HEADSHOT SESSION PREPARATION
Being truly prepared will significantly contribute to the overall success of your headshot session and greatly influence how well your final images turn out. Understand that it’s about more than just looking good; it’s also the genuine feeling of confidence and comfort that will naturally come out, making your headshots more authentic and engaging.
BEFORE THE SHOOT
In the days leading up to your shoot, hydration is key. Drink plenty of water; this isn't just about feeling good, it directly impacts your skin's health and appearance. The night before, ensure you get a full, restful night of sleep. Avoid late nights or excessive caffeine, as this can affect your energy and the appearance of your eyes.
CLOTHING
Your clothing choices are important as they frame your face and set the tone for your headshot. Always consider the purpose and intended audience of your headshot. Think about your profession and who will be viewing these images – customers, clients, casting directors, or potential employers. Your attire should be representative of your brand and professional identity.
Beyond this, you will want to avoid distracting elements and steer clear of anything that pulls focus away from your face. This includes clothing that is:
Overly Bright or Glaring: Neon colors or highly saturated tones pull attention from your face and can create color casts on your skin.
Excessively Patterned or Textured: Busy patterns, intricate designs, or heavy textures can be distracting.
Logos, Images, or Text: Any visible branding or writing will compete with your face for attention.
Poor Fit: Ill-fitting clothes, whether too tight or too loose, can create unflattering lines and wrinkles.
It's highly recommended to come to your session with several clothing options, especially if you are doing a standard session. Consider:
Tops: Bring a selection of shirts and blouses in varying shades (light, medium, and dark tones often work well, but always consider what complements your skin tone). Experiment with different necklines (V-neck, collared, crew neck, scoop neck) as they can dramatically change the feel of an image.
Layering: Consider bringing a well-fitting blazer, cardigan, or a structured jacket. Layers add depth, professionalism, and can quickly transform an outfit.
Suit fit: If you're wearing a suit, pay close attention to the fit.
Shirt: Your shirt should fit comfortably, with no noticeable gaps between the collar and your neck when fully buttoned. The lower edge of your shirt collar should also lie smoothly against your jacket lapels.
Jacket: The jacket should fit snugly across your shoulders, and any padding should not extend beyond the end of your natural shoulder.
Ties: If opting for a tie, bring several solid colors or subtly patterned options. These are far less distracting than bold prints.
Open Collar: For an open-collar look, consider using collar stays or starching your shirt to prevent a sagging or unruly collar.
Comfort: Ultimately, bring items you feel completely comfortable and confident wearing. Discomfort will show in your expressions and body language. If you're unsure about an item, bring it along. We can discuss it and see how it looks on camera.
ACCESSORIES
When it comes to accessories, the general rule is simplicity and minimalism. Their purpose is to complement your look, not overpower it.
Eyeglasses: If you wear glasses, bring more than one pair in differing styles if possible. This allows for more variety in your shots.
Jewelry: For necklaces and earrings, less is almost always more. A simple pair of stud earrings or a delicate necklace can be fine, but anything larger, overly elaborate, or very colorful tends to become an unnecessary distraction.
Scarves: Scarves, while stylish in everyday wear, are almost always a distraction in headshots and are generally best avoided.
HAIR + MAKEUP
Your hair and makeup should enhance your features while maintaining a natural, authentic look that reflects who you are.
Hair:
Your Everyday Look: It's best to wear your hair as you normally would, but ensure it's in a "good hair day" condition. Think polished, not drastically different. Avoid major haircuts or color changes right before your session.
Products & Touch-Ups: Bring any products or tools you might need for touch-ups (e.g., hairspray, brush, comb, bobby pins) to maintain your style throughout the session.
Makeup (for Women):
Start Natural: Begin with a natural, everyday makeup look. The goal is to even out your skin tone and highlight your best features, not to create a heavy or overly dramatic look.
Matte Finishes are Best: Avoid any products that create a heavy sheen or shimmer on your skin (e.g., highly luminous foundations, glitter, excessive highlighter). Studio lights can intensify these, creating distracting hot spots or unflattering reflections on your face. Opt for matte or satin finishes.
Touch-Up Time: If you'd like an extra look with more dramatic makeup, we can schedule time during the session for you to add or make adjustments.
Lip Color: Choose a lip color that complements your natural tone and adds a touch of freshness without being too bold or distracting. Matte or satin lipsticks are generally preferred over super glossy ones.
Grooming (for Men):
Minimal Makeup: Generally, men don't need makeup for a headshot. However, if you have a skin condition or blemish you're concerned about, please let me know. Often, these can be subtly addressed with simple retouching.
Lip Care: Do consider using lip balm leading up to and on the day of your session. Dry or cracked lips can be surprisingly noticeable and detract from your image.
Shaving/Facial Hair: Ensure your shave is clean and fresh, or that your beard/stubble is neatly trimmed and well-groomed according to your preferred look.
Remember, the ultimate goal is for your headshot to authentically represent you at your best. By following these guidelines, you'll feel more prepared and confident, and be set to look your best in front of the camera.