Client Tips Article: Preparing For Your Headshot Session
Let’s get ready for your professional headshots!
These photos will be your online handshake for at least the next couple of years so let’s make them great.
PREPARING THE OFFICE FOR A MOBILE STUDIO
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 just fine.
We’ll arrive 1 hour prior to the session start time in order to set up and make test shots. Please have someone there to let us in the building.
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 (only neccesary if you desire the files be labeled by name). (R) Illustrating Our Typical Setup in Office Commons Area.
HEADSHOT DELIVERY FORMAT
We provide horizontally captured headshot photos since you can crop them any way you could ever need. Square, circle, or vertical crops can be extracted from a horizontal headshot.
HEADSHOT SESSION TIPS
Open Communication
Feel free to tell your photographer anything on your mind during your session time slot. Tell us what you’d like to get out of the session and share any worries or things you’d like to avoid.
No 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.
Well Rested Face
Our complimentary retouching will aid anything you do have going on with your face so don’t worry too much but maybe help us out.
Hydrate and get your 8 hours of sleep 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 aggravate the cheeks and nose.
The following sections are only suggestions and should be ignored if they contradict your brand identity or wardrobe wishes.
WHAT TO WEAR
BEST SHIRTS & TOPS FOR HEADSHOTS
Here are some general headshot wardrobe guidelines as you contemplate what to wear.
This will be a small head and shoulders shot. Keep the attention on your face. Solids or finely patterned attire work best.
Shirt colors that accent your eyes or compliments your skin tone is great!
Generally avoid bold patterns like plaid, color blocks, polkadots, or large floral prints. These tend to draw the eye away from your face.
Avoid fully saturated bold colors such as neons unless your company branding is colorful and part of the look.
If you’re having more than one look photographed then have all your outfits or tops hung, pressed and ready to go. We’ll start in your favorite outfit and switch up from there.
JEWELRY
If possible don’t wear big, colorful, or highly reflective jewelry.
EYE WEAR
A-OK! Come as you are. We have a variety of ways to avoid glare on glasses.
HAIR
A fresh hair cut and trimmed or shaved facial hair is recommended unless we’re going for a wilderness adventure vibe.
For 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 exaggerated length lash extensions.
*false lashes tend to be so thick and long that they act as a hood, blocking light from falling into the eyes. This can cause a dark dull-eyed look. False lashes that look more naturally spaced and aren’t of an exaggerated length should be fine.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Remember that our clothing, hair, and makeup suggestions are only suggestions. If your brand identity requires lash extensions and bold neon colors then lean into that and we’ll adjust accordingly.
We’re looking forward to your session!