I get it. At startups, we love casual. One of the reasons I loved working in startups was the ability to show up in t-shirts and jeans and flip-flops and not worry about suits and all that jazz. After all, we were there to build stuff!

However, you have to look professional enough for your customers, investors or future colleagues. It's human nature to make snap judgements based on appearances, and no matter how awesome your product is, your image is a representation of yourself and your company.

Headshots can cause a lot of anxiety for my clients, especially those working in startups. But not to worry, follow these three guidelines below and watch your worries disappear!

1. Figure out what you're going to wear

The first source of anxiety is clothing. Most people imagine that a headshot needs to be in a perfectly formal business suit. But if you're working in a startup, who even owns a collared shirt, right? Here are a few suggestions to bypass all that worry and quickly pick what you need to wear:

1. Pick something that's one or two notches more professional than what you wear day to day. For example, if you wear loose t-shirts + jeans at work, wear a well-fitted t-shirt + jeans for your shoot. If you usually wear a collared shirt and slacks, add a tie to it for your shoot.

2. Wear solid colors that don't blend into the background. If the background is light, wear something dark and vice versa. I recommend avoiding bright or obvious patterns since they can be distracting. Your photographer or the person organizing the shoot should be able to tell you what background they'll be using. Most headshots use a solid white, gray or black background.

3. If you don't know what the background for the headshot is going to be, wear a light-colored top (shirt/t-shirt/blouse/dress) with a darker jacket/blazer that you can put on if needed. That should cover most cases!

Once you've decided on your outfit(s), don't forget to make sure they're clean and ironed in time for your shoot.

2] Have a plan for your hair, makeup and other grooming needs

Hair and makeup can be a source of stress for some of my clients. I always recommend that they plan for it well in advance!

1. Check if your headshot session includes a Hair and Makeup Artist (HMUA). If your company is organizing your headshot session, they may have included some hair and makeup services.

2. If you're responsible for your own hair and makeup, please make sure you have any required appointments with your barber/hairdresser set up well in advance! This can also include dental appointments, if you choose to get a dental cleaning for example.

3. On the day of your session, do bring anything you need to touch up your hair and makeup at the last minute, such as a comb/brush or your makeup kit.

3] Don't forget your self-care

Yes, yes, I know self-care is a way-overused millennial trope and all that. But here's the thing; when you're stressed out or tired, it shows in your photos. Here are a few things that I recommend to all of my clients before their headshot sessions:

1. Stay hydrated, get a good night's sleep, get some exercise. Do the things that make you feel good. It'll show on your skin and in your smile.

2. Avoid undue stress. On the day of your session, I recommend putting off potentially stressful meetings until after your shoot is done. If you're into meditation, I highly recommend a few deep breaths to relax yourself.

3. Smile a lot! You're a badass and your photos are going to convey that. A good photographer will help you bring out your best self. Relax and let them do their job.

Finally, communicate with your photographer if you have any concerns whatsoever. There might be two or three people in the world who are completely happy with how they look, but I haven't met them yet. Whether you’re feeling self-conscious about crooked teeth, a double chin, acne, or anything else, your photographer is a professional who has likely seen and heard it all. Talk to them discreetly and they'll do their best to help you out!