1. Communicate your vision
It is important to share as many details and ideas you have for your headshot session with your photographer. The more details you share, the better. Your photographer will want to know if you are looking for a corporate headshot, service professional headshot (musician, personal trainer, health professional, or more), or an acting headshot. When your photographer knows what your goal is with your imagery it helps them to get an idea of your vision.
2. Relax
I know a lot of people do not like to step in front of the camera! This is why it is important to find a photographer you mess with well! If you don’t like the photographer before the session, you aren’t going to like them during the session!
When you are not relaxed during your session, this will show in your images. This is why I will talk with you before and during the session to get you more relaxed and also to let you know what is going to happen. We will talk about how sometimes I may give you no direction and this is alright. I don’t want you to think you are doing something wrong. For example, you may do something I like and I don’t want to draw your focus to it. I want you to tell me what you like and don’t like as well! Tell me which side is your good side! If you have any concerns at any time, let me know. I want you to feel safe and comfortable! So relax and know I have your best interest at heart and you will have an awesome experience and be surprised with your photographs.
3. Clothing
I would wear well fitted clothing you usually wear which you find comfortable and portrays the mood you want to create. If you are a professional or real estate agent, then wear your business attire. Service professionals such as, health care workers, plumbers, or personal trainers, will want to wear their professional attire or uniform. Acting professionals will be in attire suited for the role they are desiring. The point is to be in something you are used to being in and are comfortable. If you are comfortable your images will turn out better. If we are in an outfit we don’t find comfortable or flattering, it will show in your photographs. If you need help, let me know and we can talk about clothing more.
Here are a few of my do’s and don’ts:
Do: Solid clothing is the best. To add interest to the photograph you can add layers or some patterns under a jacket. Suits which are dark are best for a traditional look or skip the jacket for a business casual look or perhaps a dressy sweater. Pick colors which complement your skin tone.
Do not: Loud patterns, shiny, or logoed clothing (unless for your brand) will distract from you. It is suggested to avoid wearing short sleeves or sleeveless blouses for women who do not want to draw attention to their arms. All white tends to wash people out. Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry as this could distract from you.
4. Hair and makeup
In this image you are looking to make a great first impression. Oftentimes people will hire a hair and make up artist to help. I would say if you are hiring a makeup artist or you are doing your own, I would suggest going for a natural look and wearing your hair how you would usually wear it. You really want people to know who you are when they show up to meet you in person the first time! If you do everything up differently from your norm, they will be in for quite the shock!
If you get your hair cut or dyed, I would suggest getting this done 2 weeks prior to your shoot. If you get a spray tan, I would give yourself the same time frame. If you are a gentleman, you can get away with the hair cut within a week of your photo session.
5. Be prepared.
Getting prepared for your shoot happens much before the day of the shoot. By following some of the tips above of communicating with your photographer, picking the right outfit, and hiring a hair and make up specialist you can put yourself at ease because the details have been put in order. I have a few other suggestions to help you get even more prepared! If we are shooting outside, a small towel is suggested in case you start to sweat. We do live in the sunshine state! I would also bring a comb, make up, or anything else you need to freshen up while we are working. I would also bring water to stay hydrated. I would stay away from eating anything which would stain your teeth such as flavored drinks or gum!
I hope you found these tips helpful. I want you to look your best during your headshot session as this is a reflection of you and your brand. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me!