7 TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR BEST HEADSHOT EVER
Whether you’re a entrepreneur, business owner or employee, when it comes to marketing yourself or your brand, its really important to put your best foot forward.
If you are an actor, model or business professional of just someone who wants to improve their personal headshot for their social media and online profiles, I have the foolproof steps to make sure you look and feel your best.
You're just 7 steps away from your Best Headshot Ever.
Let's get started!
Step 1) Find a Photographer you trust.
Investing in an experienced pro (vs. a friend with a camera or a hobbyist) is essential if you want to have professional images and the BEST headshots you can. A simple search on google will provide you with some options and you can also ask friends and business colleagues for a referral. Make sure you choose a photographer with a portfolio of headshots that matches your vision and who’s images are in a style you like. I recommend that you actually call up the photographer rather than just rely on an email inquiry. By hearing the professional’s voice you will have a better idea as to how approachable and trust-worthy they seem. When you are standing in front of a lens it is really important that you feel comfortable and can trust your photographer so they can bring out the best in you. So do take time BEFORE booking to make sure your choosen photographer is the best match.
Step 2) Hair Preparation
Before rushing off to schedule your updated business or personal headshots take a moment to consider some preperation steps that will result in better images. You should schedule a hair cut 1-2 weeks before your session so that you have a fresh look and you have had time to adjust to the new style or length.
Step 3) Wardrobe Preparation
You should have a wardrobe consulation with your selected photographer at least 3-7 days before your shoot. This will give you the necessary time to decide what to wear, gather any necessary undergarments, clean, steam and pack all pieces. When choosing what outfits to wear I would suggest that you consider the following:
Bring something light, something dark and a pop of colour (to match your eyes or complement your hair).
Form fitting clothes in solid colour look best
Prints and motifs should be avoided as they will detract from your face.
Consider layers and texture for visual interest, e.g. wrap tops, knit cardigans, textured fitted jackets.
Choose 3/4 sleeves which are universally flattering and slimming or camisoles to show off toned arms. Avoid cap sleeves as they tend to visually cut your arm in two.
Choose jewelry that suits your style. Polish and clean rings as needed.
Step 4) Body Prep
You may be thinking that you need to loose X amount of pounds before you schedule your photoshoot. Please make sure you don’t let this stop you getting the beautiful headshots you deserve. This is simplu not true. A professional photographer can instantly make you look 10lbs lighter just through posing, lighting and lens choice. They will pose you in the most slimming and flattering postions for you.
You should however make sure you get a good nights sleep before the photoshoot and make sure you are hydrarw and fed just prior to the photoshoot so you have the good energy and good spirits. by feelign your best it will help you look your best.
Step 5) Nail Care
It’s important to consider your nails as your hands can come into frame in a headshot. I particualrly like to incoproate hand gestures into imges to add a bit of friendly body language. If possible consider schedule a manicure before your headshot (men included!). Try to keep nails in a neautiral shade as colours are more likely to draw the eye awy from your face.
Step 6) Makeup
A Portrait Atelier Ashley photoshoot includes professional hair and makeup artistry as part of each session. We feel that it is particularly important for getting professional images that it is scheudled into every session. Women are recommended to take advantage fo the full makeup session with a pro becuaaw a) it gives clients an hour of relaxtion and pamperinf and you come out feeling and looking amazing and b) the professional makeup artist will prep your makeup specifically for the camera. This can sometime mean makeup is applied a bit heavier than you would usually wear (this is simply ebcuase the lights in a shoot can wash skin out and so a certain level of makeup is preferred). They may also apply false eyelashes and add a bit of contouring to your face to really bring out your features. To find the right professional makeup artist, consult with your photographer (headshot and wedding photographers are particularly well-suited for providing recommendations as they work often with these pros) or ask at your favorite hair salon.
Step 7) Relax. You've got this!
You've done your homework. You've found the right pros to take good care of you. Now all you have to do is smile and relax. From here on in, your photographer will light, pose, and direct you to create your BEST headshot ever. Enjoy your updated look and the flood of ooohs and aaahs coming your way.
Pssst... Wanna get started on step #1? We know a friendly photographer who specializes in headshots right here in Bath ;)
Visit our headshots gallery to see our favorite not-so-corporate headshots for actors, models, and business professionals.
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