A Comprehensive Guide to Prepare for Your Headshot Session
Getting ready for a headshot session can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can ensure it’s a smooth and successful experience.
Below is the entire collection of recently published articles in three parts.
Part 1: What to Wear for Your Headshot: Tips and Guidelines
Choose Professional Attire:
Industry-Appropriate: Wear something that reflects your profession. For corporate headshots, opt for formal business attire. For creative roles, slightly more relaxed or trendy outfits may be appropriate.
Solid Colors: Solid colors work best for headshots as they keep the focus on your face. Avoid busy patterns or logos.
Fit and Comfort: Ensure your clothes fit well and you feel comfortable. Ill-fitting clothes can be distracting and uncomfortable, which can show in the photos.
Bring Extra: If you’re not sure, bring it with you and we can sort it out before your shoot.
Dress for Your Next Role: If your headshot is meant to help you move ahead, dress to impress.
No Wrinkles: Make sure your outfit or clothes are free from stains, hair or wrinkles. We’ll be able to help you with a final look-over.
Accessorize Minimally:
Simple Jewelry: Opt for small, simple pieces of jewelry that don't distract from your face.
No Over-the-Top Accessories: Avoid large hats or scarves that might overshadow your features.
Let’s review: We’ll take a look before your shoot to make sure your jewelry and/or accessories are looking great.
Consider Layers:
Jackets and Blazers: These can add a professional touch and also help in creating different looks during the session. Bring an extra and we’ll see which one works best.
Avoid Too Many Layers: While layers can be good, avoid overdoing it to keep the look clean and sharp.
Color Coordination:
Skin Tone: Choose colors that complement your skin tone. Generally, dark colors work well for lighter skin tones, and vibrant colors can enhance darker skin tones.
Background: Consider the background color when selecting your outfit to ensure there’s a good contrast. Ask us what background we will be using for your shoot. We often use a neutral gray, so we can change the hue or color in post-processing.
Keep it real. If you always wear glasses, wear glasses. If you never wear bowties, don’t wear a bowtie. Your headshot is a representation of yourself, so wear your best.
Part 2: How to Prepare Your Skin and Hair for the Best Results
Skincare Routine:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
Cleanse and Exfoliate: Cleanse your skin thoroughly and exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells. This helps in achieving a smooth texture.
Moisturize: Use a good moisturizer to keep your skin soft but not shiny.
Hair Preparation:
Haircut/Trim: Get a haircut or trim a few days before your session to ensure your hair looks neat and fresh.
Flyaway Hair: Not a friend for your headshot. We’ll take a final look before your shoot but keep this in mind if applying product to your hair.
Style Simply: Style your hair in a way that reflects your everyday look. Avoid experimenting with new styles right before your session.
Makeup Tips:
Natural Look: Opt for a natural makeup look that enhances your features without being too heavy.
Matte Finish: Use matte products to avoid shine in your photos. A bit of powder can help control any unexpected oiliness. We usually have oil blotting sheets available to keep the shine under control.
Men: Don’t shy away from products that can give you a matte finish. Powders can make your features even and the light will be your friend during your shoot. Especially if you have a receding or no hairline.
Rest and Relax:
Good Night’s Sleep: Ensure you get a good night's sleep before your session to avoid dark circles and a tired look.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Limit alcohol and caffeine intake the night before as they can dehydrate you and affect your skin appearance.
Remember not to over-do it. This is how your professional peers, potential employers and agencies will see you. This is not a glamour shot. (Unless glamour is your profession, of course)
Relax, the next section will give you some great pointers on a stress-free experience.
Part 3: Tips for a Stress-Free Headshot Session
Plan Ahead:
Schedule Wisely: Choose a time when you’re least likely to be rushed or stressed. Morning sessions are often best as you’re fresh and more relaxed.
Prepare Outfits: Lay out your outfits the night before to avoid any last-minute stress. Make sure they’re free from stains, hair or wrinkles.
Communicate with Your Photographer:
Discuss Expectations: Talk to your photographer about your expectations, preferred angles, and any concerns you may have.
Follow Their Guidance: Trust their expertise and follow their directions during the shoot.
Practice Posing:
Try Poses in the Mirror: Practice a few poses and expressions in front of a mirror to see what looks best.
Relax and Be Natural: The most important thing is to relax and be yourself. Authentic expressions always translate well in photos.
Bring Essentials:
Touch-Up Kit: Bring makeup, a brush, and any other grooming tools for quick touch-ups.
Blemishes Can Be a Stresser: Don’t worry. If you have a temporary blemish, we can usually make it disappear in post-processing. Let us know if this is your wish. (No charge)
Hydrate and Snack: Bring a bottle of water and a light snack to keep your energy up.
Positive Mindset:
Stay Positive: Approach the session with a positive attitude. If you’re feeling good, it will show in your photos.
Take Deep Breaths: If you feel nervous, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down. You won’t be rushed through.
If you feel like the camera doesn’t like you, we are here to help. We want your photos to be awesome. Here’s additional tips.
We hope this series of articles has helped you prepare for your professional headshots or portraits. We can’t wait to see you!
