Do you have headshot shame? Have you been relying on your “friend with a nice camera” to take your headshots but finally realize it’s time to hire a professional? Just because they have a nice camera doesn’t mean they know how to use it! Having a professional photo shoot is an investment so I’m sharing these tips to help ensure you have a successful shoot – no matter which photographer you choose to work with.
1 – Know The Purpose
Before you book a photographer, have a clear purpose for your new headshots. What will you be using them for? Your business, getting a new job, or even attracting a new love interest?
Knowing this will help make decisions about wardrobe, hair, makeup and location so much easier. If you’re making the effort to plan, book and show up for your shoot, you want to know how, and where you’ll make use of the final images.
2 – What To Wear
Having a clear purpose will better help you and your photographer to plan your wardrobe. Depending on what packages your photographer offers and which one you select, you may be able to have multiple wardrobe changes in the same session.
A few things to keep in mind…
- Wear something you feel confident and comfortable wearing
- Avoid busy patterns and logos
- Have everything ironed
- Bring accessories – glasses, jewelry, etc.
- For professional purposes, dress for the job you want.
- For business purposes, dress on brand for the type of business you have, for the type of person you are, and for the ideal clients you want to attract.
For example, as a photographer and artist, my brand is more creative and down to earth and those are the types of people I want to attract. I wouldn’t be wearing hot pink lipstick and dressed in a fancy gown with my hair in a tight bun because that’s certainly not representative of me, my business or the type of people I typically work with.
If the headshot is more for personal use like a dating site, dressing more casually is definitely appropriate. You most likely won’t be wearing a corporate suit for your dating site profile photo!
3 – Hair & Makeup
When getting professional headshots done, you can go the DIY route with hair and makeup or opt to bring in the pros. If you don’t have someone you already know, your photographer can usually recommend someone. Think of your makeup as just an enhancement of your normal look – not a completely different look! When someone sees your photo online and then meets you in person, there will be a disconnect and a sense of mistrust if you look completely different from your headshot.
Wear your hair in a way that looks like you. For example, I have curly hair and always wear my hair that way. I wouldn’t have it straightened for a headshot because that wouldn’t look or feel like the real me. Getting your hair done professionally – like getting a haircut, trim or professionally blown out or styled is a great option.
4 – Location
Decide if location is important to your headshot. Are you looking for an indoor studio look with a solid background and studio lights? Do you want outdoor shots with natural light?
Do you have a group of people that need headshots? Would it be easier for the photographer to come to your location rather than everyone going to the photographer? These are all options you can discuss with your photographer.
5 – Get Comfortable
To get authentic headshots it’s important to feel comfortable with your photographer. The way to do that is by having a conversation and getting to know one another a bit BEFORE the actual shooting starts. I do this with all of my clients. We have a conversation and this breaks down barriers and puts them more at ease as we get familiar with each other’s personalities. Being well rested also helps you to feel your best. Pulling an all nighter right before your session wouldn’t be recommended. Save it for another time!
Just like with most things, being prepared and not just winging it will help to ensure you get great headshots!
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