Headshot Prep Guide

THE TL;DR

Decide on studio style or environmental style. I recommend environmental, it shows personality and creativity in any industry.

Wardrobe:

• Choose clothes that convey the personality of your office, don't overthink it.

• Layering with solid colors is best

• Feel free to bring a couple options for shirts/tops and jacket

Hair/Skin/Makeup:

• Avoid harsh treatments like tanning, peals, exfoliants at least 48-72 hrs ahead of time.

• If you're getting a haircut, make an appointment at least 3 days ahead.

• For the best clean shaven look, shave as close to the session time as possible.

• Bring your brush and favorite hair product.

• Also bring lip balm, moisturizer and an any additional makeup you may need.

• Don't do your hair/makeup more than more than typically do.

• Remove any unwanted hair a couple days in advance of the shoot.

The absolute most important tip is at the bottom. Scroll Down ↓

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STYLES OF HEADSHOTS

ENVIRONMENTAL STYLE:

The environmental headshot is a growing style of headshot photography. It's shot on location, typically at your office or a nearby easily accessible area. These headshots are sometimes thought of as more casual, however I think this style shows your creativity and personality. Formal-ness is really down to choice of wardrobe; I've used this style for people in conservative industries like finance and legal services.

For these headshots there are often lights that are required to be set up and power may be needed. One thing to keep in mind, permission or permits from the property owner may be required.

STUDIO STYLE:

Studio style headshots can be done in almost any location. We typically use a white, grey or black background, and a texture can also be added. This can be a floating head style or down to a 3/4 or full length shot.

GETTING READY

WARDROBE:

Choose clothes that convey the personality of your office and don't overthink it. Wear something that you would actually wear to an important meeting or something similar when you want to look your best. But, there is no need to get a whole new outfit.

• Solid colors look great in headshots.

• I recommend texture over pattern, but if you're going with a pattern keep it simple and small.

• Start with a nice shirt or top and slowly add layers.

• Bring a couple options for the shoot, you may only use one but having them is good.

• Make sure that all clothes are ironed before the shoot. Wrinkles in clothes are extremely time consuming to Photoshop.

• Bring a lint brush or roller with you (I'll also try to bring lint stick sheets also).

HAIR, SKIN, & MAKEUP:

First, if it's in your budget consider getting your hair and makeup done by a professional. There are a few options that are fairly affordable. They're usually in the range of $50-300. The cost for these services will absolutely show in the final photos. I can also provide additional information.

HAIR:

• If you're planning on getting your haircut try to make an appointment 3-5 days before your shoot.

• Bring a brush and some of your favorite hair product, just in case there are flyaways.

• Start with your hair down then later in the shoot we can try up.

SKIN & MAKEUP:

Men

• If you'd like a clean shaven look, try to shave as close to your headshot session as possible. Even up to an hour or two before.

• Avoid any extreme skin regimens right before your shoot, like facial peels, tanning or extensive exfoliating. Leave at least 48-72 hours for your skin to look it's best.

• Bring lip balm and moisturizer, avoid overly shiny types.

Women

• Avoid any extreme beauty regimens right before your shoot, like facial peels, tanning or extensive exfoliating. Leave at least 48-72 hours for your skin to look it's best.

• Bring lip balm and moisturizer, try to avoid overly shiny types. Under studio lighting they can look much shinier than normal.

• Start makeup to look natural, just enough to cover up any blemishes. Build from there.

• Bring your makeup kit to the shoot.

• Avoid colored contacts, regular contacts are ok.

• If you have them, bring some oil absorbing sheets to soak up any oil or sweat that might build up. (I will also try to bring some).

• Under studio lighting and with high-res sensors in cameras, fine hair tends to show up easily. Try to get rid of any unwanted hair a few days before your shoot.

The absolute most important thing: bring a positive attitude, this is supposed to be fun and a great experience. There's no need to take it too seriously.

You'll look great!