
Are You Ready for your Headshot Session?
So glad you've signed up for a headshot session. Can't wait to capture your essence. Please be sure to read everything on this page so that you are prepared to get the most out of your time with me.
OPTION 1: STUDIO sessions take place in my studio at SUPPLY in Manheim. Cool bottles of water and air conditioning will make sure that you look your best. Our studio is located at 280 South Oak St, Manheim, PA 17545. It's a big brick building with lots of free parking and handicap accessible.
OPTION 2: ON-LOCATION sessions will be at your place of business, in an urban or nature setting of your choosing. We will decide on the best location to create the looks that best represent you. The location information will be confirmed in all of my communication.
Your 45 or 60-minute session is perfect to get multiple looks to create a varied portfolio to meet your marketing needs. Whether you want to get something more dramatic or more commercial, have a specific idea of what you need before you come in, and you will get the most out of it. We will chat on the phone before your session to discuss your looks.
48 hours after the session, you will receive a proof gallery to select your favorite image to be retouched and delivered to you within 2-3 business days. At that time, you will also have the opportunity to purchase additional retouched images at a rate of $95 per ONE image or $180 for THREE images.
Hair and makeup is a personal preference. I want you to be confident in how you look and feel. A professional makeup artist can give you that boost which will show in your final image.
If you are looking to have a professional provide you with fantastic hair and makeup for your shoot to be fully camera ready, we can book one of our preferred Makeup Artists for you or email us for a list of local pros we recommend.
You are welcome to do your own makeup. Be sure to have your hair and makeup completely done when you arrive, there won’t be time or space to do it.
Hair TIPS:
- Style your hair as you do every day. You don’t want to try a new hairstyle.
- The same goes for hair dyes or any other drastic haircuts. Give yourself a week or two to get used to the new style to make sure you love how you look.
- A bit of lotion, gel or hairspray will calm frizzy hair.
- GUYS: remember, facial hair wants to be trimmed and groomed as well
Makeup TIPS:
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. You want to look and feel like you.
- Keep it NATURAL. Makeup can easily look heavy in headshots.
- Cover up any blemishes. Then add just enough makeup to keep a natural look.If possible, use liquid foundation and blend it well around your eyes, nose and into the hairline. Use one without SPF, as some ingredients react under studio lighting.
- 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 blend, blend, blend!
- DO the night before: brush your lips with a toothbrush to get rid of any dead skin. Drink plenty of water.
- AVOID the week of your session: facial peels that may irritate your skin. NO tanning (studio lights may turn your skin orange). NO Botox or deep tissue massages, as they often result in black and blue spots on face and arms.
- Bring to the session: makeup, moisturizer, hairspray, lip gloss or lip balm, lipstick (a couple colors). Anything you may need for a quick touch-up.
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.
- Open your closet and take an honest look inside. Which pieces of clothing do you like to wear the most? Is it the style or color? Do people compliment you when wearing those pieces? It is a sign that you look great in those.
- For the most part, KEEP IT SIMPLE: Solid colors, little or no pattern, smaller jewelry. It's about your face and expression.
- A well-fitted shirt or dress in your favorite color works best.
- Create a variety of looks by adding layers: bring a jacket, scarf, pair of glasses or a hat.
- COLORS: headshots are about drawing attention to your face. YOUR BEST COLORS accentuate your eyes and help your skin look fresh and healthy.
- For a professional look, make sure your clothes fit well, are ironed and stain free. A lint brush will be on hand for those last-minute touch ups.
- SHOES: Do bring shoes. Even though we are mainly shooting headshots, we might add some 3/4 and full-length portraits. The right pair of shoes gives you additional confidence and posture.
- STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO WEAR? Take a few selfies and email the images to heike@heikemartinphotography.com. I'll be happy to help.
GUYS:
- Are you a suit and tie guy? Do you wear shirts with your business logo? Is your look more relaxed in khakis, a T-shirt or shirt with rolled up sleeves? Own your look, but also think about the business you're in and how you would show up for an important meeting.
- Preferably, stay away from white shirts and very fine checkered patterns. They do not photograph well.
- Your shirt and tie should compliment your eye-color.
- Shirts and jackets should fit you well in the shoulders and across the front. It will make quite a difference in the final images.
You are able to select from a variety of background choices in my studio. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when choosing backgrounds.
- Choose the right background based on your natural coloring and wardrobe. Creating great color harmony is going to make your headshot stand out even more.
- Choose a white background, so you can easily extract your image when creating marketing materials.
Just let me know what background color you like when you arrive, or I can pick the best one for you based on your wardrobe choices or marketing needs.
Your outdoor or on-location choice will usually provide a variety of backdrops.
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. Here are a few last-minute tips:
- Plan to arrive ten minutes early, so we can start promptly. If you are late, you will cut into your session time. There are no refunds and no rescheduling if you are late. Be on time, be prepared, have fun.
- If you are wearing makeup, make sure to bring your powder with you when you come. The camera and lights often require a little more foundation than you might be used to wearing. It only takes a second to cut the shine down.
- Don’t get your hair cut or dyed within one week of the shoot. Give yourself time to get used to the cut, so that you can style it with confidence on the day of your session.
- Don’t make any drastic changes to your appearance right before the session. You are going to be setting yourself up for disappointment. Your headshot should look like you plan to show up for an important meeting or audition. Keep it natural.
- Get a good night’s rest before the session and avoid drinking alcohol or eating salty foods for 24-48 hours ahead of time. Plenty of rest and water will do wonders to how you look and feel.
- If you have any questions about your session or need any advice leading up to the date, email heike@heikemartinphotography.com or text 717-342-3369. I am here for you!
Got More Questions?
Just ask away. For any additional questions, you can email heike@heikemartinphotography.com or text 717-342-3369. I am here to help you feel confident and fully enjoy your session.
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