HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR HEADSHOT SESSION

Here’s a basic list of things to consider before arriving for your Headshot Session.  A few simple steps and reminders will help make your photoshoot go smoothly and confidently.

1) Don’t forget to relax

Sounds simple enough, but often the hardest to accomplish. If you are not relaxed, that mood will be conveyed in the photo through body language and expression and diminishes the quality of the photo.

Try to focus on improving your posture throughout the shoot, and listen to the photographer’s direction. If at any point, you have concerns, express them. Whether it is before the shoot, or during, do not hesitate to voice any concerns as they arise.

2) Get some rest, and hydrate

This is simple one. To help avoid dark circles under your eyes, hydrate plenty at least a day before and day of the shoot, and also try to rest well the night before.

3) Dress comfortably and avoid busy clothing and jewelry

In terms of clothing – definitely be your usual stylish, fashionable self but bear in mind that the subject of your photograph is your face and not your outfit. Make sure to wear something you feel confident and comfortable in so that mood comes through in pictures.

For a traditional business look, classic dark suits are a great choice. Men should choose a well-pairing tie, aim to wear a shade that falls between the color of the suit and shirt underneath. A crew neck undershirt in place of a v-neck undershirt is often better especially with thinner lighter colored shirts where the neckline may show through. Also, avoid shirts with button-down collars.

For a business casual look, skip the jacket and opt for a colored dress shirt or blouse that, ideally, is darker than your skin tone. In both cases, a timeless headshot will be best served absent of all jewelry.

Overall, avoid things like turtlenecks and clothing with bold and distracting patterns and colors.  Also, avoid clothing with grid-like squares or minuscule herringbone patterns.  Avoid shiny and reflective articles of clothing, and avoid black cotton shirts as they pick up lint very easily. Also, refrain from wearing neutral gray clothing if you will be photographed on a gray background. Female executives may want to avoid wearing short sleeves or sleeveless blouses as they draw attention to bare arms.

In all cases, avoid clothing with busy patterns, colors, graphics or text.  And, although we discourage jewelry of any type, if you so choose to wear a chain or neckless, it should be short enough so that it does not get cut-off in the final image. Remember, a traditional headshot is cropped just below the shoulders.

4) Come Hair and Makeup Ready

Unless this is a model or actor shoot, and a hair/makeup artist has already been scheduled, come to the shoot with hair and makeup ready.  Feel free to bring a hair brush, hair spray or gel, in case a quick touch-up is necessary once you arrive for the shoot.

Additionally, shine can be an issue in headshots, so best be prepared. If the weather is warm, you might want to bring a small towel to dab away any sweat, or use paper towels that may be available in the venue’s or studio's restrooms. Also avoid applying shiny lipsticks or lip glosses.

Men, if your shoot is schedule later in the day, do your best to avoid 5 o’clock shadows as they will often be visible in the images.  And, If you are going to get a haircut, get it a few days before the shoot. This way, the cut will grow in a little and you will have some time to get used to how your hair looks and feels.

Overall, be relaxed, be confident and have a good time!