One of the most common questions I get from women before their headshot session in Ottawa is:
“What should I do about makeup?”
The good news is that you probably don’t need nearly as much as you think.
My lighting is designed specifically for headshots. It’s professional beauty lighting that helps people look their best while still looking like themselves. The goal isn’t to transform you into someone else. The goal is to create a professional headshot that looks like the best version of you.
In fact, many clients are surprised by how little makeup they need.
If You Normally Wear Makeup
My advice is simple: wear makeup the way you normally would for an important meeting, presentation, or networking event.
Your headshot should look like you on a really good day—not a completely different person.
A little foundation, concealer, mascara, and natural-looking colour is usually plenty. Heavy contouring, dramatic eye makeup, or overly trendy looks can sometimes distract from the person in the photograph.
Remember, the focus of a great headshot is your expression, confidence, and approachability.
If You Normally Don’t Wear Much Makeup
That’s perfectly fine too.
Many of my clients wear very little makeup—or none at all—and look fantastic in their photographs.
Professional lighting, posing, and expression make a much bigger difference than most people realize.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Bring along any makeup you normally use for touch-ups.
- Lip balm or lipstick can be helpful, especially during the winter months.
- Avoid products that leave a heavy, powdery, or cakey appearance.
- If you’re trying a new makeup product, test it before picture day rather than using it for the first time during your session.
- Make sure your makeup matches your neck and skin tone for a natural look.
For men, a little lip balm can be helpful as well. Studio lighting can sometimes make lips appear dry, and a small amount of lip balm can make a noticeable difference.
My Final Advice
Don’t overthink it.
The best headshots happen when people look comfortable, confident, and like themselves.
If you normally wear makeup, wear it the way you would for an important meeting or professional event. If you don’t normally wear much makeup, that’s perfectly fine too.
Many women are surprised by how little makeup they need for a professional headshot. Good lighting, proper posing, and natural expression have a much bigger impact on your final image than most people realize.
Most people tell me they aren’t photogenic and don’t enjoy having their picture taken. That’s completely normal. In fact, that’s one of the main reasons people hire me.
As an Ottawa headshot photographer, I’ve photographed more than 3,000 people. One thing I’ve learned is that people almost always worry more about how they look than they need to.
My job is to coach you through the entire session, help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and create a headshot that looks natural, confident, approachable, and most importantly, like you.
If you’re wondering what to expect during your appointment, you may also find this article helpful:
How Long Will My Headshot Session Take?
https://headshotphotos.ca/how-long-will-my-headshot-session-take/
You can also view my current headshot packages and pricing here:
Headshot Pricing
https://headshotphotos.ca/pricing/
If you have questions before your session, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to help.
