Prepare for Your Picture-Perfect Headshot

December 1, 2025

One of the best things you can do at the NRF Foundation Student Program is visit our Headshot Station. Professional headshots can cost hundreds of dollars, and the NRF Foundation is going to give you yours for free. This is an amazing opportunity – and here’s how you can best take advantage of it.

General Advice

Arrive at the photo shoot hydrated and well rested. Try to arrive earlier in the day, as the line gets long and should you arrive at the end of the day, you may miss your opportunity.

Clothing / Makeup

Dress as you would for a job interview. Think “LinkedIn profile” photo. Wear comfortable, well-fitting clothing that makes you look and feel great. Clothing should be neatly pressed. Choose classic styles over trends or casual looks. Wear a nice jacket/blazer or button-down shirt, cardigan, or collared shirt.

Avoid loose or baggy clothing or logos, busy patterns, stripes, plaids, big collars and large lines that detract from the face. Avoid jewelry that distracts from the face. Keep it simple, small, and classic.

Hair and makeup should complement your features. Clean and natural often works best.

Posing

Take direction. Our photographer will direct you from start to finish. We will make sure to photograph you on all sides to make sure we capture you at your best. Relax, smile, and have fun!

Relax, smile, and have fun!

Delivery

The photography studio will narrow it down to your best shots - removing any blinks - and will upload a few of your best shots to a shared gallery for download. Final photos will be delivered in about 2 weeks.

Headshots can be fun and are a key first step for your future employer to get to know you. Just remember that the best pictures are always the ones where you look like you – not like someone you are pretending to be. Do a little prep so you’re ready – and then be yourself. I promise you’ll get a great headshot.