How to prepare for your shoot!
There’s a lot more to having your photo taken than just turning up at the studio and smiling at the camera so its worthwhile spending the time to prepare yourself properly.
Your Wardrobe
The first question that always get asked is "what should I wear?" Well, what you wear for your headshot photograph is just as important to the overall image as your expression. Clothing should simply enhance you and your features and keep the focus of attention on your face. Bring along a number of different outfits with them in various styles and colours. That way your photographer can see what looks good on you, works well on camera and is appropriate for your target audience. Mainly bring tops but some bottoms too if you want some 3/4 length shots). There are 4 simple wardrobe rules:
Rule #1
You have to love it!
Your photographer doesn’t want to shoot you in anything that you don’t feel comfortable wearing.
If you don’t feel comfortable, it will show, so don’t bring it.
Rule #2
If it’s not in the studio , it can't be shot!
If your asking yourself whether something will work, just bring it along anyway. Have some fun with this. If you feel your wardrobe is missing something, then go shopping, keep the tags on (you can always return the items you don’t want to keep.)
Rule #3
Be yourself.
This is where you can get some of your own personal style into the shot. People always ask, "what colours are best?" Unfortunately that can't really be answered until your photographer sees you and your wardrobe. It’s better to get a visual of something. Bold colours are great, so bring a wide variety of colours. It’s amazing how many times something has looked amazing on camera that you didn’t initially think would work.
And vice versa.
Rule #4
Don’t be too selective or seasonal.
Bring everything from casual shirts and t-shirts to formal blouses and shirts to sweaters and light jackets. Textures and layers can work well, but would advise to stay away from crazy patterns.
Professional Image Advice
Now might be a good time to seek some advice from an professional image consultant. These people are specially trained to help you and the colours and styles of clothes that enhance your body shape, features and natural colouring. You have no idea how much more confident you will feel knowing you are wearing the right styles and colours to match your natural colouring and body shape.
Ladies... Hair & Makeup
Hair is such a personal thing so it’s best that you feel like you in your pictures. Feel free to bring whatever styling products you need in order to create your look. If you are planning on making an appointment with your hairdresser please arrange this for the day prior or even the morning of the shoot.
Makeup should be simple but well done so your natural assets stand out on their own. This means that make up should help the viewer focus on the eyes and the mouth, which are the essence of the headshot. The main concern is shine so it's advised to bring along some translucent powder.
Gents
It's recommended you get your haircut 4 to 5 days prior to the shoot so it doesn’t have that “freshly cut” look. Make up is generally not required for men but it helps to bring either light face powder or blotting paper, especially if your skin tends to be a little greasy or it's a hot day.
Glasses
If you normally wear glasses and have a strong prescription, or glasses with no anti-reflection coating, it's advised that you visit your opticians and either borrow a pair of blank frames or remove your lenses for the shoot, as there can be problems with reflection and refraction. Invariably your photographer should shoot some shots with and some without glasses. You might also like to bring along a couple of pairs of frames.
If you follow these simple rules, you're bound to look your best in your headshots.