Getting ready for your session...
Get some good rest in the days on the run up to the shoot, you’ll feel better and look better and be more present and responsive making everything more enjoyable.
For business focussed photos check in with whoever is organising the shoot for any specific guidelines on colour for shirts, blouses, jackets etc, and for Personal Branding shoots have a look at others in similar areas have done to see what you think works, and send on references if you'd like, email or just screen grabs via WhatsApp are fine. For performers, if you have an agent ask them what sort of style they think would work for you, and if they can send examples to me all the better. They might also have suggestions for extra looks or character types that could fill out your current portfolio.
Clothing
Whether you're a performer or in business, a garment can be used to define character. How do you wish to be perceived? What's the story you're trying to tell?
Have a good think about what tops you’re going to bring, in general keep them simple, have a look at other headshots you like and see what works best: usually plain, block colours, no distracting patterns, ideally no thing stripes, and choose necklines with a defined structure, so that the face is given prominence. Prepare your clothes in advance of the day, washed and ironed and packed so you can transport them easily. As well as a more neutral look, consider bringing something evocative of your desired image, or of roles you feel suited to.
For business and branding if you're doing suited & booted consider bringing a choice of ties or accessories, or if going business casual then have a look through this gallery to see a selection of what can work that's professional but more casual.
For performers, bring a choice of at least 3 tops even if your session is short, it's always good to have options. Dark, light, and a colour that works for you, and a few more does choices if you'd like to experiment.
HAIR
Think about how you want your hair to look, simple styles work best and are easiest to reset if needs be. If you do want to go for something more complex, practice how it’s done a few times. Don’t get your hair cut the day before, as it may not behave like you’re used to, a few days before should be fine as it will have had time to settle. Same goes for washing your hair if it gets frizzy or flat after it’s washed. Bring your hair brush as it may come in handy.
If you know that your skin tends to redden or react to shaving then consider shaving late the night before or very early in the morning so you've settled before the shoot.
Make-Up
If you wear make-up keep things relatively natural and bring it along on the day for touch-ups, powder is the main thing that will be of use. There’s no need to cover up spots or blemishes, that can be done easily with retouching. Heavy make-up usually makes things more difficult to process in post-production to make skin look good and natural.
Remember, it’s your session, time dedicated to creating images that tell the story you want to tell a single frame.
The more thought you give to what you want to say with these photos, the more likely it is you will bring that energy for us to work with on the day. As cliched as it may be, a picture is indeed worth a thousand words, so let's tell a story that's true of yours.
