How to get ready

INVEST IN YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION

STYLE & PREP GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS/BRANDING

This guide was developed to ensure that you get the most of your headshot experience

Introduction to Headshot Preparation

We’ve compiled tips and frequently asked questions to make your headshot and portrait session enjoyable and beneficial.

Personal Reflection Before the Session

Before your session, think about how you want to be portrayed and the message you want to communicate. We aim to capture your true and authentic self in each photo.

Aligning With Your Brand or Company Culture

Consider the image you want to present based on your company’s culture or personal brand. Whether it’s a formal, knowledgeable look, or something more creative and casual, your session should reflect your personal best.

Choosing the Right Attire

Your outfit should suit the role you hold or aspire to within your career, suggesting the right level of professionalism and authority.

Think about how you plan to use your images

Purpose and Platforms

Think about where and how you plan to use your headshots. Are they for professional networks like LinkedIn, social media profiles such as Facebook and Instagram, or more formal uses like speaking engagements and press releases? Consider whether your images will appear on billboards, in print materials, brochures, or business cards. Understanding the various uses for your images both now and in the future (e.g., over the next 6 to 12 months) can influence decisions about wardrobe, photography style, and the image’s orientation to best match the intended platform or audience.

Variety and Specifications

MAKEUP

Makeup plays a crucial role in the success of a photo. Many individuals struggle with choosing the right makeup shades, properly applying powder, and effectively using highlight and contour techniques. We suggest opting for a natural makeup look to avoid overpowering your features.

For the best results, we highly recommend having your makeup done by a professional. If professional makeup services are not feasible, we have provided several tips below to help you apply your own makeup effectively.

PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP SERVICES

We collaborate with top makeup artists in the city who are experts in what looks good on camera and are familiar with our style. This guarantees that the makeup—including colors and tones—is flattering, age-appropriate, and looks great under our high-definition cameras. The cost for both hair and makeup services is $200, or $140 for makeup only.

If you’ve added this service to your session, please arrive with a clean, moisturized face and without any makeup. Wearing a button-down shirt will help keep your makeup intact as you change into your first outfit.

TIPS FOR DOING YOUR OWN MAKEUP

Our images are professionally retouched to remove blemishes and stray hairs, correct complexion, and minimize skin discolorations and shine. However, having the right makeup foundation is crucial for optimal results in post-production retouching.

HAIR STYLING

Our hair styling significantly impacts the outcome of your headshot. You’re welcome to choose your own stylist or opt for our professional hair and makeup services. We collaborate with top stylists who are familiar with our preferences and style, ensuring great results. They’ll be available at our studio on your session day, providing a convenient and stress-free experience.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

We provide professional hair and makeup styling for $200, available on the day of your session at our studio. These services must be booked in advance, and we do not offer a hair-only option.

TIPS FOR DOING YOUR OWN HAIR

Clean Hair: Wash your hair the day before if not doing a blowout, as day-old hair often styles better.
Flyaways and Frizz: Use hair spray, anti-frizz products, or styling cream to manage flyaways. We provide hairspray in our studio for quick touch-ups.
Haircut and Color Timing: Schedule any haircuts or color refreshes about 7 days before your session to avoid visible regrowth or gray roots on our high-definition cameras. Avoid drastic changes close to your session.
Deep Conditioning: Consider a salon deep conditioning or use your favorite hair mask at home to enhance smoothness and reduce frizz.
Volume: Aim for hairstyles with volume, like a fresh blow-dry, soft waves, or curls, to add life and flattering dimension to your photos. Keep the style natural and not overly stiff.
Blowout: If opting for a blowout, it’s best done on the day of your session. Note that our studio does not provide blowouts.
Natural Style: Stick with familiar hairstyles to avoid surprises in your headshots.
Hair Up: Styles that pull hair back can slim the face and elongate the neck, making your headshot more striking.
Forehead Coverage: Hairstyles like side fringes or curtain bangs can make the forehead appear smaller. Consider this if your face is already narrow.
Framing: Partially straight hair with curls outward from the face frames nicely. Tucking one side behind your ear can also enhance this effect.

Skincare and Beauty Tips

SKINCARE TIPS

Facial Treatments: Avoid chemical peels, lasers, injections, and similar treatments for 10 days before your session to prevent skin irritation.

Waxing: Schedule any facial waxing, including eyebrows, a week before your headshot. Waxing can leave skin red and sensitive for a few days, so avoid doing it right before your session.

Tanning: Steer clear of spray tans and tanning lotions before your headshot. These products can look unnatural on camera.

Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your face and body a few days prior to avoid redness. This includes areas like arms, hands, neck, and elbows to remove dry skin.

