How to Prepare for Professional Headshots

Learn how to make therapy headshots look professional

As a therapist, your website is often the first impression potential clients have of you. It's important that your website is professional and visually appealing.

One key element of a professional website is high-quality photos.

At this point, you know that you need headshots and photographs to fill your website. But how do you actually prepare for a photoshoot and know what photos to grab?

Don’t worry; we got you!

In this blog post, we'll discuss how to prepare for a photoshoot with a professional photographer to ensure that your website portrays you in the best possible light.

Step 01: Choose a Photographer

The first step in preparing for a photo shoot is choosing a photographer specializing in portraits or headshots. Look for a photographer with experience working with therapists or other healthcare professionals.

A great place to search for local photographers is on Instagram. You can search for the hashtag of your area + photographer. View their portfolio and see if you like their style.

You can also ask for recommendations in local therapist Facebook groups (plus, it’s a cool opportunity to network!) If you have a local therapist website that you really admire, send them a message and ask who took their shots.

Once you've identified a few potential photographers, review their portfolios to make sure their style matches the image you want to convey on your website.

Step 02: Plan the Photoshoot

Cost of the photo shoot

The cost of the photoshoot really depends on your region. To give context, Julie paid $400 for a 3-hour shoot and received ten edited photos for use. The amount of photos and edits depends on the photographer. Talk with colleagues and other therapists in your area to see what they paid and get a better sense of the rate.

Location of the photoshoot

Consider a calming and inviting location, such as a garden or park.

Consider bringing props that represent your work as a therapist. For example, if you specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, you could bring a book about CBT or a whiteboard with CBT concepts written on it. These props can add a personal and professional touch to your photos and help convey your expertise in your field.

Questions to ask about your location:

• Does it have multiple vignettes so you can capture content that looks different in one shoot?

• Do you need a specific color backdrop?

• Does it have proper lighting?

What should a therapist wear in a headshot?

You should also plan your outfit in advance. Choose something comfortable and professional, and avoid patterns or colors that are too bold.

You can also plan to bring multiple outfits to get a wide range of shots but remember that they should all have a cohesive look and feel so you can use them throughout your website. Don’t mix streetwear with a formal pantsuit. Keep things natural and similar to how you show up daily in your office with clients.

Questions to ask about your wardrobe*:

• How many outfits do you need?

• Do you need any accessories for each look?

*try to not dress too seasonally so you can use the photos all year

Shots needed

Before the photoshoot, make a list of the shots you need for your website. This may include headshots, photos of you in action as a therapist, and photos of your office or workspace. Talk to your photographer about your vision for the website and work together to capture the shots that will best represent you and your practice.

If you’re using a website template, you can ask for a list of graphics before the shot to ensure you capture all the right things.

You’ll probably want a mix of lifestyle and environmental shots.

Here are some places to start:

• Look through your website and mark what needs to be updated

• Reference different outfits for each shot, making sure your personality shines, and you’re having fun

• Prep to have some record the event on video so you can use the footage on social

You might also want to think through the props needed for your shoot.

• Choose props that speak to your brand’s values

• Make sure you can create action with your props (i.e., taking notes, talking on Zoom, typing on the computer)

• Double-check that the props match your brand colors

  Posing and Expressions

  During the photoshoot, your photographer will guide you through different poses and expressions. It's important to relax and trust your photographer's direction. Try to convey a warm and approachable demeanor in your photos. This can be achieved by smiling and making eye contact with the camera. If you're feeling nervous or uncomfortable, take a few deep breaths before each shot to help you relax.

  When it comes to headshots, there are several ways you can pose to convey different aspects of your personality and expertise.

  Here are a few poses to consider:

  1. Straight-on pose: This is the classic headshot pose, with the subject facing the camera directly. It's a good choice if you want a simple, straightforward photo that highlights your face.

  2. Three-quarter pose: In this pose, the subject turns their body slightly away from the camera, usually at a 45-degree angle. This can create a more dynamic and engaging photo.

  3. Profile pose: In a profile pose, the subject turns their head to the side so that only one side of their face is visible. This can be a good choice if you want a more dramatic or artistic photo.

  4. Leaning pose: This pose involves leaning the upper body slightly forward or to one side. It can create a more casual and approachable look.

  5. Crossed arms pose: Crossing your arms in front of your chest can convey confidence and professionalism.

  6. Hands-on-hips pose: This pose can convey confidence and authority, but be careful not to overdo it and come off as too aggressive.

  Remember, your photographer will be able to guide you through different poses and expressions during the photo shoot. Don't be afraid to ask for their input and suggestions. The key is to relax and have fun with it!

  Step 03: Prep Day for the Photoshoot

  Make sure your day is as easeful and stress-free as possible. You want to show up relaxed, present, and your full self for the experience.

  Pack the following items to have on hand at the photo shoot:

  • Clothes Steamer

  • Snacks

  • Speaker so you can play your favorite music

  • Makeup and hair supplies

  • Hygiene products: deodorant, stain wipes, toothbrush, sweat blotters

  You might also want t get your hair and makeup done (if that’s your thing) so you feel confident and you know you’ll hit just right in the lighting. DryBar does a quick day of styling that looks lived in and not overly done.

  Step 04: Update Your Image

  Updating Social Images with New Photos

  Once you've completed your photoshoot, updating your social media profiles with your new, high-quality photos is important. This can help give your profiles a more professional and polished look and make it easier for potential clients to find and connect with you online.

  When updating your social media images, choose photos consistent with the image you want to convey on your website. This may include headshots, photos of you in action as a therapist, and photos of your office or workspace.

  In addition to updating your profile pictures, consider using your new photos in other areas of your social media profiles, such as your cover photo or banner image. This can help create a cohesive and professional look across your social media accounts.

  Remember, your social media profiles are often the first impression potential clients have of you online. By updating your images with high-quality photos, you can help to ensure that you're putting your best foot forward and presenting yourself in the best possible light.

  Updating Website Images with New Photos

  To update your website with new images from a photographer, follow these steps:

  1. Choose photos consistent with the image you want to convey on your website. This may include headshots, photos of you in action as a therapist, and photos of your office or workspace.

  2. Resize the images to fit the dimensions of your website. Make sure they are high quality and not pixelated.

  3. Replace the old images on your website with the new ones. This may involve uploading them to your website's content management system or replacing them in your website template.

  4. Consider using your new photos in other areas of your website, such as your About page or Contact page. This can help create a cohesive and professional look across your website.

  Remember, your website is often the first impression potential clients have of you online. By updating your images with high-quality photos, you can help to ensure that you're putting your best foot forward and presenting yourself in the best possible light.

  Next Steps

  Preparing for a photoshoot with a professional photographer can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can create high-quality photos that will enhance your therapy website. Remember to choose a photographer that specializes in portraits and plan the photo shoot in advance.

  On the day of the shoot, choose a location and outfit that reflects your personality and trust your photographer's guidance during the session. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to create professional photos that will help you stand out online.

Julie Goldberg is a licensed therapist and the founder of Third Nature Therapy. Her practice focuses on helping individuals better understand their inner world, befriend their nervous system (instead of working against it), and navigate changing relationships. She offers somatic therapy, EMDR intensives, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, NY.