How To Prepare For A Professional Headshot
While the actual headshot session may not take very long, appropriate preparation is key to creating profile images that you will like and want to display online. I always share a preparation guide with my clients to review my suggestions on grooming, make-up and choosing outfits.
Here are a few suggestions to prepare you for your headshots.
Grooming and Hair: Women, consider having make-up professionally done prior to the session. This helps even skin-tone and reduce blemishes. If doing make-up yourself, go heavier than usual, use matte not gloss or glitter. Men, a fresh shave or beard trim are essential.
Outfits Options: Time is limited, so one outfit is usually best. An easy way to change the look is to swap out your top, change or add a jacket. Bring alternative options for shirts, ties and jackets and we can discuss elements that will suit you best for your session.
The Fit: Your clothes need to fit well, show your form without being skin-tight or too large. A suit jacket should button up comfortably without pulling. Women, define your waist with the cut of your outfit. Choose fabric that has contrast at the waist or consider a belt. Also, consider wearing shape-wear. This will allow your clothes to fall favorably on your body.
Clothes should be clean, freshly pressed, wrinkle-free and lint-free. Dress head-to-toe.
Glasses: If you wear glasses, choose non-reflective lenses or bring a pair without lenses.
During this recent in-studio professional headshot session, we were able to create a variety of images by making some simple and easy changes. This stylish gentleman was prepared with a few different outfit options. He brought them freshly pressed and hanging in garment bags (an ideal way to travel with clothing options prior to a portrait session to avoid unnecessary wrinkling). We laid out the options, a few jackets, vest, pressed shirts, denim pants and dress slacks, as well as ties. While we did not use all the items brought to the session, it was easy for me to suggest items that would photograph well. He chose one traditional business suit look and a second more casual tailored style.
Is it time to freshen up your headshots?
Let’s chat.