How to Prepare For Professional Headshot Photography
The moment you book your session is exciting...and scary! What should you wear? How should you prepare? There are so many things! Here are a few tips to help you feel prepared for our shoot:
1. Clothes
Select your clothing options and accessories to wear during your headshot photo shoot and put them in a bag the day before your headshot photography session, so you're not stressing to find and assemble them the next day. A headshot photo pictures the shoulders, or mid-chest, up to the top of the head, so the shirt is the most important item. We'll also get some full body shots so do bring another option for pants, but focus more on bringing a range of different tops.
Avoid shirts with busy patterns, as they distract from your face. Go for a solid colored shirt that elongates or features your neck. So, turtlenecks are out, as are solid black and solid white shirts, as they wash out your skin tone. Also avoid clothing with large logos. We don't want anything to distract from your face and eyes.
2. Skin
If you can, drink plenty of water in the week prior to your headshot phootshoot, as this will keep your skin plump, smooth and clear. Try to eat healthy foods, as fried and salty foods cause bloating and water retention. Also avoid sun exposure, which can make you look tired and leave your skin irritated. Get plenty of sleep to avoid dark circles under your eyes!
3. Hair
Choose a haircut and hairstyle a week or two in advance, as freshly cut hair can look strange on camera. Understanding that you should look like your headshot photograph, choose a hairstyle that you can easily recreate for your auditions. A neutral style that highlights the natural curve and shape of your face is always the best choice for an acting headshot.
4. Facial Hair
Prepare your facial hair for your headshots by trimming, plucking and/or choosing a style for shaving facial hair in advance. Knowing that plucking can leave red marks, and bleaching can irritate skin, be sure to do these things a couple of days before your session.
Also, pending on which package they select, I invite my male clients to arrive at the shoot with stubble or beard for the first shots. For packages that allow for more time between looks you can shave so we can get a cleaner look. Be cautioned, some men's skin becomes red and irritated after immediately shaving so this option may work for some better than others.
5. Teeth
Avoid anything that may stain your teeth on the day of your headshot photographs.
6. Nails (Yes, nails!)
Your hands may end up in some of our shots, so get a manicure for your nails. For women choose a neutral, skin tone polish, or a clear coat, so as not to distract from your face. For men a clean trim is enough.
7. Peace of Mind
For total peace of mind write down all the details for your headshot photo session and add them to your clothing bag: helpful info to include would be time, location, directions, and any instructions provided. It's also a good idea to have your photographer's number already saved into your phone in case you need to contact them on the way. If you are working with your own hair stylist or make-up artist, make sure to send them all these details too.
8. Know what you want
Modeling for a headshot photograph is like acting for a still camera. Take some time in advance to consider what kind of feeling you are trying capture in your image. Prepare by thinking ahead of some of the characters you want to be cast as and then practicing their "looks" in front of the mirror. Don't worry if you are not certain about this, a good headshot photographer should help you figure this out, but if you can come in with your own ideas that will help!