Tips for a Succesful Headshot Session

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WELCOME

Here are my hair, make-up, wardrobe, and grooming tips, for men & women, to help you prepare for a successful headshot session.

WOMEN

FACE: 

  • I recommend basic eyeliner & mascara, and maybe some under eye cover up if you need it. 

  • A basic layer of powder foundation [not creme, it will get shiny] can be helpful for evening out the complexion. 

  • Stay away from blush. 

  • Have 1 or 2 lipsticks on hand - we can pick the best one on the spot. 

  • I am an expert retoucher. Complexions can be thoroughly smoothed out with retouching.

HAIR: If you will look your best with professional styling or a blow-out, do it. It is nearly impossible to retouch hair. So hair needs to be the way you want it. We won’t be fooling around with it on-set. Professionally styled hair can elevate a good headshot into a great one.

WARDROBE: Dress in a way that represents the industry and business you are in. It might pay to think about how you would dress if you were making a presentation to your best client. I prefer color blocking. This means a jacket and matching dress or sweater underneath. Color blocking, or one solid color, is less distracting in the final image. Stay away from white - it can create a washed out looking complexion, and become a distracting element in the photo - competing with your face. Also, too many colors and patters should be avoided. One solid color is best. No low cut tops. Conservative necklines - up to the collar bone [not turtlenecks], crop very nicely for LinkedIn. Depending on your hair color, pick a  flattering color for you. Your personal “power color.”  As far as jewelry goes: a necklace will work if it falls within the collar.  Pearls especially. A necklace on a long chain will get cropped and thus will form a distracting element. Lastly - knits and heavy fabrics are preferred to cotton. Cotton may need to be pressed, and wrinkles will be costly if not impossible to retouch out.

 

MEN

FACE: 

  • If you are clean shaven and you shave first thing in the morning - try and wait one full hour after you wake up, and then shave. This will help reduce 5 o’ clock shadow.

  • If you have a beard, please remember to trim it evenly. Hair is extremely difficult and will be costly to retouch and clean up.

  • Trim nose hairs.

WARDROBE

  • I prefer French Blue shirting. White can be overpowering. However it is perfectly fine if that is what you are wearing.

  • Is is best to wear a freshly pressed shirt, as it is nearly impossible to retouch out wrinkles in clothing.

  • It’s ok to bring an extra tie and we can hold them up and pick the best.

FAQ

Q - I wear eye glasses. I heard it is best to take the lenses out before a headshot photo is taken. Is this true?

A - This is totally untrue. An experienced professional photographer knows how to avoid glare in eye glasses.

Q - What if I have questions.

A - Every client receives a complimentary wardrobe and grooming consult prior to the session.