Guide to Prep for Your Headshot
A professional headshot can do wonders for your career and your brand.
All sorts of professionals from all different fields, from CEOs, lawyers, brokers, models, artists (the list is infinite), use professional headshots to further their careers and give a first impression that’s sure to impress and accomplish its purpose. It is an extremely effective marketing tool that can be used for various applications, from LinkedIn and IG profiles to business cards, yard signs for realtors, for the “Get To Know Me” page on business websites, billboards, Powerpoint presentations, and many more applications. However, not all headshots are created equal. There are many factors that can change the way your headshot will come out and because of that many people aren’t sure where to begin to prepare for their headshot. Which photographer is best? What are you going to wear? How will your hair look? Should the shoot be outside or inside? How do I choose the right background?
In the months leading up to your headshot photo session you will probably be running one, if not all, of these questions through your head and your Google search history. Thankfully, we have the answers. Read on to learn more:
Choosing Your Headshot Photographer
Before we get into the nitty gritty of clothing and makeup, let’s first touch a little on how to choose your headshot photographer. Each studio and photographer has its own photographic style, so it’s important that you browse around and familiarize yourself with their style before you hire them. Google through a few websites and see which headshot photographs speak to you the most. Is it the background color used? Do you appreciate how the subject was lit and posed? Or do you like that the session was taken outdoors vs at a studio? Then, do your research. See how long a photographer has been in the business, if they have, there will be reviews out there for you to get some feedback from others who have hired that photographer in the past. It’s also a good idea to interview your headshot photographer before booking your next appointment to get a better feel for what they’re like. When you do see if your personalities click. It is important that you feel comfortable with your photographer as that relationship will translate into your photos. Now, let’s get into that nitty gritty ;)
Clothing, Hair, and Makeup
Once you have booked your appointment, check it off your to-do list, sit back and relax until a few weeks before your scheduled photo session. From there, it’s time to begin prepping yourself for the photoshoot.
Clothing
Many people mistakenly believe that since we’re taking headshot then the focus must be the head and not the rest of the body or the clothes. But this could not be further from the truth. People will still see your clothing in a headshot, and they will make conclusions about your personality and work ethic based on what you’re wearing. Men should keep things simple with a standard, dark suit. You can wear a jacket and tie if you wish, but it is not necessary. Women, on the other hand, should stick with the classic, long-sleeved V-neck paired with a blazer or cardigan. Once you know what the background color for your headshot will be, stay away from clothes with the same color as you will not stand out from the background. Keep your jewelry small and simple (unless it defines your personality, style, and vision for the headshot), ensuring that it’s not too reflective. Both men and women should stay away from wearing patterns, especially lines and squares, as these can be distracting to the viewer. Remember, your face is what you want people to look at, so your clothes should be able to blend into the background. Avoid logos or badges on either your shirt and your jacket – or you risk looking like an advertisement. The day before make sure all tags are off and there are no wrinkles, iron them! and the day of get a lint roller on your clothes to get any stubborn hairs off them.
Hair
Schedule a haircut about a week to two weeks before your planned photo session. Pick out a natural cut that will be easy to replicate on the morning of your headshot. If you’d like, you can also schedule a styling for that morning, though if you’re handy with a brush and curling iron, you shouldn’t need to.
Makeup
There is a tendency to overdo the makeup in preparation for a big day. Try your best to avoid this. Simple is always best! So keep your makeup natural and light, emphasizing the eyes as much as possible. Additionally, it’s a good idea to start a skincare routine before your photoshoot to avoid any unsightly pimples or blemishes. You could use an over-the-counter teeth whitening product to brighten your smile. For guys, if you have facial hair, either cleanly shave or maintain a trimmed beard. Anything in the middle looks sloppy. When in doubt, shave. However, do not shave immediately before your shoot – as razor bumps and discoloration will become more apparent.
Location, Location, Location
Finding the right location for your headshot photoshoot will make a world of difference. You can opt for an indoor photo session, or you can choose an outdoor location. Indoor photo sessions can be taken in the studio or in your place of business. These are often simple, but professional, making them an excellent option for business and/or executive portraits. However, an outdoor photoshoot can be an excellent choice for actors and models. These types of headshots are casual and relaxed. Plus, here in New York City, there are plenty of places to choose from, including Central Park, Time Square or the Financial District.
Here at Jeremy Pineiro Photography, we can’t wait to help you capture the perfect headshot. To learn more about our headshot photography services, look through our portfolio or contact us today.