Everything you need to know as a client to prepare for your headshot session
I know I know... getting your photo taken is the WORST. Believe me, I am a culprit of these same feelings. There is a reason why I like to TAKE the photo and not have my photo taken. People think I became a photographer because I love to take photos, but what actually happened is that I spent so much time offering to take the photos so that I didn't have to be in them that a career just happened to form.
A lot of times it's unbelievably awkward, feels tense and weird, makes you think about every flaw and physical characteristic you don't like about yourself and only worsens your dislike for getting photos taken once you see how they turn out. It's always important to remember that what comes out of the camera is not necessarily what you look like!!! Photographers know this but a lot of people don't: a lot of how good a person looks in a photo has more to do with the person who took the photo than it does with the person who the photo was taken of.
Here is a great example! These are photos taken of the exact same person, but with different lens lengths.
Image Credit to newsweek.com
The great news is that when you book with me you've already made the right move of choosing the right photographer who understands what it takes when it comes to making subjects look authentically themselves in photos! Step one for getting the headshot you'll use for everything: check.
I do have a couple of other factors that YOU can control and take into consideration when it comes to getting your best headshot, and they're listed below. Once you've got these nailed, I'll do the rest of the work. (:
I. Wear the correct clothing!
This is an obvious first piece of advice, but you wouldn't BELIEVE the number of people that overthink this and screw it up. What you wear to your headshot session needs to be something you're comfortable in, something that fits you well and something makes you feel confident.
If you have a go-to shirt that makes you feel good every time you put it on, it's better to wear that than to go out and buy something brand new that you've never worn before (unless the new shirt makes you feel better than that old shirt ever did. In which case, I am a full supporter of retail therapy and treating yourself). You are also welcome to bring options so long as your session alots for enough time for an outfit change!
What you wear also needs to be the right color and pattern. I am a huge fan of when my clients show up in solid colors with a subtle accessory or accent. Simple is simpatico with photos, trust me!
Solid colors are almost always better than patterns in this case. However, if you really have a nice floral print or striped shirt that you want to wear your photos, try to make sure that it isn't too busy or distracts from your face. Dressing in solid colors that are either significantly lighter or significantly darker than your skin tone is a great way to ensure that your features will pop in an image. Try not to dress in colors too close to your skin tone: this washes subjects out or makes them look pale and sickly, which is how you might already be feeling depending on how nervous you get to have your photo taken.
This is a BEAUTIFUL example of how to rock a pattern in your headshots. Notice how the clothing compliments her eyes and the small details in her shirt aren't a distraction at all.
This is Bethany, try to be like Bethany.
Finally finally finally:
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CLOTHING IS NOT WRINKLY!
I try to have a steamer on hand during my studio sessions, but I can only do so much. Wrinkles in a professional headshot immediately scream "unprofessional," and will distract so much from your face in the image that it might as well be called a "professional wrinkled clothing shot."
And for the love of all things good and holy: if you show up with wrinkles in your clothing and look at me with a care-free look on your face and and say "you can just fix this in photoshop, right?"
I will edit the wrinkles out of your clothing and put them on your face instead.
Just kidding.
Sorta.
(:
II. Go Easy on the Makeup
This one might not apply to any men I have reading this article (although, even if it does, no judgement to you my friends!), but I really try to mention this one before my professional sessions. Go easy on the makeup! The truth of it is, it's easier for me to edit a pimple off of your forehead in Photoshop than it is for me to try to cover up the fact that you tried to cover up a pimple.
Heavy eye makeup that looks great in the mirror can often overshadow the beauty of your natural eyes, especially heavy under-eye make up, so try to keep it natural! I also HIGHLY recommend making sure that your foundation matches your skin tone (particularly your neck) because in well lighted situations that can stand out as well!
Obviously, don't stress out about any of these things too much because they are easy to fix and account for, but if you're hoping for your best headshot yet, these are some things to keep in mind!
III. Remember that the Photographer is Your Friend!
If you're not someone who can say that the camera is your best friend, that's okay. The only person who you need to be your friend is your photographer! Ask them questions about what they think will look best or compliment your features the most. If there is something that you tend to feel particularly self conscious about, let them know! If you have a better "side," tell me beforehand! Also, trust that I won't let you look bad, and will always be there to smooth out your hair or tell you where to tilt your chin. Don't overthink it! The more comfortable you feel showing up, the better the photos will be!
As always, if you have any questions at all about your headshot session, feel free to shoot me an email and we can get in touch! Connecting before your session is always a good idea and I am happy to be in touch!
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