How to Prepare for Great Headshots

In this day and age, you need more than a business card with your name on it to stand out in the eyes of your customers. You need a headshot and even then, you need that headshot to stand out. Nothing says professional, clean, thought out and invested than a great headshot. Essentially, with your headshot, your customers are meeting you before they are actually meeting you so you definitely want to put your best foot forward.

Today, I want to share with you some helpful tips and tricks to make your branding session or headshot session a success! Tips on hair, skin, clothing, hair and makeup options and most of all, how to stand out among the crowd.

1. Stay Hydrated

Would you like glowing radiant skin on the day you are getting your portraits taken? The best way to do that is by drinking plenty of water the day before and day of your headshots.

2. Get Some Rest

On that note, make sure to get plenty of rest before your portraits so you can avoid any dark circles or baggy eyes.

3. Facial Hair

If you have facial hair, make sure to shave any unwanted hair the day before or trim your beard or mustache so that it is clean and presentable.

4. Don't Forget Your Nails!

Most of the time, they are overlooked and as cute as hot pink nails may be, they might not pair with your professional headshots. Trimmed nails with a clear or nude paint color works great.

5. Are You Doing Your Own Makeup?

Although the dewy look is in trend right now as well as bold eyeshadow colors and lips, professional headshots are generally more applicable to a variety of marketing materials when you use a matte finish to your skin and eyes. Need some inspiration? Click on the Pinterest link below to see some makeup looks that work best for your headshot session:

Makeup Ideas for Professional Headshots

1. Wait 1-2 Weeks After Your Haircut to Do Your Session

It makes sense to color, cut or trim your hair before your session right? If we lived in a perfect world where everything came out right every time, this would be no problem however, we don't and there is nothing worse taking a picture while feeling insecure about a hairstyle your not happy with. To avoid this, get your hair done 1-2 weeks before your session.

2. Dealing with Flyaways

I like to use a serum or put hair spray in my hands and pat the flyaways down right before a portrait. Bring a comb or brush with you as well if you know your hair texture has lots of flyaways. Anything else, we can edit out, don't worry!

3. Are You Doing Your Own Hair?

Like makeup, choose a hair style that is timeless and will look good in any marketing materials you may need to be in. Hair down or in a classy updo always works. Need inspiration? Check out this Pinterest board below:

Hair Styles and Ideas for Professional Headshots

I cannot stress how much of a help professional hair and makeup can be to your branding session. Makeup artists are trained to complete makeup specifically for photography and understand how light hits the skin during a photo session. In addition, professional airbrush makeup helps retain the texture of the skin versus a regular foundation or press powder makeup. If you are interested in hair and makeup services, please let us know at-least 24 hours in advance.

You may also choose to book your own hair and makeup service before your session.

Costs

-Professional Airbrush Makeup generally costs around $75 per person.

-Both Professional Hair and Makeup generally starts around $125 per person and may increase depending on the hair style requested.

-In addition, there maybe a fee if you would like your hair and makeup artist to come to you.

1. Keep. It. Simple.

No really, keep it suuuupper simple. This allows for the attention to be on you instead of what you are wearing. For both men and women, subtle tones and textures will always look classy and elegant.

2. Consider Your Background

Do you know how you will be photographed before your session? What backdrops will be used? If you have a lighter background, it is a good idea to bring darker colors to create contrast. If you will be photographed against a dark backdrop, bring both a lighter and darker option to try on and see which one looks best.

3. For Women

Dresses or shirts with long or 3/4 length sleeves, layered tops, sweaters or jackets are the best choices for women's clothing. You may choose to go sleeveless but if this is your interest, I would consider bringing a blazer or jacket just in case. For three-quarter length photos, bring denim, leggings, dress pants or a skirt to complete your look. Make sure your clothing is fitted and snug so you can avoid looking bigger than you may be. In addition, if you don't have the best posture or want to look even slimmer while standing for your headshots, bring a pair of heels. Lastly, don't forget accessories - watches look great!

4. For Men

For men, a suit or button down shirt works great. If you would like a more casual look, you can go with a solid t-shirt (fitted is best) or light weather sweater. For three quarter length photos, denim is great for a casual look and suit pants keep the look more formal.

5. Just a reminder....

Be mindful of clothing that has too low of a neckline or tops that are too low cut. In addition, remember to iron or steam your clothing before your portrait session.

Need some inspiration for your clothing for your headshot session? Click on the link below:

Clothing For Professional Headshots

I view the rules in photography as guides instead of hard set laws that can't change. If you are an artist, your headshot may look different than that of a lawyer. In addition, we encourage you to stand out so consider how that may look in your field of profession.

Don't know where to start? Let's chat! As a professional photographer, it is our job to bring your vision to life. Contact us to create a perfect photography session for your business that will result in images you can feel confident putting in front of your customers.

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How to Prepare for Great Headshots

Today, I want to share with you some helpful tips and tricks to make your branding session or headshot session a success! Tips on hair, skin, clothing, hair and makeup options and most of all, how to stand out among the crowd.

1. Stay Hydrated

Would you like glowing radiant skin on the day you are getting your portraits taken? The best way to do that is by drinking plenty of water the day before and day of your headshots.

2. Get Some Rest

On that note, make sure to get plenty of rest before your portraits so you can avoid any dark circles or baggy eyes.

3. Facial Hair

If you have facial hair, make sure to shave any unwanted hair the day before or trim your beard or mustache so that it is clean and presentable.

4. Don't Forget Your Nails!

Most of the time, they are overlooked and as cute as hot pink nails may be, they might not pair with your professional headshots. Trimmed nails with a clear or nude paint color works great.

5. Are You Doing Your Own Makeup?

Makeup Ideas for Professional Headshots

1. Wait 1-2 Weeks After Your Haircut to Do Your Session

2. Dealing with Flyaways

I like to use a serum or put hair spray in my hands and pat the flyaways down right before a portrait. Bring a comb or brush with you as well if you know your hair texture has lots of flyaways. Anything else, we can edit out, don't worry!

3. Are You Doing Your Own Hair?

Like makeup, choose a hair style that is timeless and will look good in any marketing materials you may need to be in. Hair down or in a classy updo always works. Need inspiration? Check out this Pinterest board below:

Hair Styles and Ideas for Professional Headshots

You may also choose to book your own hair and makeup service before your session.

Costs

-Professional Airbrush Makeup generally costs around $75 per person.

-Both Professional Hair and Makeup generally starts around $125 per person and may increase depending on the hair style requested.

-In addition, there maybe a fee if you would like your hair and makeup artist to come to you.

1. Keep. It. Simple.

No really, keep it suuuupper simple. This allows for the attention to be on you instead of what you are wearing. For both men and women, subtle tones and textures will always look classy and elegant.

2. Consider Your Background

3. For Women

4. For Men

For men, a suit or button down shirt works great. If you would like a more casual look, you can go with a solid t-shirt (fitted is best) or light weather sweater. For three quarter length photos, denim is great for a casual look and suit pants keep the look more formal.

5. Just a reminder....

Be mindful of clothing that has too low of a neckline or tops that are too low cut. In addition, remember to iron or steam your clothing before your portrait session.

Need some inspiration for your clothing for your headshot session? Click on the link below:

Clothing For Professional Headshots

I view the rules in photography as guides instead of hard set laws that can't change. If you are an artist, your headshot may look different than that of a lawyer. In addition, we encourage you to stand out so consider how that may look in your field of profession.

Don't know where to start? Let's chat! As a professional photographer, it is our job to bring your vision to life. Contact us to create a perfect photography session for your business that will result in images you can feel confident putting in front of your customers.

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