PREPARING FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT
The week before your shoot is a time for planning.
Decide on outfits, and schedule any appointments -even if they’re just with yourself.
Remember, these tips are here to help you think of ideas for preparing for your shoot, but are definitely not required, or even necessary for everybody. Please choose what fits in with your budget, lifestyle, and current beauty regimen.
When having your headshot or portrait taken, there are four areas where a little advanced preparation can make a huge difference.
-FACE-
Exfoliate. A nice, soothing session gently rubbing your skin with a washcloth on your face and body is an indulgent way to spend an evening.
Facial. If you’re going to go all out into pamper mode, be sure to do your facial at least a week before your shoot. Since facials tend to cause redness, a week usually allows enough time to heal. An at-home facial is also a great way to get some extra glow.
Eyebrows. If you decide to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded, be sure to schedule the appointment for at least a few days before your photoshoot.Otherwise, an eyebrow trim/touch up at home could be done a day or two before the shoot.
-HAIR-
Roots. If you dye your hair, touching up your regrowth three days before your photoshoot is ideal.
Get a Trim. Neat, healthy hair is youthful and vibrant. If it’s been a while since your last haircut, even a subtle trim can make a world of a difference.
-HANDS-
If you paint your nails, soft neutral colors work best. Otherwise, neatly shaped and clean nails are great. If you wear one, clean your wedding ring. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste is a great day-to-day way to clean your ring, but most professional jewelers have sonic cleaners that make it sparkle.
-CLOTHING-
Your portraits should be a reflection of you, just more polished. Choose outfits you love and feel good in. Fitted clothing is always the most flattering. Flowy and billowy clothes that lack structure will add extra volume to your body shape in a photo.
A wrap style dress or wrap shirt is always a flattering choice on any body type. The wrap accentuates your waist and gives you shape in the photo and the v- neckline frames your face and shoulders.
High waisted slacks and skirts are great. For every size woman, high waisted pants look fabulous and give you more options for posing.
Textures work well and can evoke a soft, warm, and approachable feeling. Texture creates interest in an otherwise smooth and simple outfit. They can be incorporated into your outfit with fabrics such as wool, flannel, tweed, corduroy, linen, silk, said, leather, or velvet.
Bright and busy patterns should be avoided on shirts that will be worn without jackets as they are distracting from the subject. Patterns work best as accents with accessories to add interest to an outfit. Matching more than two patterns is not recommended . You can match any two types of patterns, as long as they are different sizes and densities.
Pattern rule: You don’t want the pattern to distract from you. Large print florals, soft pattern, animal prints and vertical stripes can add personality. The easiest way to add this to a look is under a jacket, blazer or sweater, or with accessories such as a scarf. Or to just go all out like the image above.
Blue is a universally flattering color. Covering your upper arms and no cap sleeves appears most appropriate for a professional headshot.
Matching your outfit to your eye color is always a good move.
V- necklines are flattering on everyone because they create a natural frame for your face and narrow the shoulders.
Jumpsuits are a great alternative to a blazer look as they photograph with a professional vibe but tend to shape the body and do not add extra bulk when posed.
Accessories are important. They give you an intentional look. Choose earrings that do not take attention away from your face but accent your jaw line such as a simple drop earring. Necklaces can add personality, so if you love a chunky necklace - go for it! If you wear bold jewelry and it is your signature, then please include it in your look.
*My stylist will also have jewelry options for you on the day of your photoshoot.
THE DAY-OF CHECKLIST
-The night before, get a good night’s sleep. A little self care goes a long way on the day of your shoot.
-Please come with a clean face and no makeup. My hair and makeup artist will have everything for a full makeover.
-For hair: please come with dry and styled hair - how you’d wear it professionally.
-Clean nails, neutral color if painted are best, but if you wear bright colors normally- go for it!