Headshots are one of the easiest ways to make a great impression on future employers or clients. Preparing for your headshot or portrait session can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep on reading to find out how to look and feel your best for your big day!
WHAT TO WEAR
THE BASICS
Unless you are a creative going into or are already in a creative field, I would suggest sticking with solid colors or simple prints for your outfits. Bright colors and bold patterns can be distracting so steer clear of them. You will want all of the attention on your face. You want your future employer or client to know who you are right off the bat thanks to your amazing headshot.
Make sure your clothes are hole free, freshly laundered, and ironed if need be. Wrinkled shirts will catch the eye and make you look unprofessional. Remember – this is the easiest way to put your best foot forward so even though it’s another step, iron out those wrinkles!
Stay away from branded clothing. Same as with patterns, seeing a brand can be a distraction in your photo. You also don’t want potential employers or clients to see you wearing a brand, especially if it’s one they dislike for some reason or other.
THE LOOK
You want to prepare yourself for your headshot session almost as much as you would for an interview. Where do you want to work? What is your dream job? What businesses are you expecting to apply for?
Ask yourself these questions. Then research what is the typical dress code for what you are looking at. Much like going into an interview, you’ll want your outfit to be one step above their typical attire.
Let’s say you’re a graphic designer and want to work at a design studio. Many studios have a more relaxed dress code, either casual or business casual. So if the places you want to apply have a casual dress code, you’ll want to have business casual outfits for your headshot.
LASTLY
You want the look to be you. Think of these as part of your personal brand. Let your personality shine! If you have an outfit that mostly fits this criteria but are unsure if it will work or not, don’t hesitate to ask me!
FOR YOUR HAIR
THE BASICS
The main thing is make sure to schedule any haircuts or dyeing a week or so before your shoot. Do not get a major hairstyle change the day before – if anything goes wrong you won’t have time to adjust or fix the problem.
Do make sure to wash and condition your hair the night before or the morning of. If your hair tends to be more dry, start deep conditioning a week before to add in more moisture. Bring a bottle of hair oil to spritz on your hair before the shoot to add some shine if it’s still looking a bit dry the day of the shoot. If your hair runs on the oily side, bring a bottle of dry shampoo and brush to the shoot. If your hair starts looking too oily a quick spritz and brush will help quickly take out oils.
RESEARCH & PRACTICE
If you are wanting to style your hair for the shoot, take the time to both research and try out potential hairdos. The reason you’ll want to try out the styles beforehand is for two reasons – so you know you’ll like how it looks and so that if you have issues putting it together, you won’t be panicking the morning of the shoot.
Pinterest and Instagram are great resources to get ideas for hairstyles. Pinterest is probably the better option since you are more likely to find tutorials on how to create whatever hairstyle you are interested in.
SIMPLE IS BETTER
Much like bright colors and prints with clothing, elaborate hair can be a distraction for headshots. I’m not saying you shouldn’t style your hair! Just don’t go for a wedding or prom-style updo.
MAKEUP & JEWELRY
MAKEUP
I highly suggest that everyone – guys included – wear at least some foundation. This will help to even out your skin tone and will make my post processing job easier and faster – meaning you’ll get more finished photos!
Matte makeup is best, anything with sparkle or gloss can be a distraction for the viewer. I would suggest that those who tend to go for a more natural look with their makeup to add on a bit more for the shoot. Makeup doesn’t look as vibrant as it does in real life so going further than you usually do can make a huge difference.
Again, I may sound like a broken record at this point, but remember – simpler is better!
Acne, cuts, and any other blemishes you are worried about I can remove in post processing, but taking steps to cover things beforehand will always help! If there is anything you know you would want removed in post-processing just let me know during the consultation or the day of the shoot.
JEWELRY
If you don’t usually wear jewelry, don’t feel like you need to for the shoot. If you do, wear the pieces you generally save for fancy occasions. Nicer jewelry translates better through photography and can really up your professional look.
There is an art to coordinating jewelry with outfits, so if you are unsure a little research can go a long way to understanding what necklaces go best with what shirts and more.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST – POSING
BE RELAXED!
I know this is one of the hardest things to do when you have a person standing in front of you taking tons of pictures. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to make you feel as comfortable as possible and will direct you in how to change your pose in ways that will look better for the camera. You’ll start to relax as the shoot progresses you’ll get into a rhythm of how things go.
If you have any pre-shoot jitters or worries be sure to bring them up during the consultation and I’ll do my best to address them!
STAND TALL AND PROUD
Confidence is key to any pose. Think Superman – his pose wouldn’t look as majestic if he had no confidence. If you feel like you don’t have confidence – fake it. Don’t worry, no one will be able to tell! A great way to build confidence and enthusiasm before a shoot (or any situation for that matter) is to actually do the Superman pose. Try it!
MORE THAN JUST A HEADSHOT
Want to go beyond the usual headshots you see on your LinkedIn? Take some time to find ideas on Pinterest and Instagram, if you find something you’ll really want to try save it and show me, new poses are always fun!
Want other great advice on how to prepare for a photo shoot? Read the other articles below!
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