The Team Prep Guide: Looking Your Best

The Team Prep Guide: Looking Your Best

A guide for Austin professionals by Tico Mendoza Studios

A great headshot is 50% preparation and 50% what happens behind the lens. To ensure your team feels confident and your brand looks cohesive, please share these tips with your staff 48 hours before our session.

1. Wardrobe: Professional & Cohesive

  • The Fit is Everything: Clothes that are too baggy or too tight will show in the portrait. Choose well-tailored pieces that make you feel confident.

  • Solid Colors are King: Solid, mid-to-dark tones (navy, charcoal, forest green, deep burgundy) generally photograph best. They draw the focus to your face rather than your outfit.

  • Avoid Busy Patterns: Stay away from tight grids, small pinstripes, or loud "distracting" patterns, as they can create a "moire" effect (shimmering lines) on digital screens.

  • Iron & Lint Roll: High-resolution cameras catch everything. Ensure your clothes are pressed. I keep a lint roller on set, but a fresh start is always best!

2. Grooming: The Details Matter

  • Hair: Don’t try a brand-new haircut the day before your shoot! Stick to your tried-and-true style. Since we are in Austin, keep an eye on humidity—a quick touch-up right before you step in front of the camera is recommended.

  • Skin: Stay hydrated the day before. If you use moisturizer, apply it at least 30 minutes before the shoot to avoid a "shiny" look under professional studio lights.

  • Glasses: If you wear glasses daily, wear them for your headshot! I am trained to light around glare. However, avoid "transition" lenses if possible, as they can darken under studio lights.

3. The "Night Before" Checklist

  • Rest Up: A good night's sleep is the best "retouching" tool available. It reduces dark circles and keeps your eyes looking bright and engaged.

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. It helps your skin look vibrant and healthy.

4. On Set: What to Expect

  • Active Coaching: Don’t worry about "not knowing what to do with your hands." I will guide you through micro-adjustments in your posture and expression to find your most flattering angles.

  • Instant Feedback: We will review your images on a monitor immediately after your session. You get to walk away knowing exactly which photo will be used for your professional profile.

Next Step for Your Site

I recommend placing the "How it Works" and FAQ directly on the page for SEO, and then offering this Prep Guide as a "Download the Full Prep Guide (PDF)" button. This gives you a "Lead Magnet" and makes your studio look incredibly organized to HR managers.

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