How to Prepare & What to Wear for Your Headshot Session
Congratulations! You've just booked your headshot session at Beth Madison Headshots!
Now what?
Well, the moment you arrive at my studio, you can relax. I have everything taken care of. All you have to do is show up and have fun (really!).
But there are some things you can do ahead of time to be sure that you get the most our of your session.
If possible, be well rested for your shoot!
Try to schedule a time when you won't be stressed about getting to your next appointment.
If you feel like you might be getting sick, or if you have even just a little cold, please call to res-schedule. If you don't feel your best, you won't look your best.
What should you wear?
Keep it simple! Your face is the star, not your clothing, accessories or jewelry. We want to avoid anything that takes attention away from your face.
Don't choose shirts or jackets with herringbone, checks or similar patterns. They create a weird wavy effect called moire.
Don't choose shirts or jackets with large stripes. Small stripes are fine.
Textures are great!
Avoid plain white if possible, unless pared with a jacket or other layer. White pulls attention away from your face.
Avoid shiny material.
Clothing that's wrinkled looks unprofessional. Please make sure to check if your outfit or shirt needs ironing ahead of time. My studio has a clothing rack and changing room, so feel free to bring your outfit on a hanger if that helps.
For both men and women, well-fitting clothing is the most important thing!
WOMEN
Please avoid sleeveless or short sleeves, or bring a jacket or cardigan to layer. Bare arms in a headshot photo draw attention away from your face.
Solid colors with simple necklines are usually best.
No jewelry is best. Second-best is very simple and understated jewelry. Stud earrings are fine as long as they're not reflective.
Save accessories for a portrait session. Scarves, hats, pins, or broaches draw attention away from your face.
Very important - Please keep your makeup very light and natural. The camera sees great detail, so strong makeup looks overdone. Bold eyeliner, lash extensions, heavy mascara, cat-eyes, heavy contouring, or runway/glam makeup is not recommented for professional headshots. If you want to glam up for a portrait after your headshots, that's fine!
MEN
Please make sure your shirt and jacket fit properly. Well-fitting clothing is the key to a professional look. Details make all the difference! Please check to see how your jacket fits, and check your collar and your tie.
Blue, grey, pale colored shirts or subtle striped shirts are great. i suggest avoiding white shirts if possible. The brightness takes attention away from your face.
FOR EVERYONE
Please bring several differnt outfits/shirts/ties/jackets. We can go over them together and select the best options together. You will probably want to shoot with two or more outfits. This gives you the option to have different-looking headshots to use for different purposes. You may want one for your work website, one for LinkedIn, one for social media, and one for articles/publicity, etc.
Also, changing your headshot periodically is a great way to boost SEO and keep your communications fresh.
PORTRAITS
PORTRAITS
You may want to consider adding some portraits to your session, in addition to headshots.
Portraits allow more leeway in clothing, and reveal more about your personality. Reach out to me to discuss the difference.
There is no additional charge for shooting portraits as well as headshots.
If you have a concept in mind, reach out and we'll chat about it and plan the vision for your portrait prior to the shoot.
If you're not sure, don't worry! As I meet you and chat with you, I will be able to figure out a portrait look at will be perfect for you!
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
I will be retouching your images as needed to make you look your very best. Please let me know at the time of the shoot if you have any particular concerns.
Lastly...
Don't worry about the photo session! Most people feel nervous or uncomfortable about having their photo taken. But there's nothing to it, I promise you! We'll chat, visit and talk, and before you know it, you'll have forgotten about the camera. You'll be amazed when we're all done. You'll have a good time!