Planning Your Headshot Session
As you get ready for your headshot session, you may have a few questions or decisions to make beforehand. To help you feel confident and prepared, I’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions. Hopefully, this guide will make the process smoother and get you excited for your shoot!
Of course, if you have any questions that aren’t covered here, feel free to reach out by message or phone. I’m happy to help.
-
This one, we might need to have a conversation to figure out. I like to take into account who you are and what you do? Sometimes this requires a lot of detail other times its simple. But the short options are:
-what ever makes you feel comfortable or confident.
-what you would normally wear to work, (don’t over dress too much)
—————————————————
Your headshot should reflect you, so try to wear what you would wear. But with just a bit more effort than a normal day.
Colors: white, black, or greys give off a clean professional look. Earth tones create a warmth feel. Colors add personality.
Avoid- busy patterns and strips. you want your face to be what people look at not your shirt.
When in doubt bring a few options and let me help you decide.
-
Depends on if you want a second opinion?
If you know excactly what you want to wear and you love it, then great! wear that. Ill make it work and pick the right background and lighting to suit!
If you are unsure then bring some options. I can help you pick and also show you what it looks like on camera with some test shots.
I typically tell people to bring something light, dark and a color if they are unsure.
-
Only if you plan on getting professional hair and makeup done everyday before work?
I know this one is maybe not what you were expecting? But your headshot should be you. If you put your hair up and some lipstick on, then do that. I can do touch ups if you have blemishes or had a terrible sleep etc. Just be yourself. (if you want to do a little more than normal that’s fine, but I don’t recommend going over board)
I can tell you 95% of the time when I have clients show up and they had their hair and face done right before the shoot. They end up not liking the results as much, and tend to almost not recognize themselves being so “caked up”.
There is a myth that you need to put on more makeup for photos because it doesn’t show up. Or it gets toned down with cameras, and that just isn’t true. Maybe 50 years ago but not now and not with how sharp our cameras are.
-
Most blemishes or skin issues I can just fix in editing. Tired eyes, dry skin, etc. I dont know if I would recommend someone to try something new just before a shoot. So I would just do what you normally do everyday.
For facial hair. It kind of depends how fast your hair grows and your skin irritation. You dont want to shave right before your session if you are going to have a red patch. ( I can fix this in photoshop but its easier if avoided) So if you want that clean shaved look just keep in mind how your skin looks after and if you need to shave the day before or literally before walking in my door. (cuts are an easy photoshop fix)
Your normal hair cut is a good idea before your shoot. Style it how you like and would wear to work. For long hair if you are unsure of up or down. I would start with a down look and then after we get some photos we like then put it up and we will compare.
-
Of course! Be you! I know how to angle my lights to avoid glare and get a nice clean look.
Just make sure they are clean!
-
This is fully customizable.
But typically white-black-grey-or a color.
For a on location shoot I would find a composition that is pleasing.
-
Depends on what we have discussed or planned i.e. solo or group?
But typically I do 1 hour sessions.
If you need longer or shorter, just let me know.
-
Yes! I got you.
I will guide you through the whole process and make you feel comfortable.
I like to do a variety of poses and then you pick which one you like and we go from there.
-
Yes, I am a very experienced photoshopper.
Fixing blemishes, bags under the eyes, scratches and flyaway hairs are the standard. But if you want more just let me know.
I try to make people look their best and like they had 12 hours of sleep without looking like a polished doll or “clay skin”.
-
Unless we discuss something specific.
Within 24-48 hrs after your session.
-
This is a team effort.
I like to take lots of photos to start. Different lighting, backgrounds and poses.
Then we take a moment to go through them and pick which ones you like! If you want my opinion I will gladly share it!.
Then we take some more photos and fine tune your selection until we nail the perfect headshot.
-
You might be surprised to hear this but that is about 80% of everyone getting their photo taken. It is so rare when I get a client that actually loves getting their picture taken and just strike a pose. Most people don’t like it.
I offer a very private and calming environment and I have lots of experience with helping people get more comfortable with being in front of, at least, my camera.
I am sure I will be able to help you feel more relaxed and enjoy the session and your headshot.
The most common thing people tell me after the session is, “That was actually really easy?”
-
Sure! If it makes you more comfortable go for it. Another opinion is helpful.
Just be honest with yourself and make sure this person is truly going to be helpful. I’ve had people bring someone with them before and then they added to their insecurities and made the session more difficult.
-
Depends on how close to the date of the session and if any money has been paid.
2 weeks before your shoot- not a problem. lets rebook when it works.
13 days or up to the day of your shoot depends on where and when we are shooting. Sometimes I can just reschedule but if you have paid a booking deposit then depending on the type of session you might have to pay another booking deposit. (this is just for my time and loss of other clients that could of booked, and studio fees)