One of the most common questions we hear at Fontaine Photography when preparing for a headshot session is, “What should I do before my shoot to make sure I look and feel my best?” The truth is, headshots are more than just a picture of your face—they're often your first impression online, and preparation plays a key role in making sure that impression is confident, polished, and true to you.

Our Vancouver photography studio offers a full-service experience designed to help you feel relaxed and camera-ready from the moment you walk through the door. Whether you're updating your social media profiles, building your business brand, or refreshing your company website, these steps will help you make the most of your headshot photography session. Hear what our wonderful client had to say about her professional headshot session:

"Working with Fontaine Studio was amazing! I wanted to participate in the 40over40 project and do updated headshots. From the minute I contacted them, she was very responsive and walked me through the preparation step by step. As someone who doesn’t love being in front of a camera, the team was quick to make me really comfortable and turn it into an experience that far exceeded my expectations. Their organization, professionalism, talent for picking out the perfect backgrounds, coaching the poses, and simply being fantastic behind the camera made this an overall amazing experience end to end. When I first saw the headshot pictures, I was stunned at how wonderful they turned out. Also, thank you to Lindsey for glamming me up with incredible hair and make-up service!"

1. Know Where You'll Be Using Your Headshot
Before the session, think about how and where you'll be using your images. Is it for a corporate bio? A LinkedIn profile? A creative portfolio? A speaking engagement? Knowing your audience and purpose will help shape everything from wardrobe to expression. If you’re aiming for a professional platform, clean and classic may work best. For personal brands or creatives, you might want a little more personality and warmth in your shot. Your photographer will help you align the feel of the image with its purpose, but it helps to start with that clarity.
2. Choose the Right Wardrobe
Solid colors, clean lines, and well-fitting clothing photograph best. Neutrals like black, navy, grey, and white are always safe choices, but don’t be afraid to bring a pop of color that complements your skin tone or brand aesthetic. Avoid loud patterns, logos, or anything too trendy. Bring 2–3 options so we can help you select the one that works best with your background and lighting. For business professionals, a tailored blazer or a clean button-up can elevate the look. If your brand is more relaxed, go for polished casual.
3. Take Care of Grooming Ahead of Time
A few small details go a long way. Schedule your haircut, brow shaping, or beard trim a few days before your session. If you wear makeup, keep it natural and flattering—or let us know if you'd like to book professional hair and makeup through our studio. Hydrate the night before, and get a good night's sleep so your skin looks fresh and rested. You want to walk into your session feeling like the best version of yourself, not rushed or overdone.
4. Practice Your Expression (Yes, Really)
Our award-winning Vancouver photographers will coach you through posing and expression during the session, but if you're nervous in front of the camera, try practicing in a mirror. Notice how your face looks when you do a soft smile versus a full grin. Slight changes in posture and jaw placement can make a big difference. The goal isn’t to perfect your pose—it’s to start getting comfortable with how you naturally carry confidence.
5. Trust the Process & Relax
This may feel like a big deal, and that’s okay. But remember, it’s our job to make you feel at ease and capture you at your best. Once you're in our top-rated photography studio, we’ll guide every step: lighting, angles, posing, even little adjustments to help you look natural and confident. The result? A headshot that feels authentic, elevated, and uniquely you.
Whether you’re getting corporate headshots in Vancouver, personal brand portraits in Burnaby, or LinkedIn headshots in Port Coquitlam, preparation is key, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Fontaine Photography, we handle the details so you can focus on showing up as yourself.
Need help planning your look or deciding on style? We’ve got you covered. Book your session with our award-winning Vancouver headshot photographers and let’s create something you’re proud to share.

Vancouver
Headshot Photographers

Ready to elevate your brand with headshots that actually feel like you? Book your session with our award-winning Vancouver headshot photographers and let us capture the confidence and credibility to attract your ideal customer and leave a lasting impression.

Professional Headshots

SERVICE AREA

Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, New Westminster, Annacis Island, Port Moody, Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Anmore & Surrounding Areas

Our photo studio is conveniently located just outside of Vancouver, in Port Coquitlam.