Prep Steps – Headshots

Fun Headshot

Headshots come in many styles from the ultra conservative to the fun and approachable and anywhere in between. Here, we have outlined a few preparation steps you can take to ensure you get the best headshot possible, regardless of the style you’re going for.

5. Haircuts

Business Owner Headshots

A fresh do makes everyone look good, but consider giving it a few days before your headshot, not the same day. After a haircut, giving your hair a few days to grow and take shape is the ideal for a headshot. If you’re going for a whole new style then consider giving yourself a few weeks, three at minimum. For anyone getting new color, allow three days for the color to relax, especially if the color is bright.

4. Clothing choices

Professional Headshots
Professional Headshots

Start simple and build up. Keep your clothing simple, like a solid color button down or blouse or polo shirt. Get a few shots in. Add a layer such as a shawl, a coat, a scarf, and then take a few more shots. Layer as you go. Keep clothing to solid colors, avoiding busy patterns and shapes. The goal of your headshot is to highlight YOU, not your clothing. Of course, there are exceptions to this advice, if you’re a designer or artist and loud dress is a part of your personal brand, then by all means, go loud.

Most importantly, choose your outfit(s) a day or two ahead of time and check their fit. Ensure everything is clean and ironed.

3. Lint Brush/Roller

Bring a lint brush or a lint roller with you. They come in very handy to remove strands of pet hair, people hair, or lint from your clothing. Get it right before you’re captured in the camera. It’s likely if you’re full of lint your photographer will charge a nominal fee for clearing out the spots in photoshop after the fact. It’s quick and easy to keep lint free.

2. Bring a friend!

Natural Outdoor Headshots
Natural Outdoor Headshots

Yes, that’s right, bring a friend. Having a friend with you can help you relax. If you choose your friends wisely, they can keep you smiling by cracking jokes or telling funny stories that will keep your mind distracted from the camera and bringing out natural facial expressions. A professional photographer packs a set of mental tools they will use to accomplish the same, but having someone you already have a deep relationship with there with you can help tremendously.

1. Get rest and eat a good meal

Headshots
Actor Headshots

REST: Tip #1 is simple, get a good nights rest and eat! It’s that simple. Getting rest will help your skin look its best, reduce patchy skin, and keep eye bags to a minimum. Your professional photographer will make some adjustments to enhance your natural handsomeness and beauty, but be sure to do your part.

MEAL: Eat a good breakfast or lunch an hour before your session. Eating healthy will not only make you feel good, but will give you the necessary energy to manage your body and your emotions. Give time for your food to settle to avoid any bloating or fatigue.

BONUS TIP!

Professional Retouching

Here’s an insider bonus tip that will ensure you have the best possible headshot! Remember the old adage, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”? It’s TRUE! So, be sure to hire a professional. It can be tempting to have a friend snap a phone shot, or a friend with a consumer model DSLR. A professional photographer will do much more than just ‘snap a photo’. A professional will;

  • Use studio lighting that flatters you as you
  • Talk you through moving in a way that flatters your shape
  • Have you pose in ways that match your desired usage of the headshot
  • Retouch your image for exacting color and removal of blemishes
  • Retouch your image to highlight your best features
  • Provide your audience the sense that you value yourself

Regardless if your headshot is for business, personal, or professional use, you can count on SQ Portraits and G2Photo Images to make you look your best! To inquire, feel free to Call us, Text Us, Email Us, or use the form below.