How to Prepare for Your Executive Headshot Session in Dubai
Most of the leaders I photograph tell me the same thing when we first meet: “I’m not comfortable in front of the camera.” That is completely normal. You are not expected to know how to pose or what to do with your hands. That part is the photographer’s job.
What you can do is arrive rested, wearing clothes that suit you, and knowing what to expect. That is what this guide covers. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s a portrait that looks like you on a good day: confident, approachable and real.
Here is the whole journey in six steps:
After booking: a short discovery call to define your goal.
One to two weeks before: plan your outfits and colors.
The week before: grooming, hair and makeup.
The night before: rest and pack your bag.
Shoot day: relax and enjoy the session in the studio.
After the session: choose and receive your images.
Start with inspiration and a clear goal
Photo shoots work best as teamwork. Before your session, look at a few headshots, from our portfolio or ones you find online. Picture yourself in different looks and notice which ones feel like “you”. Save two or three and share them with your photographer. You don’t need to explain why. They simply show your taste.
At fotogie, every session starts with a relaxed 15 to 30-minute discovery call. No preparation is needed, but these four questions help:
Where will the photos be used? LinkedIn, a company website, an annual report, press or speaker profiles.
How do you want to be seen? Choose three words, for example warm, confident and calm.
What do you like or dislike? Think of photos of yourself you love, or ones you would rather avoid.
Are there any guidelines? If your company has photo guidelines, share them before the session.
In our Presence Builder and Presence Master packages, we also prepare a personal mood board. It combines our suggestions for lighting, background, pose and colour with your favourite images, so we agree on one clear goal before the session.
[IMAGE: Mood board example]
Rest and grooming
The most important step is simple: have a good rest. Nothing helps a portrait more than a rested face, and tiredness shows first in the eyes.
Sleep well the night before.
Drink plenty of water in the days before, to keep your skin fresh.
Go easy on salty food and alcohol the evening before. Both can cause puffiness.
Avoid new skincare, facials or treatments in the week before, in case your skin reacts.
For men: grooming is your friend
Haircut: 5 to 7 days before, so it settles and looks natural.
Beard: trim it neatly a day or two before, or shave on the morning of the shoot.
Small details: tidy eyebrows and any nose or ear hair. The camera notices these.
Shine: a little matte powder on the forehead and nose helps under studio lights.
Hands: clean, short nails. Hands often appear in crossed-arm or seated poses.
For women
Hair: have a cut or colour about a week before, and style it the way you wear it to work.
Eyebrows: shape them a few days before, so any redness can fade.
Nails: clean and neat, in a neutral or classic colour.
Skin: moisturise well the night before and on the morning of the shoot.
If you wear glasses
Wear them if people know you with them. Clean the lenses and make sure the frames sit straight. Your photographer will adjust the lighting to reduce reflections.
What to wear for executive headshots
Wear what makes you feel like yourself at your professional best. Simple, well-fitted clothes keep the attention on your face.
Choose complementary colours. Solid colours that suit you and work together.
Avoid distracting patterns and logos. Busy patterns, fine stripes and small checks pull attention away from your face.
Keep jewellery light. Small earrings, a fine necklace or a classic watch.
Fit comes first. A jacket that fits the shoulders matters more than the brand. Comfort shows in your posture.
Choose matte fabrics. Wool and cotton photograph better than shiny fabrics.
Dress head to toe. Bring outfits pressed and on hangers, with matching shoes and belt for seated or full-length images.
Kandura, ghutra, abaya and sheila also photograph with great elegance. Make sure they are freshly pressed, bring any pins you use, and share your colour in advance so the background can be chosen with good contrast.
Choosing your colors
Color is often the first thing people notice in a portrait. These are common associations, not rules. They differ between cultures and people, so always choose what feels like you.
Navy: trust and calm authority. The classic executive choice.
Charcoal and grey: balance and quiet strength. Add a white or soft blue shirt.
Black: elegance and formality. Timeless, with lighting to separate you from dark backgrounds.
Cream and soft white: openness and clarity. Brightens the face, and is easier to photograph than bright white.
