How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session
Get the best out of your headshots session
So you’re getting your headshots done! It can be nerve-wracking to have your photos taken, especially if you aren’t a model. Most of us aren’t after all! I’ve been a headshot photographer for years, and my first piece of advice to you is this: Don’t stress. Photographers are there to make you look good.
Now, let’s discuss what you need to do before your headshot session, and what you might want to do during the photoshoot itself.
What to do Before your Headshot Session
Before you even book a headshot session with a photographer, you need to do a few things. Here’s a list of items I’d suggest you plan to address before the photoshoot:
Find a Professional Headshot Photographer
Decide on the Goals
Plan Your Outfit, Hair & Makeup
First, you will want to find a professional headshots photographer in your area who has a portfolio that you like and is within your budget. I strongly recommend you give priority to quality over budget. A good Headshot not only shows people your professionalism, but also has a direct impact on your brand. No matter how often you update your headshots. Every headshots sessions needs to be carefully prepared. Find a good headshots photographer is crucial. There are lots of ways to find a photographer. Google, Facebook, Instagram or asking friends. Check their portfolio and ask yourself these questions:
Will the headshot photographer help me to achieve my goal?
Does this photographers’s headshots work convey professionalism?
Will this headshot photographer show me at my best?
How good is photographer on helping clients on posing? Are all the photos showing the same posing or there are lots of varieties?
Does this headshot photographer adjust his/her lighting base on client’s age, gender and ethnicity? Are all the photos using the same lighting?
Once you found a photographer, you need to decide the goals of the photoshoot. What do you need your headshot for? Will this be a corporate headshot or acting headshot or it’s for personal branding? Where will you be using your headshot photos? Social media, your personal website or your employer’s website? Do you want to shoot outdoors or indoors? Be sure to communicate this with your photographer. You can even provide examples of similar photos of yourself or others that you enjoyed. Sample photos are very helpful when your headshot needs to match certain back ground or framing.
After figuring out the details of your headshot, you will want to make sure you have an outfit in mind. Some headshot photographers have outfit changes limit within a headshot session. Some don’t. Ask your photographer when booking your headshot session. Beyond that, you will want to be sure that your hair and makeup are done beforehand. Photographers will give you a few minutes to freshen up. Some headshot photographers team up with makeup artist and hairy stylist which can provide professional hair and makeup with a reasonable price. A lot of people will also schedule a haircut a few days before to look their best.
What to Bring for your Headshots:
If you’re getting photos for your business, you may want to bring a couple of extra items. It’s important to be prepared for anything. Here are a few things I suggest you pack just in case.
Hairbrush: When shooting outdoors, then you may want to pack a small comb to capture those loose hairs.
Makeup: If you’re wearing lipstick, it’s wise to bring it along as it can wear off depending on how long your session is.
Cloth to Clean Glasses: If you wear glasses, you will want to wipe off any smudges just before the shoot.
Extra Layer: Again, if you’re outside, it can get chilly. You can also take a layer off and get a second look without bringing a second outfit.
Props: If you’re taking photos for your business, then a prop or two can give you something to work with. Props are not commonly used for business or acting headshots but they are very helpful for personal branding.
Just to expand on props, here are some examples. If you’re working in radio, then you might bring a microphone. If you work for a pet company, then maybe you’ll want to bring your dog. Obviously, run that with your photographer beforehand to make sure they’re alright with that and can prepare accordingly. Props can make you more comfortable and create more dynamic photos.
Summary
When booking a headshot session, you have to come prepared. Do your research, pick a location, and make sure you look your best. During the sessions, be sure to bring a couple of extra items since anything can happen.
Finally, remember to have fun! Headshots are practical, but also a moment to feel comfortable in yourself.