Headshot Session Checklist

If you wear glasses, it’s best if you can bring a pair of frames without lenses for your photoshoot. The reason for this is because at certain angles you’ll get nasty reflections in the lenses that can obscure your eyes. Because of these reflections It also limits the variety of light set ups I’ll be able to do for you. 

If you can’t take the lenses out of your glasses or you’re worried you’re going to break them, I highly recommend you buy a pair of inexpensive frames from somewhere like Zinni before your session.

Hair & Makeup Tips

For your upcoming photo shoot, consider getting a hair cut and or color 3-5 days prior to your headshot ensure a fresh, neat appearance. Any hair that you don’t want showing in your headshots (like ear hair, unibrow, upper lip hair, facial hair etc.) should be removed and not be expected to be edited out with in photoshop for best results. Other than that, be who you are and DO NOT try a new hair style for your headshot. 

Women

If you’re not planning to color your hair, a simple trim and blowout can significantly enhance your look. It’s best to stick with a hairstyle you know suits you well, avoiding any drastic style changes just before the photo shoot.

Makeup Face Prep Tips

To ensure you’re camera-ready for your photo shoot, gently exfoliate and moisturize your face the night before.

Arrive on the day with a clean, product-free face if you’re opting for a makeover by my hair and makeup artist. We’ll handle everything from there to enhance your natural beauty!

For your hair, come with it freshly shampooed, conditioned, and dry. Please refrain from using leave-in products like gels or hairsprays, as my stylist may need to use heat treatments for styling, whether straightening or curling. This preparation will help us achieve the best look for your headshot.

Men

Get a hair cut no more than 3-5 days before your photo shoot. Make sure your facial hair is groomed and as you want it for your pictures. It’s also not a bad idea to consider getting a professional shave by a good barber if you tend to get a lot of irritation.

Guys are also prone to missing stray ear and nose hair or forget about bushy eyebrows. You should pay special attention to all these areas before your photo shoot. In fact, if you just nail your grooming an your outfit you’re already 80% of the way to a great headshot before you even step in front of my camera.

If you’re hesitant about using a teeth whitening kit before your photo shoot, I’d recommend going for it. The benefit is largely psychological, as those self-conscious about their teeth often hold back their smiles. A brighter smile can boost your confidence, leading to more natural and open expressions in photos.

While I can whiten teeth in Photoshop, enhancing a genuine, unguarded facial expression is something that needs to come naturally from you. Investing in a teeth whitening kit could be a small but significant step towards achieving the best possible photos.

Clear Your Schedule

If you’re getting hair and makeup done by my makeup artist, plan for about 90 minutes just for that. After your makeover, I recommend you plan on at least an hour with me in front of the camera to capture the kind of images you’ve seen in my portfolio. The more time we have, the more looks I can create for you.

So if you’re doing the full makeover, block off at least 2.5 hours. If I’m bringing my mobile portrait studio to you, plan for extra time.

For guys doing a quick environmental headshot—no hair, no makeup—I can usually knock that out in under an hour. Contact me here if you’re unsure and I’ll give you a realistic timeline so you can plan accordingly.

For professional female headshots, choosing the right attire is crucial. Opt for well-fitted, tailored clothing that enhances your look. Solid color tops are best to keep the focus on your face, avoiding busy patterns.

Professionalism is key, so consider a blazer or sport coat for a polished style. Avoid low-cut tops and overly bright colors, especially in formal professions. Longer sleeves are preferable for a clean, distraction-free image. Ensure you shirt isn’t too transparent so undergarments are not visible. If they are, take care to layer with a blazer.

Jewelry

Anything you decide to wear is your call. Remember that these headshots will be close up and crop just below the collar bone. This means long necklaces usually don’t work well since they will get cropped out. Shorter necklaces that hang above the collar bone will work better for this crop. Subtle earrings and no necklace is generally best to keep the attention on your face where it belongs. 

Styling Tips For Men

To look your best, a well-chosen jacket is key; it not only improves your silhouette but also accentuates the natural V-shape of your body. When selecting a jacket, focus on quality fabrics like wool, avoiding synthetic materials for a more polished look. The best colors for jackets are grays, charcoals, blues, and earthy tones, as they harmonize well with most headshot backgrounds.

Shirts are equally important for the quality of your headshot. Pair your shirt color with your jacket for a cohesive look, and consider a spread collar for a classic style. White and light blue shirts work best with most jacket colors and avoid drawing attention away from your face.