Planning for Your Headshot Session

I'm looking forward to meeting you at your headshot session!  If you are generally not thrilled about being in front of the camera, I have good news: I specialize in coaching and guiding my subjects from head to toe to make sure they are looking and feeling their best in their headshots. You will be able to view your images immediately on my computer so we can make real-time tweaks, if needed, to improve your photographs - then we can pick your favorite(s) before you leave.

Use the tips below to thoughtfully plan your clothing and grooming, and leave the rest to me!

WARDROBE: 

When planning your wardrobe, your #1 criteria should be fit. Regardless of what you will be wearing on top (suit jacket, button down shirt, sweater, blouse, dress, etc etc etc), please make sure your choice fits you well in the neck, shoulders and chest, and is free of wrinkles. 

Speaking of fit, if you will be wearing a suit jacket, please make sure that the shirt you wear underneath the jacket lies completely flat. We want to avoid any appearance of bunching or pulling. 

If you are wearing a polo-type shirt for any reason, please make sure the collar is not soft and floppy (floppy = sloppy).

To prevent an artificially bulky appearance, please avoid padded shoulders.

And to minimize distractions, please avoid busy necklines or sleeves that are ruffled or otherwise embellished in the shoulders or upper arm.  

As for color, solid jewel tones, plums, dark blue, and black translate particularly well on camera, and work well on all skin tones. Please avoid white, except as an accent or a layer under a jacket, sweater, etc.

 

ACCESSORIES: 

If you will be wearing a tie in your headshot, please pick a pattern with a subtle or muted patten and consider brushing up on your tying skills. Here's a handy video for review: https://youtu.be/xAg7z6u4NE8

Unless bold jewelry is a key element of your signature style, please keep it simple.

If you wear glasses most of the time, I recommend wearing them for at least some of your shots UNLESS you do not have non-reflective lenses, in which case you may want to leave them off. Transition lenses (those that darken to become sunglasses in bright light) may also be a concern. Please make sure lenses are clean and smudge-free. If you have multiple frame options, please bring them along. 

 

GROOMING

For people with very short hair: Try to avoid getting a hair cut the day before your shoot (or on the way to your shoot!).

For those with longer and/or colored hair: If you get your hair cut and/or colored in anticipation of your session, please do it 1-2 weeks ahead of time.

For those with hair on places other than their head:

• Shave early in the day to let any razor-burn dissipate and allow nicks to heal before the shoot. 
• If you wax anything on your face (brows, upper lip, etc.), do it 2-3 days before your session to allow redness to dissipate.
• You might want to take a peek and see if your ears, nose or brows need a little trimming. 

Do not worry about blemishes, as they will easily be retouched in post-processing. On the other hand, the hardest thing to retouch in post-production is dry, flaky skin. If this is a problem for you, please start moisturizing and gently exfoliating your face, lips, and hands (if they will be seen) at least a week before your session. Stay hydrated, especially in the 24 hours before we meet. 

If you will be wearing make-up for your shoot and doing it yourself, please opt for a light and natural look. An even application of primer and liquid foundation, topped by a dusting of translucent powder, will give you a smooth, shine-free appearance. Make sure your neck, face, and décolletage are the same color, and that the edges of your blush are gradual and non-abrupt. Wear your usual eye make-up (eyeliner, shadow and mascara) but in neutral shades and not too heavy. Clean up stray brow hairs and fill in if necessary. Lip color should be natural and matte. Tinted balm is also a nice option. Lip liner, if you wear it, should match your lips. Hair should look natural and healthy. You may want to use hairspray or gel to tame frizz and minimize fly-aways.

If you would like to have your make-up done by a pro, we have several wonderful recommendations.