Moisturizing: In dry climates, it’s crucial to moisturize all exposed skin thoroughly during the week leading up to your session to prevent dry, flaky skin which is difficult to correct in post-processing. This advice is essential for both men and women.

NAILS

Ensure your nails are clean and tidy for your photoshoot, regardless of whether you wear nail polish. Opt for manicured or neatly groomed nails with neutral colors. Avoid bold, neon colors or busy patterns. Since hands often appear in portraits and some headshots, your nails should complement your style and wardrobe without distracting from your face.

STAY HYDRATED

Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your headshot. Avoid sugary, salty foods, and soda.

MEN

Facial Hair Grooming: Well-groomed facial hair enhances a professional appearance. This doesn’t always mean a clean shave but rather a neat trim to achieve sharp, clean lines. If you’re not accustomed to doing this yourself or lack the proper tools, consider booking this service with a barber when you get your haircut.

COLOR THEORY

Colors can significantly influence perceptions and emotions. Here’s a brief overview of what different colors represent

Choosing the right colors can subtly influence how others perceive you

Elegance and power. Best when mixed with other colors

Neutral and versatile, but can be seen as dull if used alone

Symbolizes purity and simplicity, and stands out sharply against other colors

Represents cheerfulness and optimism, but use sparingly as it can overpower

Fun and energetic without the intensity of red

Attention-grabbing and powerful, often seen as assertive

Calming and the most universally preferred, associated with intelligence and trust

Represents nature and tranquility. Darker shades are linked to wealth

Luxurious and sophisticated, often associated with royalty

Soothing and portrays innocence in women, confidence in men

WHAT TO WEAR FOR HEADSHOTS?

Choose attire that complements your features and represents you professionally

Incorporate different textures through items like blazers, sport coats, shirts,
blouses, ties, pocket squares, and sweaters to enhance your outfit’s visual interest

Fit

Choose clean, ironed clothes that fit well. Avoid overly tight or loose clothing as they may not flatter your body shape

COLOR

Solid colors are best for headshots as they keep the focus on your face. Avoid busy patterns and prints

Warm Tones

Consider honey, olive green, brown, cream, and dusty purples.

Cool Tones

Go for emerald, vibrant blues, burgundy, rose, and lavender

Neutral Tones

Sky blues, grays, and jade greens work well

Jackets

Stick to timeless hues like black, navy, and gray. A pop of color with a tie or pocket square can add flair

Vibrant Colors

Choose clean, ironed clothes that fit well. Avoid overly tight or loose clothing as they may not flatter your body shape

Dark Tops

Colors like navy are flattering and give a timeless look

Sleeves

Long sleeves are generally more flattering than short sleeves, which can distract from your face

Undergarments

Ensure they are not visible to maintain a professional appearance

Necklines

Choose necklines that won’t be cropped out, such as crew, jewel, boat, or collared. Avoid deep V-necks and bulky details

Contrast

Opt for solid, bold jewel tones to create contrast and visual impact

Match Your Eye Color

Complementing your outfit with your eye color can enhance your overall look

Blue

A universal color that looks good on most and makes a modern, sharp impression

Earth Tones

Brown, beige, and olive add depth and provide a natural, understated look

Muted Colors

These are less dominating and more complementary, creating a balanced look

Layering

Blazers, jackets, and cardigans not only add layers but also help create a slimmer appearance

Casual Tones

Opt for colors beyond the typical black and white for a more casual look

Shape-Enhancing Outfits

Choose clean, ironed clothes that fit well. Avoid overly tight or loose clothing as they may not flatter your body shape

Textured Clothing

Textured sweaters and shirts add dimension to photos. Choose simple textures in solid colors to stand out without overwhelming

Avoid Solid Black

Layer when wearing black to avoid looking blocky. Lace or sheer fabrics are good alternatives

Fabric Choices

Textures evoke a casual and warm vibe. Consider incorporating wool, flannel, tweed, corduroy, linen, silk, suede, leather, velvet, or coarse fabrics into your outfit

Textured Accents

A textured tie or pocket square can enhance a smooth outfit

Texture Perception

Coarse textures generally appear masculine, while soft textures like silk and satin are seen as feminine. Adjust your look with appropriate fabric choices

