headshots and lifestyle. Headshot plus working shots, casual shots, and environmental portraits. Your goal: look human and hireable.

Step 2: Prepare Your Wardrobe

This is where most people stress. Don't. Here's the cheat sheet:

• Bring 2-3 tops. Solid colors in navy, emerald, burgundy, or black. Avoid busy patterns and logos.
• Fit matters more than brand. Tailored and well-fitting beats expensive and baggy every time.
• Avoid pure white. It can blow out under studio lights. Off-white, light blue, or light gray are better.
• Steam everything. Wrinkles show up in every frame.

We send a detailed wardrobe guide to every client before their session. Read our full wardrobe guide here.

Step 3: Day-of Preparation

• Get a good night's sleep. Dark circles and puffy eyes are hard to edit out naturally.
• Hydrate. Dehydration shows in your skin.
• Grooming: Get a haircut 3-5 days before (not the day of—it always looks too fresh). If you wear makeup, go slightly more defined than usual.
• Eat something. Low blood sugar = low energy = flat photos.
• Arrive on time. Your session starts when you arrive.

Step 4: During the Session

Here's what a typical headshot session looks like:

1. Setup (5-10 min): We'll chat about your goals, review your outfits, and get lighting dialed in.
2. Warmup (10-15 min): The first few minutes are always a little stiff. That's normal. We'll guide you through poses and expressions until you relax.
3. The sweet spot (remaining time): Once you're comfortable, we move through looks and expressions quickly. Most people hit their stride about 15 minutes in.

Your only job is to follow direction and relax. We handle angles, lighting, and telling you exactly how to stand, where to look, and when to smile.

Step 5: After the Session

• Timeline: Expect your edited gallery in 3-5 business days. Rush delivery (24-48 hours) is available for most packages.
• Selection: We deliver the best edited images. You don't have to sift through hundreds of outtakes.
• Formats: We provide high-resolution files plus web-optimized crops for LinkedIn, websites, and social media.
• Retouching: Professional retouching is included—blemish removal, skin smoothing, color correction. You'll look like you, just polished.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

NYC headshots typically range from $250-$1,000+ depending on session length, number of looks, and deliverables. Read our complete NYC photography pricing guide for detailed breakdowns.

Ready to book? Start your intake and we'll match you with the right photographer for your needs.