Booked a headshot appointment, now what?
If you have a love and hate relationship with cameras but need to get that headshot done, or booked a headshot appointment and don’t know what to do next, then this is for you.
After years of asking clients what kind of headshot they want, I realize most have no idea of what they want or need. After all, they are not the photographer… I am! This article is an attempt to share as much information about headshots to help you determine what you want, and how to get it.
The Right Clothes
Do
- Dress neutrally. Stiff, starched, and ironed shirts in solid colors are preferred.
- Modest and plain necklines
- A blazer or suit jacket that fits – can be buttoned, does not pull when you cross your arms, and fits your shoulders properly
- A solid color thin sweater
- A simple timeless dress
- Choose form-fitting and figure-hugging clothes. Loose clothing will make you look larger than you are.
- Pick sleeves that are flattering and avoid cap sleeves as they will make your shoulders wider in the pictures. You may also pick the universally flattering 3/4-length sleeves.
- Select pieces of jewelry and accessories that will not overpower your portrait.
- Lastly, wear clothing that’s business-appropriate and accurately reflects who you are as a professional.
Avoid
- Stripes/plaids and patterns in general. Stripes and patterns in headshots are a no-go for several reasons. When the clothing is not perfectly sitting on your body, it is impossible to edit out a wrinkle when wearing a striped or plaid shirt. Tightly woven stripes and patterns also create a very strange effect on the camera called the moire effect. Think of it like the 3D illusion that gives you a headache. Not something you want in your pictures.
- Shiny fabric. It does sort of the same thing in terms of reflecting and creating an illusion you don’t want. Plus it typically is not something that sits properly while posing.
- Shirts that show your bra strap
- Shirts that pick up lint easily
- Clothing that is too loose
- Clothing that is too tight
- The sheer or see-through fabric and lacy undergarments as well as a fabric that shows the pattern of your undergarment. Sheer or thin anything is pretty much a no-go. When your shirt is thin, even when it’s not see-through, it displays everything underneath. You can see the pattern of your undershirt or lady garments clear as day. Hold your shirt up to the light to do a quick test. When in doubt, don’t wear it.
Your best bet is to do a search on google or Pinterest for “outfit ideas for professional headshots” and see what inspires you. Timeless is always the way to go. Keep it simple and the focus will remain on you, allowing your personality to shine through.
Pre-headshot Prep
1-3 days before your headshot schedule
- Sleep as early as you can and make sure that you get plenty of rest.
- Prepare your skin for the appointment. Hydration and serums work wonders! Also, make sure that you drink plenty of water and eat right.
- Prepare your “headshot essentials” like a bottle of water, lite snacks, change of outfits (for multiple looks), comb, lotion, etc.
- Get your nails and eyebrows done a couple of days (preferably 5 days before the headshot schedule to give your skin enough time to recover
Grooming
The worst thing to discuss while on a call with someone looking for a professional headshot would be how they should take care of their personal grooming. BUT sometimes it’s really not so obvious to everyone, and so…here’s a checklist of things to make sure you take care of.
- Brush your teeth if you are going to smile. Reminders of your lunch will sometimes linger.
- Wash your face and moisturize well. This goes for men and women! Dry skin is a nightmare to hide.
- Look closely at your eyes, ears, and nose. Clean them. Things stick to those places. They are not good things. You do not want them in your picture.
- Shave (and moisturize). Stubble will never be edited out. It’s impossible. If you like that rough, edgy look then go for it. Otherwise, shave!
- Oily skin – blot, blot, blot. Oily skin is like shiny fabric but worse. You can blot with a tissue or even use no shine powder to tone it down.
- Take time to do your hair. Straighten it. Give it a spritz of hairspray to get rid of the flyaways. If you have curly hair, try some frizz serum to give a little more definition to your curls. Invest in a trip to the hairdressers for a blow-out that morning. Your pictures will last. It’s worth the time and investment to do it right.
- Wear makeup or have it done professionally. A good foundation will even out your skin tone. The right eye make-up and color on your lips will do wonders for bringing out your features. Don’t get me started on contouring! Again, it is worth the time and investment.
Other things you need to tell your photographer…
- How will you be using your picture?
- Are you just going to post it on LinkedIn or Facebook?
- Are you going to use it on business cards or printed pieces?
- Are you making a professional website and need a few photos?
- What do you do for a living?
- What are the adjectives you want people to use to describe you when they see your picture?
All of these types of things determine how your picture will be taken and delivered to you.
Your photographer will be thinking about:
- How to crop the image – horizontal, vertical or even square.
- What resolution/file size you need.
- Variety of poses – more casual, power stance,
- How tight to crop – 3/4 body, waist up, or shoulders up
Headshots are no longer the drivers’ license picture/mug shot style they used to be. A truly professional headshot should make a statement about you the moment someone sees it. Take time and really communicate your needs to your photographer to ensure you get the photo and first impression you want to present to the world.
Take time to really communicate your needs to your photographer to ensure you receive the photo and first impression you want to present to the world.
How much should I invest in a headshot?
I get a lot of inquiries looking for a quick and cheap photo. “I just need one picture.” I understand. It doesn’t seem like a lot of time and effort to get just one picture. But there is a lot that goes into a really good professional headshot. Besides the photographer’s time, expensive equipment, studio rent, business insurance, and more…Here’s what you are really paying for when you opt for the more expensive headshot photographer:
- Professional retouching – making you look perfect and not plastic
- Knowledge of how to light you properly
- Knowledge of how to pose you – a slight head tilt away says something completely different than a slight head tilt towards the camera
- The ability to understand your professional needs for your image – all those questions I mentioned in the last section…they should be asking those questions
- The ability to put you at ease – because honestly, most people hate getting their photo taken
So before you waste your time on a cheap throw-away photo that you could take with your phone…think about how you look when you invest a little more in your professional headshot.
Your professional headshot says a lot to your business clients before they even meet you! What do you want your photo to say?
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