📸 Teen Headshots: What to Wear, Bring, and Expect

So your teen has a headshot session coming up—maybe for theatre, dance, college auditions, or just updated photos for the year—and you're wondering: what the heck should they wear? Should they wear makeup? What even IS too much?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you.

This post breaks down exactly how to prep for a teen headshot session—whether you're the one getting in front of the camera or the proud parent cheering from behind the scenes

✅ What to Wear

Simple, solid colors are your best friend here. Stick with neutrals (black, white, grey, tan) or jewel tones (navy, emerald, burgundy). These tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it should be: on you.

A few tips:

No big logos, patterns, or neons—they're super distracting
Bring 1–2 outfit options just in case we want to switch it up
Want to layer with a jacket, cardigan, or flannel? Yes please.

💍 Jewelry + Accessories

Keep it minimal. A pair of small earrings or a delicate necklace is totally fine, but rings won’t show, so no need to stress about those. The vibe here is clean, not red carpet.

💄 Makeup & Skincare

We’re going for natural, not full glam. If you wear makeup, keep it light and fresh:

Light foundation or concealer
A little mascara
Chapstick or lip balm (this one’s for EVERYONE—yes, even the guys!)
Skip glitter, dramatic liner, or heavy lipstick

The day before your session:

Moisturize your face and lips
Drink some water
Get a good night’s sleep

Your skin will thank you—and your photos will show it.

💇‍♂️ Hair

Style it how you normally wear it—no need to try anything wild or new the day of. Just make sure it’s clean, brushed, and ready to go. Bring a comb, brush, or a hair tie just in case.

📦 What to Bring

Here’s your quick checklist:

2–3 outfit options
Chapstick
Hairbrush or comb
Water
Maybe a parent, maybe not—but definitely bring your confidence (don’t worry, I’ll help with that part too!)