Prep for Your Headshot Mini-Session
You’ve booked your headshot mini-session! Now what? Here’s a guide to help you when prepping for your shoot - you can leave the rest up to us!
What to Wear
In most cases, you’ll want to wear your industry’s standard “uniform”: for a lawyer, that could mean a suit jacket and tie or blouse/shell and jacket; and for an actor, it could mean a simple cotton shirt that matches your eyes. These days, We’ve seen fewer ties & jackets and more business-casual looks. In any case, your outfit should help you look the part while flattering your features and not hiding or eclipsing them.
Clothing Fit The clothes you choose should be comfortable and fit well. Loose-fitting clothes can look bulky and less flattering in photos than they might in person. Uncomfortable clothes can be binding and that discomfort might just show up on your face.
Color & Pattern Yes, wear colors that you like and that people say look good on you. Solid-colors or very simple patterns/textures photograph best. Busy patterns and big logos are distracting and can take away from your headshot as they will become the main focus. However, if you own your own company, YOUR brand logo is a great thing to include on clothing. For team headshots, it may look great for all to wear company brand colors, for example shades of blue or accents of red in a tie or jewelry. If you’re not sure about an outfit, send me a snapshot of options you’re considering and I’ll help you choose.
Jewelry Keep it to a minimum. There’s nothing worse for a headshot than jewelry that screams for attention, unless your business is selling jewelry. We rarely include necklaces in headshots, but if we do, it’s a very simple chain with small pendant or a string of small pearls that hit the collarbone. Anything long could get cut off in your photo. Earrings are usually either studs or small to medium hoops.
Hair Though I’d advise against any dramatic changes, get a fresh haircut, trim, or hair color touchup before your photo session. Trim facial hair so that beards and mustaches look neat.
Makeup If you do not choose to have makeup done professionally, keep it similar to how you usually wear makeup during the day. Less is more. If you use foundation, be sure to match the color of your face to your neck. Noticeable differences in skin tone will be distracting. If you’ve paid for studio makeup, my hair and makeup artist will use their products. You don’t need to bring any with you unless you have sensitivities and require special makeup products.
Timeline
The Week Leading Up to Your Session
SKIN: Drink plenty of water the entire week leading up to our shoot. This will keep your skin looking great for the camera.
HAIR: Schedule an appointment at your favorite salon for a trim or to touchup your hair color.
OUTFITS: Try on all outfits you plan to wear to make sure everything looks good and fits well. Remove any tags that can’t be hidden or loose strings.
The Night Before Your Session
Pack up what you plan to bring. For mini-headshot sessions, you may bring an additional clothing option.
Moisturize face, neck, and lips so that they look great on camera tomorrow.
Limit alcohol to avoid puffy eyes and please and get plenty of sleep. A good night’s sleep will ensure you are refreshed for your photoshoot.
The Day of Your Session
Please have something light to eat before arriving to your session.
Mini sessions are fast paced, so come dressed and ready to be photographed. Bring your comb or hairbrush. Give yourself enough time to travel to the studio.
Please arrive on time for your appointment; if you arrive early, we may still be with another client. Late arrival may be deducted from your session time.
Appointment Times and Reschedules
Your studio session itself will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
Mini-session booking fees are non-refundable. If you are not able to come, please let us know in advance and we’ll try to get you in for the next mini session. Mini-session headshots are scheduled twice a year.
Call or text me if you run into any problems at, 770-203-1571
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