How to Prepare for youR HEAD SHOT Session

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Preparing for a headshot photography session requires attention to detail to ensure that the final images represent you in the best possible light. Start by selecting an outfit that is both professional and flattering; solid colours are typically a safe choice as they keep the attention on your face rather than on distracting patterns. Opt for colours that complement your skin tone and avoid anything too flashy or trendy, which may become dated quickly. Make sure your clothing is well-fitted and free of wrinkles to maintain a polished appearance.

Grooming is also crucial for a successful headshot. For makeup, aim for a natural look that enhances your features while avoiding heavy layers, as the camera can exaggerate makeup that is too dramatic. Ensure your hair is neatly styled and suits your face shape; avoid drastic changes or styles that might look out of place. Pay attention to your skin and nails as well, ensuring they are clean and well-maintained. 

Lastly, bring a positive attitude and confidence to the session—your demeanour will be evident in the photos and will help convey a professional, approachable image.

More details and tips are below.

• Fit is key!  Baggy or tight-fitting clothing don’t typically photograph well, and don’t offer the clean, tailored look of the professional you are!  
• Choose clothing you feel confident in and have a stellar fit that also projects the vibe you want to put out to the world. 
• Feel free to bring 2-3 options.

• Solid colours are always the best choice. They offer the pop of colour that makes headshots attractive while accentuating and complimenting the face. 
• Choose colours that go well with your complexion. 
• Neutrals, jewel tones, and muted colours are flattering on most skin types. 
• Avoid bold colours. Bright and vibrant colours such as red, orange, green, and yellow can draw attention and be too distracting. They can also clash with skin tone and hair colour. 
• Muted colours and colour shades are less dominating and more complimentary. 
• You cannot go wrong with matching colours in your outfit with the colour of your eyes.
• Steer clear of multi-coloured items and wearing too many colourful pieces together. Stick to one or two colours at most for a harmonious look.
• For jackets neutral hues such as black, navy, blue, brown, and gray are always a secure option. They give a timeless and professional look and won't dominate the photo. Then incorporating a pop of colour with a tie, shirt, or pocket square adds a touch of flair to your outfit.
• It’s good to have contrast between dark and light tones.
• A medium to dark jacket and a light shirt is a classic and safe choice. A blue jacket with a white or light blue shirt is modern and versatile. Charcoal to medium gray jackets are versatile and pair well with most colours. A navy jacket and white shirt are timeless and classic. Light gray jackets are more casual and stand out for those with lighter hair. Black jackets are formal but can sometimes appear too formal for most people.
• The human eye is drawn to the brightest part of a photo, so avoid wearing a white or bright colour shirt without a jacket. If you will not be wearing a jacket, go with a medium to dark colour shirt.
• Ties should always be darker than your shirt.

When choosing a colour for your outfit, consider the occasion and what message you want to convey. The colours you wear can have a psychological impact on how others perceive you. Here are some tips on how to choose the right colours for your headshot:

• Blue: The most popular colour among both men and women, blue is a calming colour associated with intelligence, focus, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Navy blues suggest more power and authority than lighter blues, making it a great choice for professional settings.
• Green: A relaxing colour associated with nature, balance, generosity, and peace. Dark green is associated with wealth, making it a good choice for financial or business-related settings.
• Pink: A soothing colour that’s often seen as innocent on women, but men who wear pink are seen as bold, assertive, in control, and confident. It’s a good choice when you want to stand out positively.
• Red: A powerful colour that draws attention and creates a visual impact. It evokes strength and can be persuasive, but may also come off as assertive or aggressive. A bright red tie is known as the classic power tie and can be a great choice when you want to exude confidence and authority.
• Purple: The colour of royalty and evokes wealth, luxury, sophistication, mystery, and wisdom. It’s best to use this colour in moderation to avoid appearing too showy or pretentious.
• Yellow: A cheerful colour that evokes friendliness and optimism. It should be used in moderation as it can be overpowering if too vibrant.
• Orange: Possessing the energy of red without seriousness, orange is associated with fun, ambition, and enthusiasm, making it a good choice for creative settings.
• Black: A formal, sophisticated, powerful, and elegant colour. It should be used in moderation and paired with other tones and colours to avoid appearing too sombre or severe.
• Gray: A neutral colour that’s a great base to pair with other colours. It can come across as low energy or boring on its own, so it’s best to pair it with other colours or textures to add interest to your outfit.
• White: A colour of purity, innocence, cleanliness, and simplicity. It draws attention and is a stark contrast to other tones, making it a good choice when you want to stand out or appear more approachable.

• Because the shots are so specifically focused on you, the details matter!  Make sure clothes are pressed, and collars are lying flat. Collar stays are great to keep neat and straight. 

• Style your hair as usual, and I recommend not trying something new for the headshot.  While you want your hair to look neat and trimmed, do not get a haircut within 3-4 days before a photo shoot.  You want it to look natural and neat, but not freshly cut.  
• Bring a comb or brush, and any products you use, just in case there is a need for touch-ups. 

• If you normally wear glasses, please wear them for the shoot!  There are ways to address glare that are natural. 
•  If you sometimes wear glasses, bring them, and we can shoot some photos with and without them. 

• Necklaces and earrings can be great as an accent or splash of colour. If you have a signature necklace that you always wear, by all means, get it in your headshot. 
• Keep in mind that anything that goes below your sternum may be cropped out of the final shot.  

• Don’t forget to be freshly shaved and/or trimmed (and don’t forget nose and eyebrows)! 
• If you are wearing a button-down shirt without a tie for a more casual look, do not wear a crew neck undershirt as it will be visible. We recommend wearing a v-neck undershirt so that it is not visible.   

• Makeup - Typically, a natural look is the most flattering and photographs better.  The focus is on your face, so while you want to accentuate your natural features, you also don’t want to distract from your natural beauty.  Bring your makeup with you, just in case you need a touch up.  Particularly focus on keeping your lips moisturized, and try to avoid makeup with an SPF, which causes shine.    

Most importantly, come prepared to have fun!  My goal is for you to leave happy and comfortable with the photos you take, and to be able to use them to further your professional career.