Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Photographer

Any photographer can take a headshot, and in fact, anyone with a camera, a finger, and a face in front of that camera can capture one. But does that mean the headshot will convey the right message to the viewer? Of course not. It's like taking all the ingredients listed in a recipe, tossing them in the oven, and hoping the result will be as delicious as described in the cookbook.

When selecting a photographer, examine their portfolio on their website. Is it consistent? (Do they even have a website?) Consistency means you can predict the result you’ll get. The headshots should show people looking confident and approachable, evenly lit, on a plain background, and as natural as if there were no camera in front of them. When you find a photographer with such a portfolio, you’ll know they’re worth it. This leads us to the second point.

Mistake 2: Trying to Save Money by Choosing Cheaper Photographers.

Cheap doesn’t always mean bad, right? We all know that. But we should also understand that the session’s price likely includes studio rent, photography equipment, and, most importantly, years of education and practice. Again, look at the portfolio. Remember that a commercial headshot is an asset. A good one will open doors, make you visible, and eventually boost your confidence. A bad one, however, will turn opportunities away, leaving you to blend into the crowd and wonder why things aren’t working out. You’ll spend more time on this passive self-education until one day you suddenly realize, yes, first impressions do matter.

Mistake 3: Not Bringing Enough Clothing to the Session.

Facial expression is key, that’s a fact. The photographer should take full responsibility for making you look confident, approachable, and as natural as if the camera weren’t there. But some cooperation from the client is also necessary. First, come in a good mood, and second, bring plenty of appropriate clothing to the session.

The math is simple: bring as much as you can carry. The more, the better. Get a wheeled suitcase as if you’re going on a one-week vacation. Hire a porter. If you plan to create 3-4 images, bring 10-12 different clothing options, ranging from conservative to even some bold choices. It’s better to leave something on the hanger than have you look like a piece of clothing is missing or doesn’t fit. Accessories aren’t usually recommended for a commercially viable headshot, but if they’re part of your image, bring them along! The same goes for all the pairs of glasses you own.

Of course, there are more than three common mistakes, but these three are the most frequent.