Prep Guide: Headshots

I’m so looking forward to photographing you and your business – thank you for choosing me!

Getting your photo taken probably isn’t a typical day for you, so being prepared will help you to ease some stress and allow you to really enjoy the experience. I’m excited to share this experience with you and create engaging images to take your brand to the next level!

I appreciate there’s quite a bit of info, but do make some time to read through it as it will really help your session run smoothly – which leads to the best possible photographs!

Of course you’re always welcome to get in touch in the meantime, don’t be shy!

Preparing for your headshot session

  1. Please complete the information gathering form
  2. Send me a moodboard / selection of images that you like
  3. We’ll have a quick prep call to discuss your session

What to wear

Some top tips for planning your outfit/s:

  • One plain colour is best for each item of clothing.
  • Dressing for a client meeting is a good rule of thumb.
  • If your job involves particular clothing (such as a sports instructor), do consider wearing that.
  • Your legs and shoes may end up in shot, so do wear trousers / skirts and shoes you’re happy to be photographed in.

Consider your brand colours:

Your photoshoot is tailored to your personal brand, so do take any and all colours related to your brand into consideration when planning your outfit(s). Even if you don’t necessarily want to wear the exact colours within your brand, make sure there is some cohesiveness between the colours you wear and your brand.

Style according to the message you want to project:

Branding photos are a way to show people a bit about you and what you’re all about, in a snapshot. When planning the outfit(s) you’re going to wear, keep that messaging in mind. For example: if you’re a creative person with a creative role/business, opt for pieces that are colourful and unique as opposed to clothing that’s too formal.

Wear what you’re comfortable wearing:

Make sure the outfits you are putting together make you not only look great, but FEEL your best self. You should be able to move around freely, and breathe. If you’re between sizes, size up – looser clothes photograph better than clothes that are pinching at the sides!

Colour seasons:

Want to know which colours will make you look radiant, and which will wash you out? Check out my blog post on colour seasons here. 

Clothing for women

  • Small earrings work well to smarten an outfit.
  • Choose a fairly short necklace as otherwise the pendant may get cropped off in close-up phots.
  • Clothes with a little texture are the most flattering, as are layers.
  • Avoid sleeveless tops, unless you’re wearing a layer on top.
  • Wear a base layer (like a cami) underneath your top so you can change tops easily if you’re changing outdoors.
  • Neutral or gentle colours tend to work well for a more corporate look, but
  • bright colours are more eye catching for a contemporary profile photo.
  • Bear in mind your brand colours and choose colours to complement those.
  • Equally, if you wear a uniform for work, bring that too.
  • It’s a good idea to wear shoes that match the colour of your top. My daughter tells me this is called the sandwich method 😉 
  • A little flash of a white T-shirt above the neckline of a sweater or knit creates a polished look.

Clothing for men

  • For corporate headshots, a shirt and blazer is the go-to option.

  • A pale blue cotton shirt is usually the most flattering option, or white. Think Ralph Lauren or All Saints!

  • If you usually wear a tie, by all means wear one. They’re not a necessity though! Look at the other headshots on your company’s staff page. If most of the men are wearing ties, it would be sensible for you to wear one too. Not wearing a tie makes for a more relaxed and contemporary headshot.

  • For a more casual headshot, wear clothes that you feel comfortable and relaxed in – avoiding text on your clothes.

  • Avoid patterns and checks, as these can be quite distracting.

  • Equally, if you wear a uniform for work, bring that too.

  • Wear a base layer underneath your shirt (like a vest or T-shirt) so you can change tops easily if we’re outdoors.

  • If you have shiny skin, I have blotting papers in my camera bag which will reduce any shine.

Makeup

I asked hair & makeup artist Britta D. for some tips and pointers on makeup for a branding session. Here’s her advice:

  • The most important thing is to feel as comfortable as possible. Stay as close as you can to your own daily look.
  • Use a foundation with the coverage you feel the best with. If you want a dewy finish, go for a tinted moisturiser, BB or CC cream. If you want a velvet, matte or full coverage, use a foundation.
  • Use neutral tones eyeshadow around the eyes. This creates some depth, and enhances the colour and shape of your eyes. Be sure to blend well.
  • If you use eye liner, keep it on the upper lash line. If you need it on your lower lashes, only use it on the outer corners. Use an eyelash curler before you put on a couple of layers of mascara to really open up your eyes.
  • Next, use a concealer under your eyes and to cover any blemishes. Do the under eye area after you have finished your eye make up.
  • Bronzer helps to give you a sun kissed finish.
  • Add a bit of blusher on the apples of your cheeks. This gives your face more dimension and makes it look fresh.
  • Always use some finishing powder – preferably loose powder – to mattify certain areas: your T zone, and your under eye area where you applied concealer.
  • Lastly, chose a lipstick that goes with your outfit and your make up, as well as suits your personality. Don’t be afraid to wear a bold or brightly coloured lip colour.

