Let’s face it, not many people enjoy having their picture taken unless you are a professional model. And with the need to have portraits of ourselves for professional uses, it can be overwhelming. Here are some things that can help you prepare for your headshot session so you can go into it with a plan.
Whether you are an actor who needs an updated portfolio or a corporate executive that just needs that one headshot for the company website. Having a professional photographer in your corner can make all the difference. I view my sessions with clients as more of a collaboration as the images wouldn’t happen without having someone in front of the camera. That means my subjects have to do a little work as well.
Here are 3 things that can help you focus and have better results
.jpg)
Face
A good skincare and hair routine is good to have anyway but can really do wonders for the final images. After all the whole idea of a headshot is to show your face.
Leading up to your session make sure you clean and moisturize your face so it is not dry. Chapstick for your lips does wonders. This can be applied right before your session as well just make sure everything is smoothed out and blended. If you are working with a Hair and Makeup artist then follow their guidelines.
Wardrobe
Dress for the job you want, or that you already have. If you are looking for a new position dress up to the position you ultimately want. Which may be a few steps down the road. A polished look that matches what you do will present you in the best way.
CEO-level positions might warrant a formal business look where an actor looking for specific types of roles may need to wear outfits that fit those personalities and characters.
Clothing Tips
When choosing what to wear, which I know can be daunting; a whole closet with nothing to wear. Try to keep these things in mind. Keep these things in mind when choosing your clothing as you prepare for your headshot.
- Fit – Clothes should fit properly that work with your body type is probably the most important thing to think about. If you are uncomfortable due to ill-fitting clothing, either too tight or too loose, can be portrayed in the portraits.
- Color – What color should I wear? Everyone has their color that they look great in. If you know it, incorporate it into your outfit. If you don’t, a favorite color is a good starting point. I recommend avoiding bright colors as it can detract from your face which is the whole reason for the portrait. Using neutral colors, shades of brown, gray, black and white, to create a color palette for your outfit will help with what to wear or bring.
I wrote a blog post with some more information about Color - Patterns – Subtle patterns are ok and I would try to avoid large, busy, bright patterns as it can detract from your face as I mentioned above.
- Layers – Adding a cardigan, jacket, or shawls can add interest and give some variety to images by adding or subtracting it from the look.
- Accessories – Jewelry, scarves, hats and other accessories can finish a look.
I recommend having 1-2 outfits ready to go. We will plan out specific backgrounds based on your outfit choices that day. A brand new outfit is not necessary but can help with confidence.
When you feel good you look good,
and when you look good you feel good.
Energy
This is probably the biggest one. Our perception of people and even portraits of people come down to their energy. This can be hard when you are not comfortable in front of the camera. One thing I do with my clients is to ask them to think of their favorite part about the work they do, a favorite client, or even a hobby they can’t live without. Where do you feel the most alive? Trusting your photographer and getting yourself into the best headspace will produce amazing results.
Many clients come in nervous, uncomfortable, and antsy. As the session goes on and we work together I frequently see the walls drop and energy start to change. Often the images after that shift are the ones that both my clients and myself are drawn to. The negative thoughts or worry about not looking good breaks that connection we have with ourselves. That reconnection to our confidence and who we are is what you should look for and feel in your headshot.
A great post here from a friend and life coach, Kate Bathras, talks about your energy and how to prepare for your headshot session.
.jpg)
.jpg)
