Headshot Preparation Guidelines
Preparation is key for getting your best headshot. You are about to have a new kind of headshot experience that will help you stand out from the crowd.
The goal of a high-end headshot is to capture you looking like you on your best day.
The lighting will be amazing, and we will accentuate your best angles, but you will be in front of the camera, so it’s important that you arrive ready.
The bottom line is that you’ve made a commitment of time and money to have a high-end, modern headshot experience. Bring your A game by following the tips below.
I recommend looking your best head to toe. You’ll photograph better if you look your best.
GUIDELINES FOR MEN
Headshot Clothing
If you have clothing that you want to shoot that does not fit these guidelines, please bring those clothes! Bring your favorite clothes.
I also suggest bringing items that follow these guidelines.
The fit of your clothing is important. Baggy or excessively tight clothing won’t bring out your best.
Bring at least 2 suit or sport jackets. Simple without patterns is best.
For individuals sessions, bring 3 or more pressed plain dress shirts without patterns (one color). Bring your best-fitting shirts with crisp collars and collar stays. We don’t want curled collars! Shirts with more structure are better than floppy shirts.
Bring a couple complementary, simple ties, preferably without bold patterns.
I strongly suggest making the most of your headshot session by bringing some more casual looks: leather jackets, a turtleneck, a plain, high-quality t-shirt, and maybe even a cool hat if you have one. Bring outfits from head to toe if you want any awesome full- or half-body portraits.
Bring anything you enjoy wearing!
Headshot Hair
Please take the time to style your hair.
Do not get a haircut within three days of the headshot session.
Bring every hair styling product and tool you use every day to style your hair.
Come freshly shaven and trimmed, including your nose hairs. Trim any crazy outlier eyebrow hairs, but don’t go nuts.
Headshot Glasses
If you wear glasses every day, you should have your glasses in your headshot. If you sometimes wear glasses and sometimes wear contacts, bring the glasses to try.
If you have multiple pairs, bring them, so we can try multiple frames and lenses.
Headshot Shoes
Just in case we go into something less zoomed in, bring some professional shoes.
GUIDELINES FOR WOMEN
Headshot Clothing
If you have clothing that you want to shoot that does not fit these guidelines, please bring those clothes! Bring your favorite clothes.
I also suggest bringing items that follow these guidelines.
The fit of your clothing is important. Baggy or excessively tight clothing won’t bring out your best.
For individual sessions, bring 4 or more of your best fitting professional tops/dresses. These shirts and dresses should be solid or at least have a non-distracting pattern. Consider bringing one that matches your eye color.
Bring a few professional jackets if that’s a look you want.
I strongly suggest making the most of your headshot session by bringing some more casual looks: leather jackets, a turtleneck, a plain, high-quality t-shirt, some fun dresses, or maybe even a cool hat if you have one. Bring outfits from head to toe if you want any awesome full- or half-body portraits.
Bring anything you enjoy wearing!
Headshot Hair
Please take the time to style your hair nicely.
Do not get a haircut within three days of the headshot session.
Bring everything you use to style your hair, including anything you use to tame flyaways.
Headshot Makeup
My makeup artists will handle everything at the headshot session, and you do not need to bring any makeup if you add(ed) professional makeup.
If you are doing your own makeup, please use a light hand. In my opinion, natural makeup that simply emphasizes your natural beauty is best.
Eyeliner can be especially distracting in a headshot. I generally prefer no eyeliner, but I suggest an especially light application if my clients are committed to using it.
Bring lipsticks and/or lip glosses. Please bring basic makeup and tools to add, remove, and touch up. Try to avoid makeup with an SPF, which causes more shine.
Headshot Jewelry
Bring jewelry you love or always wear. We can shoot with and without jewelry. Sometimes I prefer no jewelry to eliminate distractions, but it’s up to you what we shoot!
Headshot Glasses
If you wear glasses every day, you should have your glasses in your headshot. If you sometimes wear glasses and sometimes wear contacts, bring the glasses to try.
If you have multiple pairs, bring them, so we can try multiple frames and lenses.
Headshot Shoes
Just in case we go into something less zoomed in, bring multiple pairs of professional shoes.