Client Tips Article: Preparing For Your Headshot Session

Let’s get ready for your professional headshots!
These photos will be your digital handshake for at least the next couple of years so let’s make them great.

SETTING UP IN YOUR OFFICES

If you’re hosting the headshot event, please have a space cleared for your photographer to set up the background and lights. Ideally the spaces are about 10×15’ however we can make due with 8×12’. 10’ ceilings are preferred but if we’re sitting down and only doing head and shoulders then standard 8’ rooms are good to go.

We arrive 1 hour prior to the session start time in order to set up and make tests. Please have someone there to let us in the building if needed.

For group headshot sessions please provide us with a list of names organized by time slot or have each individual hold up their name written on paper or a whiteboard.

(L) Each subject can hold their name to start (if you require the files be labeled by name). (R) Illustrating Our Typical Setup in Office Commons Area.

FORMAT

Headshots can be displayed vertically, square, or horizontally. We provide horizontally captured headshot photos since you can crop those any way you could need.

TIPS FOR HEADSHOT SUBJECTS

Communication
Please tell me anything you want me to know before we get started so we’re both in sync. Tell me what you’d like to get out of the session in terms of the look and feel and please share any concerns.

Scheduling Stressors
Plan your session date and time slot so that you don’t have disrupting calls or meetings distracting you during the session. Ideally you don’t have anything scheduled too closely to either side of your session time.

Rested Face
Hydrate and get your 8 hours in the night before. You’ll want those eyes bright. Please don’t drink alcohol the evening prior or the morning of your session as it can really mess with complexions.

Of course our complimentary retouching will aid anything you do have going on with your complexion so don’t worry – we’ve got you!

The following sections are only suggestions and should be ignored if they contradict your brand identity or wardrobe wishes.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

TOPS
Your company may have a uniform to wear or a key color that you’re all leaning into. Please have this discussion and whatever you decide is great.

Here are some tips otherwise.

In order to keep the attention on your face, solid or finely patterned attire works best.

Generally avoid bold patterns like plaid, color blocks, polkadots, or large floral prints tend to draw the eye away from your face.

A color that accents your eyes or skin tone is always a great bet.

Avoid fully saturated bold colors such as neons unless your company branding is colorful.

If you’re having more than one headshot look created then have all your clothing pressed and hung ready to go. We’ll start in your favorite outfit and go from there.

JEWELRY: If possible don’t wear big chunky, colorful, or highly reflective jewelry.

GLASSES: A-OK! If you wear glasses and have a glare resistant pair then wear those. If you can wear contacts, consider wearing those. If big glaring glasses are your thing then we can position lighting and your head to avoid glare in most cases and we even have software to retouch glare so it’s all good!

Again, if we’re doing something conceptual or with your brand identity then some or all of these “rules” can be ignored.

HAIR
For men, a clean cut and trimmed or shaved facial hair is recommended unless we’re going for a wilderness adventure vibe.
For men and women with long hair we’ve successfully captured headshots with hair back in a ponytail, up in a bun, or down on the shoulders. Take some time to consider what you like best or how you’re best known.

I’ve noted that 75% of my long haired subjects in the past are wearing hair down in headshots with 25% wearing it back in a pony tail. We can try both and you can pick your favorite. Start with the down do so you won’t have the crinkles in your hair from the ponytail.

MAKEUP
A foundation and subtle touches are great for evening out the tones of skin. While we do apply a basic skin retouch to your favorite headshots, the more even your skin is to begin with, the more natural the retouching looks. Please avoid heavy and dark eyeshadow, extra length lash extensions*, and intensely dark lip colors.
*false lashes tend to be so dense and long that they block light from hitting the eyes and cause a raccoon eye look.

Questions?
Remember that our clothing, hair, and makeup suggestions are only suggestions. If your brand identity requires lash extensions and neon colors then lean into that and I’ll adjust my disco lighting accordingly.

We’re looking forward to your session!