How to Prepare for a Headshots Photo Session: Your Ultimate Guide

Introduction

A professional headshot is more than just a photograph—it’s a powerful tool that represents your personal or professional brand. Whether you’re an actor, a business professional, or an entrepreneur, a great headshot can open doors and make a lasting impression. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for a headshot photography session, ensuring you look your best and feel confident.

Table of Contents

1. Why Preparing for a Headshot Matters
2. Choosing the Right Photographer
3. Planning Your Outfit
4. Hair and Makeup Tips
5. Posing and Expression Tips
6. Day-of-Session Preparations
7. Looking for Style and Background Inspiration
8. After the Photo Session
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
10. Booking and Payment
11. Conclusion
12. FAQs

1. Why Preparing for a Headshot Matters

A professional headshot is more than just a photograph—it’s a powerful tool that represents your personal or professional brand. Whether you’re an actor, a business professional, or an entrepreneur, a great headshot can open doors and make a lasting impression. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for a headshot photography session, ensuring you look your best and feel confident.

First Impressions are Everything

Your headshot often serves as your first impression, whether it’s on a business card, LinkedIn profile, or personal website. A professional headshot conveys confidence, approachability, and credibility. It’s your opportunity to make a memorable first impression in the realm of headshot photography.

Reflecting Your Personal Brand

A headshot isn’t just about looking good; it’s about looking like you. A well-prepared headshot aligns with your personal or professional brand, reflecting your personality, values, and the image you want to project through your headshot photography session.

2. Choosing the Right Photographer

Research and Reviews

Choosing the right headshot photographer is crucial. Look for photographers who specialize in headshot photography and have a portfolio that matches your style. Check reviews and ask for recommendations to find a headshot photographer who is reliable and professional.

Consultation

Schedule a consultation with your headshot photographer to discuss your goals, preferred styles, and any specific needs. This is also a great time to build rapport and get comfortable, so you feel more relaxed during the shoot.

Understanding Costs

Different headshot photographers have different pricing models. Make sure you understand what’s included in the package, such as the number of final images, retouching options, and whether makeup and hair services are provided.

3. Planning Your Outfit

Choosing Colors that Flatter

• Neutral Tones: Stick to neutral colors like white, black, gray, and beige, which are timeless and don’t distract from your face in headshot photography.
• Complementary Colors: Choose colors that complement your skin tone and eye color. Avoid overly bright colors or busy patterns that can take attention away from your face.

Clothing Styles Based on Your Profession

• Corporate Professionals: Opt for business attire such as suits, blazers, and collared shirts. Keep the look clean and polished for your headshot photography session.
• Creative Professionals: You can be a bit more relaxed with your clothing choices. Smart casual outfits that reflect your creative personality are suitable for headshot photography.
• Actors/Performers: Choose simple, form-fitting clothes that don’t distract. The focus should be on your face and expressions during the headshot photography session.
  Accessories

Accessories

• Keep it Minimal: Simple accessories are best. Avoid anything too flashy or distracting. A classic watch, simple earrings, or a subtle necklace can add a touch of elegance without taking away from your face in headshot photography.
• Jewelry and Piercings: If you normally wear jewelry or have piercings, consider how they fit with the image you want to project in your headshot photography. You might opt for smaller, more neutral pieces.

Grooming and Hygiene

• Haircuts and Shaves: Get a haircut a week before the headshot photography session so it looks natural. For men, a fresh shave or neatly trimmed beard is ideal.
• Skincare: Start a basic skincare routine a few weeks before the shoot. Cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate regularly to ensure your skin is clear and smooth for the headshot photography session.
• Nails: Keep nails clean and well-trimmed. If your hands might be in the shot, consider a neutral or clear polish.

5. Posing and Expression Tips

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice in front of a mirror before the headshot photography session to find your best angles. Look for poses that highlight your features and reflect your personality. Practice different facial expressions to convey the right emotions—confidence, friendliness, or seriousness.

Body Language

• Posture: Stand or sit up straight to project confidence in your headshot photography. Avoid slouching, which can make you appear unprofessional.
• Angles: Slightly tilt your head or body to the side rather than facing the camera head-on, which can be more flattering and add interest to the headshot photography.

Facial Expressions

• Natural Smile: A genuine smile can convey warmth and approachability. Think of a happy memory or someone you love to help bring out a natural smile during your headshot photography session.
• Serious Looks: For a more serious or intense look, relax your face and avoid tightening your mouth. Let your eyes convey the message in your headshot photography.

6. Day-of-Session Preparations

What to Bring

• Multiple Outfits: Bring a few outfit options to provide variety in your headshot photography.
• Touch-up Kit: Include makeup for touch-ups, a hairbrush, comb, hair ties, and any other grooming tools you might need.
  Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout the headshot photography session.
• Glasses Cleaning Products: If you wear glasses, bring a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner to ensure your glasses are smudge-free. Clean lenses help avoid reflections and glare, which can distract from your eyes in the headshot photography. Remember, some glasses can have a strong glare that can be difficult to remove in post-production. If you have multiple pairs, consider bringing options with anti-reflective coatings.

