Show Up Like a Pro: A Host’s Guide to Nailing Your Podcast Photo Shoot
- Jamie Kennedy
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Look good, feel good, show up like you own the mic.
Let’s get one thing clear right from the jump: this is your shoot. Your podcast, your vibe, your story. You get to call the shots.
But if you're staring down the lens of an upcoming shoot and wondering, "What should I wear? What kind of photos do I even need?" - we’ve got you. This guide will help you feel prepped, relaxed, and ready to look like the badass host you already are.
First things first: tell your photographer what's up
Photographers love clarity. Here’s what to send them ahead of time:
Let them know this shoot is for a podcast. Your face will be front and centre on your cover art, your website, your social, and everywhere you show up online.
You’ll need a hero thumbnail image—clean, clear, cropped. That means a neutral or blank background is ideal (white, beige, soft grey = gold).
Your audience = professionals and entrepreneurs, so think smart, relaxed, approachable. No need for power suits unless that’s your brand. A polished knit or soft button-up works just as well.
Send through some visual inspo. Pinterest, IG saves, screenshots—whatever gets your point across. Photographers love a clear moodboard.
Pose wishlist? Mention if you’d like sitting, standing, leaning shots (yes, all three is fine and encouraged). Movement adds range.
Style yourself for you, but also for where your podcast is going
This isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about looking like your most confident, relaxed self. Here’s what helps:
Clothing: Neutrals are always safe. If you want to add your brand colours, do it subtly—a pop of blue in a jacket lining, a coral lip, a dusty rose blouse. Skip the stripes, logos, and fussy prints (they don’t play nice on camera).
Options, always: Bring a couple of outfits—mix up tops, jackets, accessories. It’ll give you more range in your final selects.
Hair: Clean, styled, nothing too structured. Go with what feels you.
Jewellery: Only wear what you’d actually wear while podcasting (no need to suddenly become a layered-necklace girl if that’s not your jam).
Makeup: Natural with a little polish. If you wear it, lean into skin that looks like skin, with maybe a touch of definition around the eyes. Not mandatory, but helpful under studio lights.
What shots should you ask for?
Bare minimum, you want:
A clean head-and-shoulders shot (for your podcast cover)
A few variations with different poses and expressions (soft smile, looking away, laughing)
Some full or half-body shots for your website
Optional but highly recommended: a few behind-the-scenes podcasting shots - you with your mic, headphones, boom arm, laptop. These are chef’s kiss for your socials and website.
Pro tip: Don’t include your mic or equipment in the hero thumbnail image (it gets cluttered fast). Keep that one crisp and clean - just you.
Last words of wisdom?
Plan, yes. But also let the magic happen. A good photographer will bring out the best in you if you let them. Trust the process. Laugh a little. Let your confidence shine through.
Because when you feel good, you look good and your audience will feel that energy in every scroll-stopping, cover-art-worthy podcast photo shoot.
Ready to book your podcast photoshoot and turn those fresh new photos into cover art that actually connects?
Your podcast deserves more than a one-size-fits-all design. We take your vision, your vibe, and your voice and turn it into custom cover art that’s bold, scroll-stopping, and unmistakably you. Designed to invite new listeners to hit play.
Ready to launch your podcast? Get the free guide built for leaders like you and learn how to set up, record, and publish with confidence.
Happy podcasting.
