How To Prep For Your Headshot Photo
The #1 tip I can give is to be yourself! Below are just a few other recommendations on how to prep for your headshot session.
Clothing Tips For Your Next Headshot Session
When preparing for your headshot, consider your brand and audience before deciding on your wardrobe including these tips:
I recommend a minimum of 3 outfits as a rule of thumb - 1 business professional, 1 business casual, and 1 normal look. This will give you options for different needs like company website, social media, email signature, etc…
A Fitted / Tailored Wardrobe - I recommend bringing items that fit you well and make you feel great. Loose clothing isn't flattering and can be distractive.
Solid colors - Avoid flashy patterns, designs, and bright colors as these can draw attention away from your face.
Bring options and layers
Keep in mind your background choice as Dark shirts look better on a lighter background while light shirts look better on darker backgrounds.
Avoid Low-Cut shirts - Headshots are meant to focus on your face and with low-cut shirts we will need to include the entire cut which pulls the viewer away.
Avoid white shirts and or see-through items. Make sure you can't see any undergarments
Avoid wearing jewelry - Even though this may be a statement piece for you, it can be distracting in the photo.
Glasses - If you wear glasses then I recommend you bring them. If you have multiple pairs, bring them all so we can try a few.
Hair Tips For Your Next Headshot Session
It is a key player in your headshot and if possible, I recommend getting a hair stylist for your headshot session if your budget allows. If not then that's ok and you can follow the tips below:
If you style your hair or work with a professional, do not go for a hairstyle that you never wear.
Haircut and/or color treatment, do it about a week before the session and do not do it the day/night before.
Shaved Heads - if you shave your head daily then continue to do so but if it’s every few days then come in with 1-2 days of growth and not freshly shaved.
Blowouts - Try to get a blowout the same day as your headshot session and if you have to do it the day before then go towards the end of the day.
Curls - If this is natural then let your curls be curly but if this isn't natural, then you will want to tame them unless it is a style you typically wear.
Fly aways - most of these can be managed with a little hair spray and for the ones we can’t, that's where retouching comes into play.
Washing - Try to wash your hair the day before or even the same day as your headshot to get the most natural look.
Facial Hair Tips For Your Next Headshot Session
If you shave every day then you will be ok but if you do have facial hair then you will want to check out these tips:
Bring your shaving kit so if you want some images without facial hair you can shave towards the end of your session. If you get razor burn get a good after shave to tame the redness.
Nose & Ear Hair - We overlook these but make sure you catch these little pesky hairs as they can pop up.
Beards - If you are rocking a glorious beard make sure you tame it. If you need to get a beard trim, just like a haircut, try to do this at least a few days before your headshot session.
Make Up Tips For Your Next Headshot Session
This can easily make or break a headshot so be sure to review this section carefully.
Keep it light and natural - Makeup should not define your features but be a compliant to them.
Hire a professional if possible - Even if you do well with your makeup, a professional makes a BIG difference.
Lipstick - Natural MATTE colors look better on camera
Foundation / Powder - Go easy and don't cake it on as it will show up in your images. No one's skin is perfect and we can clean up any imperfections in retouching.
Skin Tips For Your Next Headshot Session
Since a headshot is a bit up close and personal, these skin tips are very important to follow:
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoid drinking any alcohol / sugary drinks the night before. You will be surprised how healthy your skin looks after drinking lots of water the week before your headshot.
Take care of all beauty treatments well in advance, preferably a week, just in case anything happens during the treatment.
Sun - Avoid hanging out in direct sunlight and avoid using any sunscreen the day of your headshot.
Waxing - If you need to wax anything on your face try to do this at least a week before your session. Skin can be very sensitive and can stay red for a few days.
Facials - Do a week before to avoid any redness or irritation showing up.
Exfoliate - Do a week before to avoid any redness or irritation showing up.
Moisturize, Moisturize & Moisturize the week of your headshot. Nothing wrong with extra healthy skin.
Rest - One of the most important things you can do is rest and be relaxed. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before.