Soft blue: calm and approachable. Very flattering near the face.
Earth tones: warmth and stability. Friendly and natural.
Burgundy: confidence and energy. Best as an accent: a tie, blouse or scarf.
Deep green: growth and balance. Rich and elegant; avoid very bright greens.
Soft pastels: gentle and creative. Best with lighter backgrounds.
Not sure a color suits you? Hold the fabric under your chin in daylight. If your skin looks fresh and even, it’s a good choice.
Putting colors together
Your jacket, shirt, accessories and the background all sit side by side. Four combinations work especially well:
Neutral with one accent: the most popular executive choice, such as a navy suit, white shirt and burgundy tie.
Monochromatic: shades of one colour, such as navy, mid-blue and light blue. Elegant and calm.
Analogous: neighbouring colours on the colour wheel, such as camel, rust and brown. Warm and approachable.
Complementary: opposite colours, such as navy with a camel accent. Confident, best kept as a small accent.
Hair and makeup for ladies
Aim for a polished yet natural look: you on an important workday.
Use HD or Ultra HD makeup if possible. It is made for cameras and looks smooth up close.
Choose matte or semi-matte products. Glitter and shimmer read as shine under studio lights.
Apply 15 to 20% more than usual. Studio light softens colour, so a little extra looks natural.
Try your look once before the day, with a lip colour you feel confident in.
Style your hair the way you usually wear it to work.
Watch this video for makeup tips
Our studio has a makeup area with a mirror and good light for touch-ups when you arrive and between outfits. fotogie does not provide a makeup artist, but you are welcome to arrange your own so your makeup is ready before the session.
The shoot day
Bring this with you
Your outfits, pressed and on hangers, plus a spare shirt or blouse
Matching shoes and belt
Glasses with clean lenses, and pins for a sheila or ghutra
Your makeup to refresh between outfits, and a comb or brush
Optional props linked to your identity: a laptop, a favourite book or mug
Arrival
Call us before you arrive, and we will meet you and help with your things. Take a few minutes in the makeup area to settle in, with coffee, water, juice and light snacks ready. Then we meet, walk through the shoot list, and you share any ideas you have.
During the shoot
Be natural. This is a time to enjoy. You can’t see yourself, so the photographer is your mirror and guides you with small, simple directions. Your images appear live on a screen as we shoot, so there are no surprises.
Communicate openly. If something feels awkward, say so and we adjust it.
Be present. Candid moments are often the favourite images.
Breathe out just before the shot. It relaxes your face and shoulders.
Bring your chin slightly forward and down. It defines the jawline and looks confident.
Poses we often use
Classic headshot: clear and confident; ideal for profiles.
Arms crossed: relaxed confidence, never defensive.
Half-turn: shape and a calm presence.
Seated, leaning forward: engaged and approachable.
With a prop: a personal touch linked to your work.
Candid moment: a natural laugh.
After the shoot
At the end of the session, we choose your images together, live on screen. Your selection is then shared in a private electronic gallery. Each image is retouched naturally: we soften temporary things like a blemish or a stray hair, and never change your features. People should recognise you when they meet you.
The number of images, delivery time and file details depend on your package. You can find them on each package page: Presence Starter, Presence Builder and Presence Master. Our FAQs answer the most common questions.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the discovery call?
Usually 15 to 30 minutes. It is a relaxed conversation, and no preparation is needed.
How many outfits should I bring?
It depends on your package. You can check your package details on our website.
Do I need a makeup artist?
No. Many clients do their own makeup using the tips above. If you prefer a professional, you are welcome to arrange one yourself.
Will I see my photos during the session?
Yes. Your images appear live on screen as we shoot, and we choose your favourites together at the end.
What if I don’t like being photographed?
Most of our clients feel the same at first. You will be guided step by step, and most people start to enjoy it within ten minutes.
Be part of the magic
At fotogie, we see everyone as part of our big family, so you are much more than a client to us. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s capturing genuine moments that represent who you are right now. Trust the process, trust your photographer, and trust yourself.
If you have any questions, write to us at contact@fotogie.com or call +971 58 222 3232. You can also book a call with us.
