How To Prepare For A Headshot Session.
A professional headshot in your resume or social media profile can elevate your personal brand.
A little preparation goes a long way to insure that your headshot session with ABQ Headshot & Portrait is successful. Don’t stress, it’s easy!
PREPARING FOR YOUR SHOOT
Allow plenty of time for your shoot. Sessions can take from 1 - 3 hours. You don’t want to feel rushed or anxious thinking about the next thing in the day’s schedule. I recommend giving yourself a 4 hour window, if possible.
The day before your shoot, you want to do a couple of things to make sure you look your best when you walk in the studio for your headshot session. This includes 1) getting plenty of sleep, 2) drinking lots of water 3) no late night partying and 4) if you have dry lips, get some lip balm on those things!.
WHAT TO WEAR
What to wear for a session is the most common question. The good news is that headshots are typically framed on the head and shoulders only, so you don’t have to worry about what pants to wear!
The night before your shoot, get your clothing options together. You don’t want to be throwing together whatever you can find on the day of your session. When selecting your clothing options, consider the feeling you want to project. Is it formal? Corporate casual? If you are an actor, what role types do you want to capture? Hero? Villain? Ace Fighter Pilot?
A physical trainer would look better in exercise clothes than in a suit. Conversely, a CEO would look better in a suit than in a thread bare concert t-shirt. That t-shirt is not out of the question for some, as long as it is projecting the proper image.
Once you know the type of clothes you want to bring there are a few guidelines to keep in mind when you are going through the closet. Keep all patterns and logos at home - like stripes, checks, tartans and Nike swooshes. These will distract from the face. With regard to color, I recommend solid rich earth tones. Avoid bright clothes. The only exception to this guideline is a bright shirt / muted jacket combination. Finally, bring lots of options that you love to wear and feel comfortable in. If you are not sure - bring it! Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Avoid baggy or really tight / revealing clothing. Solid colors are best. Men’s button up shirts should have a crisp collar.
HAIR & MAKE-UP
Be sure to bring all your personal grooming and beauty products. It is recommended that guys bring combs / brushes, shaving items and any hair products you use. It is recommended that women bring their hair and make up products. These will be needed for touch ups during the shoot.
Women who did not book a hair and make up stylist, and will be doing your own hair and make up, it is recommended that you arrive to your session “camera ready”. Make up should be light and natural to start. We can always add to it as needed.
Men should keep in mind what they want their facial hair to look like. Clean shaven? A bit of stubble? If you have a beard, make sure it is trimmed and looking good. It is also recommended that you get a hair cut 4-5 days before your session so you are looking sharp.
COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY!
Do you have a question before your session? Do you have a request during your session? Don’t be shy! Good communication between photographer and subject is essential and will result in a photo that ABQ Headshot & Portrait will be proud of, and you will be excited to utilize.
My goal is that everyone leaves the session ecstatic with their headshots. If you are not getting exactly what you want our of a session, please let me know.
Johnny