I will bring the basics to your shoot: small combs, lint rollers, fashion tape, and oil blotters, but it’s always a good idea to bring any additional items (makeup, etc.) you think you may need!

CLASSIC VS. TRENDY

Keep your clothing classic and not too trendy so that you can use these images a long way down the road! Don’t overthink it.

FOCUS ON YOU!

Try to avoid anything that will detract attention from your face, including busy and/or tight patterns, words, etc.

COLOR/CONTRAST

Portraits look best when there’s contrast between skin and clothing. Mid-tones (think muted *or* darker) tend to work best. Avoid jet black, bright white, and neon/pastels unless they really speak to your specific style/brand/creativity/quirkiness or you’re going for a more artsy vibe.

FABRIC THICKNESS

Material that’s too chunky or structured can add weight and boxiness, but you also don’t want the fabric to be too thin. Make sure that whatever you choose, your undergarments or undershirt lines don’t show through and you like the shape it makes, especially around the shoulders and waist. 

LAYERING

An easy way to do two looks in one is to have a top layer (jacket, cardigan, sweaty, button-up), that we can remove for an alternative option. 

GLASSES

Wear glasses in your shoot if you wear them everyday! Your headshots should feel representative of how you present yourself on a regular basis. There are angles and tricks that can be used to minimize lens glare if needed. If you want to be extra prepared, you can have your lenses removed for your shoot or have anti-reflective coating added.

TEST IT OUT & BRING EXTRA

Try on your clothes a week beforehand, and then again the night before to make sure you feel good in them! You can always bring multiple options if you’re unsure and I can help narrow down.

CLEAN IT UP (WRINKLES, PET HAIR, LOOSE THREADS)

Make sure to give everything a good clean  or once over before the shoot. Wrinkled shirts, missing buttons, loose threads, crinkled collars, dangling bra straps, pet hair, visible tags, and even minor makeup stains show up on camera.

PANTS & SHOES

I do tend to try and get a few wider shots for options, so keep in mind the top of your pants may show in the photos. You only need to worry about shoes if you’d like to specifically do full body shots.

COPY THE EXPERTS

Look for portraits that catch your eye and notice what that person is wearing. A great way to get inspiration is to visit Pinterest and search for “what to wear headshots men/women”. Notice which images catch your eye and why. This is one time when it’s OK to copy!

 

TIPS FOR MASCULINE FOLKS

HAIRCUT

Think about having your hair cut about a week or two before your shoot. If you’re usually a Supercuts kinda guy, this is definitely the occasion to splurge a little on your haircut, as you’ll be using these headshots for a long time. Your hair can completely change the look of your face and an experienced hair professional will make you look your best. 

FACIAL HAIR

EITHER shave with a new razor, shaving cream, and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to avoid bumps and redness OR trim up your beard, sideburns, mustache or goatee, especially looking for wiry stray hairs. Potentially even have this done by a professional as well. You won’t regret it!

UNDERSHIRTS

If you wear an undershirt, opt for a v-neck with sleeves so that it’s not visible. Ideally, your undershirt should match your skin tone.

 

TIPS FOR FEMININE FOLKS

SKIP STRAPLESS

Avoid strapless clothing, as certain crops can make you look like you’re not wearing clothes at all. 

UNDERGARMENTS

Bring a set of bras and strap-adjusting accessories to work with any outfit you want to shoot in. Make sure to keep your straps well hidden, and cut off those pesky hanger loops. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted underwear lines showing through.

JEWELRY

Steer away from necklaces unless your neckline looks bare without one. I recommend earrings instead.

NECKLINES

For necklines, boat, crew, scoop, and modest v-necks work best. Try to avoid a neckline that’s too high, as it can make your neck disappear. If you love an outfit but need help keeping it in place, I highly recommend fashion tape. You can pick this up on Amazon or just let me know and I will make sure to bring mine!

 

FINAL TAKEAWAYS

YOU DO YOU BOO

Ultimately, what we want is to show who YOU are, so trust your gut! You know what colors/outfits you look best in, how you like your hair to be, etc. Now is not the time to reinvent the wheel or try out any crazy new styles. Trust the process, be you, and we’ll do the rest :)