Headshot Preparation Guidelines
Getting ready for your session? Check these guidelines to help you be ready to knock it out of the park during your session!
Headshot Preparation Guidelines
Getting ready for your session? Check these guidelines to help you be ready to knock it out of the park during your session!
Guidelines for Women
Headshot Clothing
- Avoid baggy or excessively tight clothing.
- I recommend wearing your best fitting professional top/dress. A fitted suit jacket/blouse combo is another option.
- Try to stick to solid colors/subtle patterns and avoid bold patterns which will distract from your face (unless you regularly wear bold patterns as part of your style!)
- A suit jacket should be fitted to your shoulders (solid color or subtle pattern).
Headshot Clothing
- Avoid baggy or excessively tight clothing.
- I recommend wearing your best fitting professional top/dress. A fitted suit jacket/blouse combo is another option.
- Try to stick to solid colors/subtle patterns and avoid bold patterns which will distract from your face (unless you regularly wear bold patterns as part of your style!)
- A suit jacket should be fitted to your shoulders (solid color or subtle pattern).
hair
Come with your hair styled. Bring any products/tools you normally use every day for your hair in case they are needed.
makeup
Makeup for headshots should be light and natural that emphasizes your natural beauty. Excessive makeup will show up too much in a headshot. Avoid heavy base and too much eye makeup, especially eye liner. Don't go overboard filling in brows. For lips, some light gloss is good, but not heavy lipstick.
For the eyes, some mascara (don't overdo it!) and natural shade of eye shadow that matches your skin tone. We don't want anything distracting from your eyes! Bring anything you need to touch up your makeup during the session. Try to avoid makeup/lipstick that is really shiny.
jewelry
For headshots, minimal jewelry is best so nothing distracts from your face. Studs or smaller earrings are generally best. I recommend no necklace, but if you choose to wear one, make sure it's subtle.
glasses
If you alternate between glasses and no glasses, I recommend not wearing glasses for the session. However, if you always wear glasses and it would be weird to get photos without them, wear them! Just be sure to clean them before the session, and also bring multiple pairs if you have them.
Headshot Clothing
- Avoid baggy or excessively tight clothing.
- I recommend a plain, pressed dress shirt (solid color). Bold patterns distract from your face in a headshot, so try to avoid those. Also, a stiff collar is better than a floppy collar! Make sure the collar is fitted snuggly to your neck.
- A suit jacket should be fitted to your shoulders (solid color or subtle pattern). If you choose to wear a tie, bring a few options. We'll make sure the knot is looking good before the shoot.
hair
Please come with your hair styled. Do not get a hair cut within a couple days of your session. Bring any tools/products that you normally use for your hair every day.
Facial hair is fine in a headshot. I recommend going with whatever the culture of your organization is. If facial hair is cool, then go for it. If your boss prefers clean shaven, definitely go with that!
glasses
If you alternate between glasses and no glasses, I recommend not wearing glasses for the session. However, if you always wear glasses and it would be weird to get photos without them, wear them! Just be sure to clean them before the session, and also bring multiple pairs if you have them.
Guidelines for Men
Headshot Clothing
- Avoid baggy or excessively tight clothing.
- I recommend a plain, pressed dress shirt (solid color). Bold patterns distract from your face in a headshot, so try to avoid those. Also, a stiff collar is better than a floppy collar! Make sure the collar is fitted snuggly to your neck.
- A suit jacket should be fitted to your shoulders (solid color or subtle pattern). If you choose to wear a tie, bring a few options. We'll make sure the knot is looking good before the shoot.
The most important rule: authenticity
With all of that in mind, it's important to look like YOU in your headshot. If your normal style breaks these rules, then go for it!