Arriving on Time

Plan to arrive at the studio early to allow time for any unexpected delays, such as finding parking. Aim to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time for your headshot photography session. This will give you a chance to settle in, relax, and make any final adjustments to your appearance. Arriving early also helps to reduce stress, ensuring you feel calm and ready for your headshot photography session.

Final Checks

Before the session starts, do a final check of your hair, makeup, and outfit. Ensure everything is in place, and take a deep breath to relax for the headshot photography.

7. Looking for Style and Background Inspiration

Finding Inspiration

Before your headshot photography session, it’s helpful to browse through examples of headshots that resonate with you. Look for styles that match the image you want to project, whether it’s professional, creative, casual, or sophisticated. Share these samples with your headshot photographer to ensure they understand your vision.

Choosing Background Colors

The background color plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of your headshot photography. When selecting a background color:

• Match Your Brand: Choose a background color that aligns with your personal or professional brand. For example, corporate professionals might prefer neutral colors like white, gray, or navy, while creative professionals might opt for more vibrant colors that reflect their personality.
• Skin Tone Consideration: Ensure the background color complements your skin tone. A contrasting background can help you stand out, while a similar tone can create a harmonious look in your headshot photography.

Limitations in Post-Production

While some adjustments can be made in post-production, it’s important to note that the background can’t be changed to just any color. Significant changes to the background in post-production can look unnatural and may be costly. It’s best to choose your desired background color in advance and communicate this to your headshot photographer.

8. After the Photo Session

Reviewing Proofs

Your headshot photographer will likely provide a set of proofs or a gallery of images for you to review. Take your time selecting the ones that best represent you. Look for natural expressions and good posture in the headshot photography.

Retouching Options

Discuss retouching options with your headshot photographer. Subtle retouching can enhance your photos, such as removing blemishes, evening skin tone, or whitening teeth. Keep edits natural to avoid looking overly photoshopped in your headshot photography.

Using Your Headshots

• Online Profiles: Update your LinkedIn, website, and social media profiles with your new headshots to maintain a professional online presence.
• Business Materials: Use your headshots for business cards, email signatures, and marketing materials to present a consistent brand image.
• Casting Calls and Applications: For actors and performers, ensure you have both digital and print copies ready for submissions in headshot photography.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Last-Minute Outfit Choices

Plan your outfits in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Ensure your clothes are clean, pressed, and ready to go the day before the headshot photography session.

Overdone Makeup or Hair

Keep makeup and hair natural. Avoid overly dramatic makeup or hairstyles that can detract from your face. Remember, less is often more in headshot photography.

Not Getting Enough Rest

Get a good night’s sleep before your headshot photography session. Tired eyes and lackluster skin can be hard to hide, even with makeup.

10. Booking and Payment

Making a Reservation

When you book a headshot photography session, you may be required to pay a deposit or the full amount upfront. Be sure to clarify payment terms with your headshot photographer during the initial consultation.

Receipt vs. Invoice: Understanding the Difference

• Invoice: An invoice is a request for payment sent before or after services are rendered. It details the services provided, the amount due, and payment terms. If you book a session and agree to pay at a later date, the headshot photographer will send you an invoice to indicate the amount owed.
• Receipt: A receipt is proof of payment that is provided once payment has been made. It shows the amount paid, the date of payment, and a brief description of the services. After you have paid for your headshot photography session, you will receive a receipt as confirmation that your payment was processed.

Additional Photo Purchases

• Pricing for Additional Photos: Typically, a headshot photography session package includes a set number of final retouched photos. If you wish to purchase additional photos beyond what is included in your package, discuss pricing options with your headshot photographer beforehand. Prices can vary depending on the extent of retouching and the format of the final images.
• Availability: Ensure you understand how long after the session you can decide to purchase additional photos. Some headshot photographers may offer a discounted rate if additional photos are purchased within a certain timeframe after the initial session.

Retention of Original RAW Files

• Photographer’s Policy on File Retention: Headshot photographers often have specific policies regarding how long they keep the original RAW files. Clarify with your headshot photographer how long they will retain these files before deletion. This is crucial if you might consider requesting additional edits or prints in the future.
• Agreement Details: The agreement should specify the duration that the RAW files will be kept, typically ranging from 6 months to a year, depending on the headshot photographer’s storage policies and practices.

11. Conclusion

Preparing for a headshot photography session doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips, you can ensure that you look and feel your best, resulting in headshots that make a powerful and positive impression. Remember, a great headshot is an investment in your personal and professional brand, so take the time to prepare and present yourself in the best light possible.

12. FAQs

Q: How many outfits should I bring to a headshot photography session?

A: It’s a good idea to bring at least two to three outfit options to give you and your headshot photographer flexibility. Choose outfits that reflect your style and the image you want to project.

Q: Can I wear glasses in my headshot photography?

A: Yes, if you typically wear glasses and they are part of your daily look, it’s best to wear them in your headshot. Make sure they are clean and consider non-reflective lenses to avoid glare. If you have multiple pairs, consider bringing options to see which works best under the lighting conditions.

Q: How long does a headshot photography session usually take?

A: A standard headshot photography session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of outfits and the complexity of the shoot.

Q: Can the background color be changed in post-production during headshot photography?

A: While some minor adjustments can be made in post-production, changing the background color entirely is not always feasible and can look unnatural. It’s best to choose your desired background color in advance and communicate this to your headshot photographer.