The Ultimate Guide On Preparing For Your Headshot Photo Session

A professional headshot can do wonders for your career and your brand. CEOs, lawyers, brokers, models, and all sorts of other workers use professional headshots to further their careers. It is an extremely effective marketing tool that can be used for various applications, from company websites to LinkedIn. However, not all headshots are created equal. There are many factors that can change the way your headshot will come out and because of that many people aren’t sure where to begin to prepare for their headshot. Which photographer is best? What are you going to wear? How will your hair look? Should the shoot be outside or inside?  Black and White or color?

These are all questions that you are likely asking yourself in the weeks and months leading up to your headshot photo session. Thankfully, we have the answers. Read on to learn more:

Picking Your Headshot Photographer

Before we get into the nitty gritty of clothing and makeup, we must first cover how to choose your headshot photographer. Each studio and photographer will have their own style, so it’s important for you to familiarize yourself with that style before you hire them. Look through a few websites and see which photographs you’re drawn to most. Then, do your research. See how long a photographer has been in the business, then try and get some feedback from others who have hired that photographer in the past. It’s also a good idea to interview your headshot photographer before booking your next appointment to get a better feel for what they’re like.

Clothing, Hair, and Makeup

Once your appointment is booked, sit back and relax until a few weeks before your scheduled photo session. From there, it’s time to start preparing yourself for the photoshoot.

Clothing

Many people mistakenly believe that because a headshot is focused on your head, then you don’t need to worry as much about your clothes. This couldn’t be further from the truth. People will still see your clothing in a headshot, and they will make conclusions about your personality and work ethic based on what you’re wearing. Men should keep things simple with a standard, dark suit. You can wear a jacket and tie if you wish, but it is not necessary. Women, on the other hand, should stick with the classic, long-sleeved V-neck paired with a blazer or cardigan. Keep jewelry small and simple, ensuring that it’s not too reflective. Both men and women should avoid patterns, as these can be distracting to the viewer. Remember, your face is what you want people to look at, so your clothes should be able to blend into the background.

Hair

Schedule a haircut about a week to two weeks before your planned photo session. Pick out a natural cut that will be easy to replicate on the morning of your headshot. If you’d like, you can also schedule a styling for that morning, though if you’re handy with a brush and curling iron, you shouldn’t need to.

Makeup

There is a tendency to over-do your makeup in preparation for a big day. Try your best to avoid this. Simple is always best, so keep your make up natural and light, emphasizing the eyes as much as possible. Additionally, it’s a good idea to start a skincare routine before your photoshoot to avoid any unsightly pimples or blemishes. You could use an over the counter teeth whitening product to brighten your smile.

Location, Location, Location

Finding the right location for your headshot photoshoot will make a world of difference. You can opt for an indoor photoshoot, or you can choose an outdoor location. Indoor photoshoots can be taken in-studio or in your place of business. These are often simple, but professional, making them an excellent option for business and/or executive portraits. However, an outdoor photoshoot can be an excellent choice for actors and models. These types of headshots are casual and relaxed. Plus, here in New York City, there are plenty of places to choose from, including Central Park or Time Square.

Here at Gruber Photographers, we are eager to help you capture the perfect headshot. To learn more about our headshot photography services, look through our portfolio or contact us today.