How to prepare for your Headshot Session

General Tips

  • Tell us your expectations and intentions. Let us know what kind of look you want

  • Tell us how and where the photo will be used , so we can be sure it's appropriate

  • Drink lots of water and be well rested

What to Wear - Women

  • Avoid big prints and busy patterns

  • Bring a variety shirts/blouses with different necklines. Neckline will influence the apparent shape of your face

  • For a no-jacket casual look, bring various colored blouses - ideally darker than your skin tone

  • Be stylish and fashionable, but remember the picture is about your face and not your clothes or jewelry

  • Sleeveless tops/dresses can draw attention to your shoulders/arms. Consider bringing items with a variety of different sleeves

  • A white shirt/blouse/sweater by itself is a bad idea - it draws attention away from the face. Better to wear white under a jacket or sweater

Remember: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Select something that makes you look and feel good

What to Wear - Men

  • The standard business look is a suit jacket, dress shirt and tie

  • A casual business look is often a jacket and open-collar dress shirt, shirt and tie (no jacket), or dress shirt on it's own

  • Polo shirts are an OK casual look for some businesses. However, be sure the shirt is in good condition and fits properly

  • For a no-jacket casual look, bring colored shirts - ideally darker than your skin tone

  • A white dress shirt by itself is a bad idea (too bright) - unless you plan to wear it underneath something (jacket or sweater)

  • Bring a few different jackets, shirt colors and ties so we have choices for the photo

What to Wear - Everyone

  • Bring at least 2-3 clothing variations so we can pick the best options at the shoot

  • Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great

  • Make sure your jacket and shirt fit you well. A poor fitting jacket or shirt will be obvious in the photos

  • Don't overdress

  • Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea

  • Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new

  • Avoid busy patterns and large lines/stripes

  • Blue/green/turquoise shirts/blouses or accents can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes

Jewelry

  • Keep jewelry extremely simple - small is better

  • Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated

  • Consider if facial piercings or multiple ear piercings are appropriate for where your photo will be displayed

What to Bring

  • Various changes of clothing

  • A great attitude

  • Lip balm

  • Hair brush/comb

  • Makeup and hair products you prefer

General Grooming

  • Check your eyebrows - have your hair stylist or barber trim them when you get your hair cut

  • Check for stray nose hairs - trim as needed

  • Men - check for chest hair peeking out when wearing an open collar shirt

Hair and Makeup Tips

  • Make-up should be clean and natural

  • Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother

  • Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Don't overdo it. Dip a cotton bud in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding

  • Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine

  • Avoid frosts or overly-bright colors

  • Don't get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut)

  • Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot. In case you have a bad reaction to the product

Please Arrive With

  • Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not using makeup artist)