How to Prepare for a Professional Headshot Session in Copenhagen

Introduction

A professional headshot should feel clear, natural and useful. Whether you need a LinkedIn profile photo, a company portrait or updated business photography for your website, good preparation makes a real difference. I photograph many busy professionals in Copenhagen, and the best sessions are usually the ones where everything has been kept simple.

Here is how I recommend preparing so you walk in feeling ready instead of overthinking it.

Choose Clothes That Look Like You

What you wear should support your face, not distract from it. For most headshot and portrait sessions, I suggest solid colours, simple layers and clothes that fit well. Navy, grey, olive, black and soft earth tones usually work very well.

If the photo is mainly for LinkedIn, think about what you would wear to meet a client or join an important meeting. A jacket, shirt, knit or simple blouse often works better than something very formal that you never actually wear.

A few practical tips:

• Avoid large logos and busy patterns
• Bring two outfit options if possible
• Iron shirts and jackets beforehand
• Choose clothes you can move and breathe in

If you wear glasses, bring them. If you sometimes wear them and sometimes do not, we can photograph both versions.

Grooming: Keep It Clean and Familiar

I do not recommend trying a completely new haircut, beard shape or makeup style right before your session. A professional headshot should still look like you on a normal good day.

Try to get a decent night of sleep and drink water the day before. Small details also help: tidy nails, clean glasses, moisturised skin and a quick check for lint on darker clothing. If you use makeup, keep it natural unless the portrait is for a more polished branding use.

For men with facial hair, a fresh trim the day before or the same morning usually photographs well.

Think About Location and Weather

In Copenhagen, the weather matters, but not always in the way people expect. Bright sun is not necessarily best. Soft cloud cover often gives the nicest light for a portrait, especially outdoors.

If we are shooting outside, I suggest arriving a few minutes early so you can settle in. Wind, bikes, commuters and changing light are part of working in the city, so I always keep the plan flexible. If we are indoors, it helps if your clothes are ready and you are not rushing from another meeting.

For business photography in Copenhagen, I often recommend locations that feel calm and professional rather than overly busy. A clean office, a quiet courtyard or a simple street with good light usually ages better than a very trendy backdrop.

Get Into the Right Headspace

Most people tell me some version of, "I am not good in photos." That is completely normal. You do not need to arrive knowing how to pose.

My job is to guide you through posture, angle and expression so the final headshot looks confident without feeling stiff. The most helpful thing you can do is give yourself a little breathing room before the session. Do not schedule it between two stressful calls if you can avoid it.

If you need a LinkedIn profile photo, think about the impression you want to give: approachable, capable and professional is usually the sweet spot. That helps us shape the expression and style without forcing anything.

Bring the Small Things

A few practical items can save time:

• A comb or brush
• Powder or blotting paper if you get shiny skin
• A spare shirt or top
• Lip balm
• Glasses cloth

These are small things, but they help keep the session smooth.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a headshot session does not need to be complicated. Wear something that feels like you, keep grooming natural and give yourself enough time to arrive calm. That is usually the best starting point for a strong LinkedIn profile photo or professional portrait.

If you are planning a session in Copenhagen and want a straightforward approach, I am always happy to guide you through the details before we shoot.