I get the question all the time: How do I prepare for my headshot photography session? For many, the idea of having up close and personal photographs taken of them is intimidating or overwhelming—and for some even that’s an understatement! I get it. There are a lot of elements to take into consideration. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips to make the process a lot easier, and I’m here to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Prepare for Professional Headshot Photography
So you’ve booked a photography session that fits into your schedule—that’s exciting! But then the dread sets in. What do you wear? Are there certain things to avoid? The most important thing is that you show up as yourself, but here are some tips to prepare for your headshots that will help you feel more confident the day of your shoot.
Dress comfortably, and prepare your outfits in advance. For headshots, your shirt will be the most important item as the photographs show your upper body. Of course, make sure you are wearing pants that go with the top in case we get some full body shots as well, but the shirt remains the most important clothing item. When choosing your top, a solid color that is not full of busy patterns works best. You don’t want to distract from your face, or have anything overly shiny on you that could reflect on the camera. Jewelry should follow the same rule of not being distracting or busy. Pick an outfit that is simple yet showcases who you are and what you are trying to accomplish with your headshots. It’s most beneficial to your sanity to pick this out at least a day or two before your shoot—that way you aren’t scrambling the day of.
Ideal skin and hair routine. Hair can be finicky, and a fresh cut can look “off” on camera. One way to solve this is to get a new haircut a week or two before your session to best prepare for your headshots. With facial hair, know that shaving, waxing, etc. can leave red marks or irritate your skin. For this reason, it’s best to do as much of it as you can a couple days beforehand. As for your skin, avoiding too much sun—you don’t want to get burnt—and cutting out salty foods for a few days that lead to bloating and blemishes doesn’t hurt.
Communicate your needs to your photographer. Do this before your session. I care about you and what you are trying to accomplish! I want to ease your mind and make you as comfortable as possible while you try to prepare for your headshots. Good communication leads to an exceptional experience and even better photographs, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or explain your expectations.
Hydrate and relax. Be sure to drink adequate water the days leading up to your headshot session. As strange as it may sound, it makes a difference! Hydrating smooths your skin, lowers your stress levels, and paired with enough rest you’ll look brighter and more prepared to conquer life than ever.
Smile. The day is here! If you follow these tips to prepare for your headshots, your session will go great. Take care of yourself and relax and your photographs will reflect exactly what they need to.
A new professional headshot is always a good idea. For more information on scheduling your next session, please contact me. I’d love to help.