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Headshot checklist

For a LinkedIn profile, a staff page or a free career-center photo booth — what to do the week before, the morning of, and in front of the camera.

Many US universities run free headshot booths for students and alumni — Florida Atlantic University, the University of Memphis and the University of Kentucky’s Stuckert Career Center are three examples — and their published advice forms the core of this checklist.

The week before

Decide the dress level. FAU suggests business professional or business casual depending on your target industry, since norms differ between, say, finance and creative fields. Memphis says to dress as you would for a job interview, career fair or workday.
Pick one outfit in a solid, medium-to-deep color. Both FAU and Memphis recommend solids in mid-range to deeper shades. A dark suit with a solid shirt or blouse is FAU’s default.
Rule out the problem colors. All-white and very light outfits can wash out; solid black alone can lose detail — fine under a jacket or sweater (FAU, Memphis).
Rule out busy patterns and logos. Bold patterns, large logos and flashy accessories distract (FAU); Pitt’s guide also lists tight stripes and checks. Fine patterns can cause moiré on camera. Details: what to wear in photos.
Check fit. No wrinkling or gapping at the neck or arms (UF IFAS); comfortable rather than tight (Pitt).
Practice your pose. A tip Nikon credited to Carson Kressley in a 2009 release: copy a favorite photo in front of a mirror, and find your best side from photos you like.

The morning of

Hair and makeup natural — enough to frame the face, nothing heavy (Pitt).
Jewelry small. Skip dangling earrings and bulky necklaces (Pitt).
Empty pockets of phone, wallet and keys; take off name tags and sunglasses, which can reflect light (UF IFAS).
Fix stray hairs and wrinkles now — Pitt warns not to count on the photographer having time to retouch.
Treat it like an interview. FAU suggests bringing the same professionalism you’d bring to an interview or first day at work.

In front of the camera

Step	What to do	Source
Angle	Turn your body about 45 degrees, then turn your head back to the lens	Nikon
Arms	Leave a small gap between arms and torso	Nikon 2009 release
Chin	Camera slightly above eye level; tilt your head slightly down and to the side	Nikon 2009 release
Expression	Aim for a smile that reaches the eyes — the eye-crinkle is what makes it read as genuine	Wikipedia, “Duchenne smile”
Eyes	Face the light so your eyes catch it	Wikipedia, “Catch light”; Google
Booth tips	Read the posing guidance posted on the booth	FAU

If you’re taking it yourself

No booth nearby? A phone and a window will do.

Stand facing a window, out of direct sun; use curtains to soften harsh light (PhotographyTalk; CUNY City Tech).
Plain background. Nikon recommends a simple backdrop without strong lines or patterns, and watching for anything that seems to grow out of your head.
Distance, not wide angle. Have a friend step back and use the phone’s 2x or telephoto lens; close-up wide-angle shots enlarge the nose (Wikipedia, “Perspective distortion”).
Camera at or slightly above eye level.
Tap your face on screen to set focus and exposure (Google).
Focus on the eyes — they should be the sharpest part of the picture (Nikon Quick Tips).
Vertical framing. Nikon’s guide recommends upright portraits; a tighter vertical crop is more interesting.
Shoot several frames, and pick the best.

Before you leave the booth

Review and retake. FAU’s booth lets you approve or retake photos before finishing — use it.
Check at full size for closed eyes and soft focus.
Edit lightly. The FAU booth offers cropping, blemish touch-up, teeth whitening and filters; Pitt’s guide favors a natural look overall.

How to pose for photos · Best light for portraits · Looking “presidential” in photos

Sources

Reviewed October 14, 2026