The Best Ways To Prepare For Your Professional Headshot
With every type of photoshoot, it is nice to know what you're getting into and how to prepare for it. This is no different for professional headshots. While it may seem like there isn’t much you need to prepare for, here are some tips to make your professional headshot photoshoot a good experience.
Sleep & Hydrate
We all know that weekly grind of not getting enough sleep and showing up to work after chugging some coffee and trying to make it as far in the day before the caffeine crash. After a number of days like this have you ever noticed some dark circles under your eyes? Turns out some huge factors in these “bags” come down to lack of sleep and hydration! The Cleveland Clinic actually did a good write up about these eye “bags” and how to get rid of them.
It isn't always easy to get 8 hours every night, but the night before your headshot session is most important if you can manage to get some good shut-eye. Also, while coffee does dehydrate us, it doesn't mean you have to skip it on shoot day! Instead, just be sure to be drinking plenty of water the days leading up to the shoot. By just these two factors, you can make your skin look healthier in your photos!
Dress To Impress
Wearing clothes that are solid colors without distracting patterns are the best bet for professional headshots
There are a lot of things photoshop can fix, but showing up in a wrinkled cut off is no small task to fix. It is probably obvious that you’ll want to wear professional attire to your photoshoot. The type of attire can change between industries from scrubs, to polos or even a full suit. What may not be so obvious is to make sure your clothes are clean and ironed/pressed. For high quality clothes it may be a good idea to get them dry cleaned the days before the photoshoot. No matter the outfit, ironing is very much recommended to get out all the folds and wrinkles. There isn't much that can ruin a good headshot like a wrinkly shirt.
A good tip, if you can manage, is to bring your outfit to change into right before the photoshoot. This will prevent your clothes from getting dirty or wrinkly throughout the day leading up to the shoot.
Groom Groom Groom
Grooming is vastly different between men and women, but is equally important for your professional headshot. It is obvious you don’t want to show up with a case of bedhead, and there are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to grooming.
For the ladies, unless hair and makeup are part of the negotiated photo package, it’s always a good idea to bring your hairbrushes and other grooming tools to the photoshoot to make those last second corrections. Same goes with makeup, bring what you can to do any touch ups. Also when it comes to makeup, while it is totally up to you what look you go for, typically clients will wear light makeup that matches their skin tone and is natural looking.
For the gentleman, if you are planning on getting a haircut you should do so 3 or more days ahead of the photoshoot. This will help avoid that fresh cut look and let your hair look a little more natural. Try not to experiment with hairstyles the day of, if you want something new, try it out ahead of time. When it comes to facial hair, make sure to clean shave or trim your beard the morning of the photo to get the best clean look possible. For the longer haired guys, don’t forget a brush!
Keep It Simple
You don't need to do anything flashy or exuberant for a professional headshot (unless that is the look you are going for). Typically clients go for a more simple look. No large and shiny jewelry, colorful makeup, or crazy hairstyles are needed for this type of shoot. Again, it’s not off limits, but the look for professional headshots is typically clean and simple.
Go With The Flow
The number one tip is to relax and enjoy the shoot! I know not everyone likes their photo taken because I am, ironically, one of them. The key is to reframe what this is. It is not just a photo of you that's getting put on facebook, this is an opportunity to showcase who you are to the professional world! Try to approach it in a relaxed manner and be optimistic about it, and I promise the experience can be a good one!
Professional Headshot Photographer In Northwest Ohio
Jake Stepec Studio offers specialized photography to help your business shine and grow to new levels.
I am a commercial photographer operating in and around Ohio. One of my services is creating headshots and portraits for businesses and their teams! I use my unique combination of photography and project management skills to create content for clients worldwide. Give me a visit at my website or give me a call at (216) 800-6599 to get started on your photography projects today!