Business Headshot Pre-Shoot Tips
Not sure how to prepare for your headshot session? Well here is a list of suggestions that can help you look your best. If you have any questions after reading these tips, feel free to call me: (904) 425-5135

MEN: Clothing for Your Headshot Photo Shoot:
Solid colors are the best. Loud bold prints and logos are a headshot no-no; this goes for ties too.

Black pretty much makes everyone look good. The people who will be looking at your headshot need to know it's you, so wear the solids that you feel best in as that will often bring out the best in you! Choose your favorite suit or sports jacket, one that fits you best. This goes for your shirt too, don't choose one that is too tight, or too loose around the neck, it shows in your shot. As for your ties, choose non-shinny, non-reflective , and choose tones that are somewhere in between your jacket and shirt colors.

If you choose not to wear a tie, choose a non-white shirt as white shirts have little detail and wash out in many instances. Button down shirts with long sleeves if you don't plan on using a jacket; arm hair and skin are not flattering in a business headshot, unless you are a personal trainer or are in a sports related industry and need to go for that look. Make sure the shirt fits you correctly, if not it will look messy. If you typically wear an undershirt and you are choosing a no-tie headshot session, you should wear a v-neck t-shirt, or none at all. Crew neck undershirts show and it is not a clean business look, and is very distracting.

WOMEN: Clothing for Your Headshot Photo Shoot
Solid colors are the best. Stay away from loud bold prints unless you can layer it with a plain blazer or sweater over it so not much of the pattern is showing and you get just a pop of color; and logos are a headshot no-no.

Black pretty much makes everyone look good. The people who will be looking at your headshot need to know it's you, so wear the solids that you feel best in as that will often bring out the best in you!

Choose a professional suit or business-oriented outfit that has a classic or contemporary look: you shouldn't be able to tell what decade it is in the photo. Clothing with tight grids or a small herringbone pattern can have a moire pattern effect on camera, so stay away from grid-like patterns. Thin stripes are okay.

V-necks and scoop necks accentuate the neckline and generally look best on women. Just don't choose something with too low of a neckline. Try to stay away from short sleeves if you are not wearing a jacket or sweater to cover the bare arms below the sleeves. Executive headshots tend to look better without bare arms, but if you'd like to show your arms in a sleeveless blouse or shift dress, we could make it work. We also suggest bringing a blazer or sweater to put over it as an additional option if needed.

Tank tops and tops with spaghetti straps work if there is a specific look you are shooting for, but also have a plan B ready to go at your session.

As for your jewelry, keep it simple. Necklaces are a distraction in headshots, but if you have a special one that has a special meaning to you and you would like it in your headshot, by all means, but try to choose something small, classic, and not highly reflective or too flashy. Earrings shouldn't dangle more than an inch from your earlobe unless it's your signature thing. Simple is better, you want people to notice you before noticing your jewelry.

IMPORTANT BOTH MEN AND WOMEN:
White clothing tends to "blow out" when reproduced. Sometimes white works, and sometimes it doesn't. Some white is okay, but please keep it to a minimum. Typically when I see men wearing white shirts, they are using a jacket or sweater and tie. In this case, white will work here. Ladies, same goes for you if you prefer a white top. Otherwise choose a different color shirt for best results.

A short sleeve for a business look is a no-no. Ladies, if you want to wear your favorite short sleeve shirt or blouse, make sure you have a button down sweater or jacket to accompany it. Only exception here is if you are having a headshot made in a company polo style shirt for marketing purposes, or you are going for an exposed shoulders look, otherwise it is best to cover up the skin and absolutely no turtlenecks, or scarfs: they tend to make people look like they have no neck at all in photos.

Confused? Still don't know what will work best? That's easy, take a few items of clothing along with you to the session, we can help you decide. Make sure your clothing is pressed and wrinkle free, if not the wrinkles will show in your final image.

Last apparel suggestion: well-fitting clothing is usually better than fashionably loose apparel.

GROOMING BEFORE YOUR HEADSHOT PHOTO SHOOT

MEN-
Shaving is optional depending on the look you're going for.

If you have a beard, trim your beard, moustache, nose hair, ear hair, and any chest hair that is popping out of the top of your shirt.

Try not to cut or dye your hair right before the shoot since barbers and stylists tend to cut hair a little shorter. If you plan to get a haircut do it at least two days before your session to give your hair time to come out of shock. If you have thinning hair, here's a tip to hide that fact- Hide thinning hair with a haircut. It instantly makes you look younger. If you're balding or have fine hair, remember that less is more. Gravity causes longer hair strands to lie closer to the scalp, which exposes more skin on the top of your head. By getting your hair cut shorter and more layered, you won't see the scalp, which is the whole point.

If you are sporting a beard, make sure your grooming matches up with your beard.
Make-up is also an option for men, it helps to even out skin tones.

WOMEN-
Dark hair roots will look even darker in the photos so refresh them a few days before the shoot. If you trim your hair or are planning to get a new hair style, do it with enough time so your hair can "settle down" before the shoot (usually a minimum of 2 to 3 days before your session for a new cut). Bring a can of your favorite hairspray unless you don"t mind the brand we use. Another good idea is to bring your own comb, brush, make-up, and any other accessories as we may need to do a final touch-up.

Remember your eyes are the focal point of your face; if you use makeup, do not go too heavy as darker makeup has a tendency to increase in contrast in pictures. If you have blemishes, use a good cover-up as this will help with the blending process in facial retouching. By applying a good evenly applied cover-up you will hide a lot of skin imperfections. Do not wear heavy makeup; a close headshot will show clumps of mascara or dark lipstick. Choose light to medium eyeliners, eye shadows, and lipsticks that are only a shade or two darker than your skin tones. This brings your features out in a subtle manner without making it look like you're wearing lots of makeup. Avoid caking on heavy foundation, or wearing shiny eye shadows or lip gloss: too much shine is distracting on camera and looks wet.

If you are unsure of proper make-up application, for an additional fee I can hire an independent make-up artist for your session (since they are freelancers, scheduling is needed more than a week or so out. Also, a non-refundable deposit is required in the event of cancellations or rescheduling for any reason).

Avoid dry lips by using Vaseline before bed and the morning of your shoot.

EVERYONE-
Easy on the alcohol the night before, it tends to bring out a lot of unwanted red in the skin. Drink lots of water days before and the day of your session, it will make your skin look more hydrated.

Lastly, the final tip is get a good nights rest!