Ready to capture the most authentic high-quality photos for your professional connections? I work hard to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, but it all starts with the right planning on your end! I've broken down my most frequently asked questions for you here
WHAT TO WEAR
I generally recommend that less is more for capturing great professional headshots. Aim for clothing that is solid in order to minimize distractions that come with heavy patterns or prints.
The best choices are form fitting pieces; if curve hugging items are not what you’d wear every day, don’t worry! I encourage you to have fun with the opportunity to shop or style yourself a little differently for the occasion, I promise to guide you through posing to create the most flattering images for y our body type!
Also, items should be ironed and free of wrinkles, lint, etc. This is one thing Photoshop CANNOT help with and it can make a big difference in the way your images turn out.
COLORS
Unless you’re in fashion or known for a particularly colorful look, I personally believe that neutral colored clothing is timeless, versatile to use, flattering to skin tones and work well against the most popular white or grey backgrounds.
If incorporating brand or company colors is important for you, consider a more subtle pop of color with a blouse under a black or white blazer, lipstick, or ties and pocket squares for gents.
AVOID WEARING LOGOS OR PICTURES
These can also draw attention away from your face and make you look unprofessional. Again, we want people connecting with the energy radiating from your eyes and smile, not what is on your shirt.
JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES
When it comes to accessories and jewelry in your images, it’s best to keep it minimal as well. Steer towards small and minimal pieces rather than chunky or trendy ones.
HAIRSTYLES
When it comes to styling yourself for your headshots, the best things to do is keep it real. If you’ve got curly hair, don’t straighten it. If you have short hair, don’t go get extensions put in for the photos. You’ll never feel confident showing off your images if they don’t actually look like you in real life. Remember, the goal should be to capture who you are on the best day, not someone else.
A quick little tip for women is that you should wear your hair down when possible or make sure that any ponytails or up-do that you choose shows-off what your hair really looks like. The camera angles are only able to capture you from the front, so a ponytail in the back can make your hair disappear almost altogether.
MAKEUP
While professional makeup and hair can be a wonderful addition, I don’t agree that it’s a necessary one. If you never wear a lot of makeup or have never had your makeup professionally done for an event, you may not feel like yourself during our session. Again, I recommend staying true to who you are, because you’ll feel more authentic as you’re using your headshots professionally.
Another quick little tip here is to take into consideration the whites of your eyes! Pick up some eyedrops to bring with you just in case. My go-to that I use myself is Lumify; it actually makes your eyes look incredibly clear and because it lightens redness around your eyes, it allows your eyes to look much bigger.
NAILS
As with many of the tips that I give, nail polish should be chosen or not based on the fact that it can pull your viewers eyes away from connecting with your image. The best colors for nail polish are neutrals, skin tones, clear polish or bare. Most headshots will crop out fingernails, but if they make it in or we’re doing a personal branding shoot, make sure it’s not a bright color.
SHOULD I WEAR GLASSES
Yes, you should wear your glasses in your headshots if you wear glasses all the time. The only time we may need to go ahead and remove them is if they are extremely reflective, which can happen with blue light glasses, or if they are if they are transition lenses that go dark in the bright lighting that is essential for headshots.
Pre-Headshot Preparation
If you’ve ever done any kind of portraits before, you know the hardest part aside from choosing outfits, is the moments before you step in front of the camera. We can be our own worst critics at times, and it really comes out before a photoshoot. Have grace with yourself and remember that you’re doing this to build trust with clients and grow your business, just as you are!
Preparing your clothing in advance well before your session and giving yourself plenty of time the day of really helps to make sure you’re not coming to the shoot sweating, feeling rushed or flustered. I recommend that the night before you take the time to get everything except yourself ready to go; iron/steam your outfits and hang them up, and prepare a small bag with anything you might want handy like a hairbrush, floss sticks, makeup or a mirror for touchups, etc.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER, MOISTURIZE, AND TRY TO AVOID ALCOHOL FOR A FEW DAYS BEFORE
I know I know, but I want you to feel and look naturally your best! Alcohol has a tendency to create redness, puffiness and dehydration in our face, skin and eyes. Try to substitute water or tea for soda in these few days as well to hydrate your skin.
GET PLENTY OF SLEEP
Confidence is key and being rested and ready plays a big part of how much your personality will shine through your headshots and portraits. I recommend having a little self-care evening the day before and use your favorite soothing skin and hair masks, take a bath, whatever makes you feel amazing!
LASTLY, GET READY TO HAVE FUN AND CREATE IMAGES YOU CAN SHOW OFF
I’ll be there to help you feel comfortable from the moment you’re in front of the camera and help you look your best while guiding you through poses!