FIT: Choose clean, ironed clothes that fit well. Avoid overly tight or loose clothing as they may not flatter your body shape
COLOR: Solid colors are best for headshots as they keep the focus on your face. Avoid busy patterns and prints
Warm Tones: Consider honey, olive green, brown, cream, and dusty purples.
Cool Tones: Go for emerald, vibrant blues, burgundy, rose, and lavender
Neutral Tones: Sky blues, grays, and jade greens work well
Jackets: Stick to timeless hues like black, navy, and gray. A pop of color with a tie or pocket square can add flair
Vibrant Colors: Choose clean, ironed clothes that fit well. Avoid overly tight or loose clothing as they may not flatter your body shape
Sleeves: Long sleeves are generally more flattering than short sleeves, which can distract from your face
Undergarments: Ensure they are not visible to maintain a professional appearance
Necklines: Choose necklines that won't be cropped out, such as crew, jewel, boat, or collared. Avoid deep V-necks and bulky details
Contrast: Opt for solid, bold jewel tones to create contrast and visual impact
Match Your Eye Color: Complementing your outfit with your eye color can enhance your overall look
Blue: A universal color that looks good on most and makes a modern, sharp impression
Earth Tones: Brown, beige, and olive add depth and provide a natural, understated look
Muted Colors: These are less dominating and more complementary, creating a balanced look
Layering: Blazers, jackets, and cardigans not only add layers but also help create a slimmer appearance
Casual Tones: Opt for colors beyond the typical black and white for a more casual look
Shape-Enhancing Outfits: Form-fitting clothes or pieces that cinch at the waist, such as high-waisted pants and peplum tops, are flattering and shape-enhancing
Textured Clothing: Textured sweaters and shirts add dimension to photos. Choose simple textures in solid colors to stand out without overwhelming
Avoid Solid Black: Layer when wearing black to avoid looking blocky. Lace or sheer fabrics are good alternatives
Fabric Choices: Textures evoke a casual and warm vibe. Consider incorporating wool, flannel, tweed, corduroy, linen, silk, suede, leather, velvet, or coarse fabrics into your outfit
Textured Accents: A textured tie or pocket square can enhance a smooth outfit
Texture Perception: Coarse textures generally appear masculine, while soft textures like silk and satin are seen as feminine. Adjust your look with appropriate fabric choices

ACCESSORIES

Enhance your outfit with classic jewelry, such as earrings, watches, bracelets, or necklaces. A well-chosen piece can pull your look together effectively. However, it’s important to keep accessories subtle and light to maintain focus on your face. Avoid bold, chunky jewelry or pieces with bright or busy colors. Also, steer clear of long necklaces that might get cropped out of the frame. Choose timeless and elegant jewelry to prevent your photos from looking dated.

What Not to Wear

Busy Patterns: Shirts with loud, intricate patterns can distract from your face. Choose solid colors or subtle patterns to keep the attention on you
Excessive Jewelry: Excessive Jewelry: While some accessories can enhance your look, too much jewelry or very large pieces can overpower your outfit and distract from your face.
Casual Clothing: For a professional headshot, avoid overly casual items like t-shirts and hoodies. Opt for more formal or business casual attire to convey professionalism.
Seasonally Inappropriate Wear: Avoid wearing heavy winter clothing in warm seasons or very light fabrics in the colder months, as it may seem out of place in your photos.
Bright and Stark White Colors: Avoid wearing overly bright or stark white tops unless you’re layering them with a jacket. Opt for medium to dark colors if you're not wearing a jacket.
Low-Cut Tops: Choose tops that don't dip too low. We typically photograph into the chest area, and low-cut tops can draw attention away from your face.
Transparent Tops: Ensure your tops aren’t see-through by trying them on beforehand. If you prefer transparent tops, bring a blazer or another layering option.
Blending Colors: Avoid wearing tops in colors that blend with your hair or skin tone, as they can make you appear washed out. If your hair is dark, steer clear of dark tops, and if you have pale skin, avoid skin-tone matching colors unless you plan to layer.
Avoid Bare Arms: Generally, avoid short sleeves or tank tops for executive headshots as bare arms can draw attention away from your face. This is especially true for tops with thin straps, where the contrast in skin tone between your arms and face can be distracting.
Opt for Longer Sleeves: Choose attire with longer sleeves to maintain a professional appearance. If your brand personality allows for it, a sleeveless blouse or shift dress can be appropriate, but ensure it aligns with the image you want to project.
Be Cautious with Sleeveless Tops: Be mindful of sleeveless tops as they may expose your armpits in certain poses, which is typically best avoided unless it specifically suits your brand’s style and message.

Day of the Shoot Checklist

Preparation

Parking

What to Bring

Bring 2-3 complete wardrobe changes ranging from semi-formal to casual, including bottoms.
Remember to pack undergarments and shoes.
A lint roller to remove any pet hair or lint.
Lipstick or gloss for touch-ups.
Translucent powder or blotting papers to manage excess shine.
A hairbrush or comb for hair touch-ups.
A cloth to clean your eyeglasses, if applicable.