Are You Asking "What Should I Wear?"
Of course you are, and it is a great question. The main point of the headshot is to portray yourself as the confident, approachable person that you are. Our goal is to bring out your best physical features, so let's not overpower the face with clothing that is too bold, too old or too shabby.
General Guidelines for Headshot Clothing
If you have selected a package that involves more than one look, you should absolutely overpack when coming for your headshot session. I would always rather you have way more choices in the studio than not enough.
- Simple solid colors are great.
- Wear clothing that makes you feel good....something that makes you feel confident. If you don't have great arms, keep them covered. If a tie makes you feel like you are choking and you don't have to wear one, then don't.
- Avoid busy patterns and logos.
- Avoid things that are poofy, frilly or boxy.
- 7 shirts of the same style but different colors does not make 7 different looks.
- Don’t worry about being seasonal. Light jackets and layers are fantastic. Putting a jacket on or taking it off can easily change a look.
- Make sure the clothing you bring fits you correctly – if you haven’t worn it recently, try it on beforehand! If it makes you look too bulky or sloppy, don't bring it.
- Bring your clothes freshly washed (or dry cleaned) and be sure they are ironed – if something is missing a button or has stains or tears, don’t bring it.
- If you are unsure about something, bring it.
- No necklaces or chains and only wear small stud earrings.
What About My Hair? What About My Makeup? Should I Shave?
Hair
You should plan on coming to your headshot session wearing your hair like you would on a great hair day. If you style it a couple different ways, let your photographer know before the session and plan on bringing your styling products, a brush and/or a comb along. You will most likely need to touch it up. For business professionals, entrepreneurs, non-actors, I suggest wearing your hair like you would to a job interview, meeting, networking event, etc. If you are in need of a cut or color, do it about a week before your appointment. The last thing you want to happen is you go for a hair appointment the day before your headshots only to learn that you do not like the length, style, etc.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, I highly suggest you hire a professional makeup artist for your session. A professional will have a fully stocked kit with product that is suited for working with photography lighting. They will also know techniques to ensure that you look your best in your images. If you need a recommendation and would like to have your makeup done in studio before the shoot, I can arrange that for you. Prices vary and are paid directly to the makeup artist the day of the shoot.
If you decide to do your own makeup, your headshot session is not the time to try a new look. Wear it like you normally would. A natural look is best! Be sure your foundation matches your actual skin tone. We do not want your neck and ears to be a different color than your face. Avoid powder and makeup with an SPF rating. It will reflect studio light and make you look washed out. Avoid trends. You may use your headshots for two years and makeup trends can change quickly. Avoid bold colors, smokey eye, winged eyeliner, etc. We want you to shine through in your headshots, not make it about your makeup. It is NOT a glamour shoot. Bring your makeup to your session for touch ups as needed.
Grooming for Men
If you wear facial hair, be sure to trim before your session. Be sure to use a fresh, sharp razor and good shaving lubricant. Avoid electric razors. If your skin is easily irritated from shaving, you may want to consider shaving the night before. If you really want to treat yourself, find a fantastic barber! Last but certainly not least, be sure to take care of any unwanted hair as well. Think about your eyebrows, nose, and ears. No waxing guys!!
Help!! I'm Not Photogenic
Have you ever uttered those words? I know I have. It wasn't until I was photographed by the world renown headshot photographer, Peter Hurley, that I finally had photos of myself that I loved. It was because of his expertise and coaching during our session that the results I had dreamed of were achieved. Now I am a protege of Peter Hurley and I have the opportunity to share with you what he shared with me. So lets get you ready!
Have a look at these videos by the man himself and you will become familiar with a few of the coaching basics you will be hearing from me. You CAN look amazing in your headshots, with just a little bit of preparation and direction!