Headshot Prep Guide

Getting Ready Tips

Your headshot session is coming up and I’m looking forward to capturing your essence with every click.

Getting in front of the camera can be a bit nerve wrecking, so I want you to feel well-prepared and looking your best for a relaxed and yes, fun session. I will be there to coach you through poses to create the look that captures you from your best angle.

Please do a little homework to help me know what you are looking for:

  • Look into the mirror and see if or which of your eyes is smaller than the other. Let me know so I can be sure to have the smaller eye closer to the camera to make them appear equal in size.
  • Look into the mirror again and see if you prefer a perky or more somber look. How do you like yourself best and/or how do you want to come across to your clients?
  • This will help us tremendously in using the time we have to get the shots you want.

1. Clothes

  • Clothing is a form of expression and the clothes that you pick to wear will reflect your personality in the images. My best piece of advice when choosing clothes is the simpler the better.
  • Solid colors look great in headshots. Choose a color that really brings out your eye color.
  • If going with a pattern keep it simple.
  • Start with a shirt or blouse and slowly add layers. A scarf, tie or jacket will easily allow for two different looks in minutes and pull your outfit together.
  • Make sure that ALL clothes are ironed and pressed before the shoot. Wrinkles in clothes are difficult to Photoshop out. Please, don’t expect the photographer to do this.
  • I will bring a lint brush or roller in case you may need it.
  • Don’t worry about shoes since we are just shooting headshots. Be comfortable.

GUYS:

  • any color shirt works well when paired with a suit coat: light color shirt with a dark suit coat, dark color shirt with a dark suit coat, or a dark color shirt with light suit coat. You can mix and match coordinating patterns, or wear a solid shirt and a suit coat with a pattern. If you’re planning on wearing only a button-down shirt (without a suit coat) for a more casual look, a darker color shirt photographs better than a light color shirt.

2. Hair

  • Style your hair as you do every day. You don’t want to try a new hairstyle.
  • Bring a brush and some hair product (gel/hairspray) with you to the shoot to help calm flyways.
  • GUYS: remember facial hair wants to be trimmed and groomed as well

3. Makeup and Face

How much makeup? Only wear makeup for your headshot session if this is something you wear on a daily basis or when going to an important meeting.

  • Makeup TIPS:
    • Keep it NATURAL. Makeup can easily look heavy in headshots.
    • Cover up any blemishes. Then add just enough makeup to keep a natural look.
    • Try not to use matte styles of makeup. It will dry out your skin.
    • If possible, use liquid foundation. Use one without SPF/SunScreen, as sunscreen will make your face look washed out on camera.
    • EYES - To start with the eyes, we want to keep it light. No hard lines over the eyes (this will diminish your eyes), light mascara if you wear it, fake lashes that are too big will block the light getting into the eyes and they won’t pop like we want them to. If you wear eye shadow, try to keep it a neutral color and importantly, try to blend it like your life depends on it!
  • Bring your makeup and moisturizer with you to the shoot in case your skin does get dry or you need touch-ups.
  • Bring lip balm or lip gloss with you to help keep lips looking soft.
  • The night before brush your lips with your toothbrush to help get rid of any dead skin.
  • Don’t do any extreme beauty regimens right before your session, like facial peels, tanning or extensive exfoliating. Your skin can look very irritated.
  • Get rid of any unwanted hair a few days before your session. Clean up brows and upper lip hair.

4. Glasses

Most of the time I am able to avoid glare in glasses but depending on the type of lenses or finishes used it isn’t always possible. Glasses with blue filters or lenses that change color will need to be taken off.

4. Location & Parking

My studio at SUPPLY is located at 280 S Oak St, Manheim, PA 17545

  • PARKING is available on site.
  • Please enter the building and wait in the lobby. I will meet you there.
  • Facemasks are required in the building. Thank you!

If you get lost or have further questions, please call or text me at 717-342-3369.