If you book a make up artist, please make sure they know that I won’t be using flash – there’s no need to exaggerate makeup for a shoot with me, they should apply make up as they would for normal life. Equally, this is not a good time for a new look – I recommend asking make up artists for a polished version of your normal look.

Glasses & contacts

Glasses:

  • If you usually wear glasses, feel free to wear them.
  • If you sometimes wear glasses and sometimes don’t, I’d recommend going without for your headshot.
  • If you’d like to do some with your glasses and some without, remember to bring your glasses case.
  • Clean them thoroughly beforehand, which wil reduce glare on them.
  • If you have glasses with an anti glare coating, choose these ones! Otherwise, use your smallest pair of glasses.
  • It’s a good idea to bring a wipe to clean them in case they mist up.
  • Please avoid transition lens glasses, it’s not great when they suddenly change to dark sunglasses mode!
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Contact lenses:

  • If you wear contact lenses, bear in mind your eyes may feel dry after looking at the camera for a while.
  • You might like to put some eye drops in (before you put any make-up on!) before your session. Bring some with you to the session too, in case your eyes feel dry on the shoot.
  • If you can see comfortably without contact lenses in, you might prefer not to wear them.

Hair

  • Haircuts: By all means get a trim or have your roots done, but I’d suggest not having a full re-style. You don’t want to risk a new cut that you don’t like!
  • Shaving: If you’re going to shave, I recommend doing this the day before so your skin isn’t red or sore.
  • Accessories: Bring a brush or comb in case your hair needs a tidy up during the shoot. Having clips or bands so you can have some photos with your hair up and some down will also lend variety to your photos.

Be yourself

Another big (and common) mistake in branding photos is projecting a persona that’s vastly different from who you are authentically.

As much as we all want to show up as our best self, just make sure you’re staying true to yourself and your brand.

Checklist: before the shoot

  • Paint nails
  • Plan outfit/s
  • Plan shoes
  • Gather props
  • Hair appointment (just a trim / blow dry – I don’t recommend a new hairstyle FYI, in case you don’t like it!)
  • Moodboard
  • Information form
  • Have an early night
  • Have plenty of water the day before
  • Clean your laptop (screen, keypad and the cover)
  • Iron your clothes

To pack for your shoot

  • Outfits (bring a spare outfit in case one option doesn’t photograph well)

  • Shoes

  • Jewellery (bring some options)

  • Makeup

  • Snacks & water

  • Hair tie & brush

  • Eye drops if used

  • Props

  • Laptop

  • Notebook

  • Pen

Common questions

– How do we choose a date and time?

Sessions are available Monday-Friday, at a time that suits you. To make the most of natural light, I recommend a 10am start.

– Where do headshot sessions take place?

We can discuss what the space needs to offer, and work out where will be best for your photos. Typically, a branding session will start off in your home or workplace. Then, we’ll head outside to find some interesting outdoor locations that reflect your personality and your brand.

If you’re concerned these environments won’t work, we can discuss that and make a plan that does work! There’s a natural light studio I love in Wandsworth (£150 for two hours, at a discounted rate). Another option is to book an apartment on Air BnB. London rooms / apartments can be rented £100 for a full day, so that can be an economical way of hiring a space that’s domestic but that you don’t need to tidy up beforehand!

– What about models for the session?

If you’d like photos with clients or customers, we can discuss who best to do this. In many cases, your actual customer base is the best place to start. You might also be able to coax a friend or two into helping, particularly if you can offer them a little freebie from your business as a thank you.

– I’m camera shy, can you help me with this?

I totally understand feeling camera shy – I fall into this camp myself!

As a full-time photographer, I’ve developed a range of techniques over the years to help people who are nervous about being in front of the camera.

I’ll always make sure you feel comfortable, and I’ll never ask you to pose awkwardly – I promise you’ll never feel silly.

– What if I’m ill on the day?

Don’t worry, I totally get that these things happen.

Just let me know as soon as possible, and we’ll find a new date for you.

– Will you use flash?

Nope! Natural light is so soft and flattering, there’s no need.

If we’re taking the photos in the afternoon or evening though, I’ll bring studio lighting to create a natural light effect.

– When will the photographs be ready?

I’ll send you the link to your online gallery the next working day after your session, and I’ll edit the photographs two weeks after you make your selection.

– What about editing and retouching?

Your photographs are fully edited (eg colour corrected, any cropping necessary to straighten an image slightly) and gently retouched.

I’m very happy to remove the little scratches and spots that life throws at us.

I’ll remove any wrinkles or bits of fluff that may have crept in – no extra charge for making sure your photos are tip-top.

If you want high-end retouching, I can connect you with a retoucher who charges $10 per image.

– Are the photographs available in colour and in B&W?

Yes!

– Any other questions?

Just ask, there’s no such thing as a silly question!

See you soon!

I’m really looking forward to working together.