How do I Prepare for a Headshot Photoshoot?
My Headshot Shoot and Portfolio packages are designed for people in business wanting an online image for their company website, for LinkedIn, Instagram, X or Facebook. These packages and the Artist Press Shoot are great for Actors, Models, Musicians, Authors and Performers who want a simple solution for a well lit, professionally executed, flattering photograph of their head and shoulders or something more dynamic.
Preparing for Your Headshot Photoshoot: Expert Tips from Sarah Deane Photographic
Welcome to my photo studio blog, by Sarah Deane Photographic! I’m excited to help you get a headshot you feel confident sharing on the internet. To ensure you look and feel your best, here are some expert tips I share with my clients to help you prepare for your photoshoot! Oh and if you are an Actor wanting Headshots you might be thinking about a Spotlight listing. More information on what they require is here
Plan Your Outfit
Your outfit should reflect your personality and the message you want to convey. Here are some tips:
- Choose Colours you like: there are no colours that work better than others as everyone has a personal preference to what they feel looks best with their skin and hair tones. Or maybe the colours you wear reflect your company branding. Your photographer should be able to advise the best backdrop to match the clothing, skin and hair tones.
- You CAN wear patterns! The internet often says ‘Avoid busy patterns and bright colours that can be distracting’. I disagree as patterns and colour bring personality and character and can be coordinated with your backdrop colour so your image feels cohesive.
- Take choices! If you aren’t sure, take a couple of options to your shoot and let the photographer advise on what works best.
- Fit Matters: Wear clothes that fit well and are comfortable so try on before you go to your shoot. Avoid anything too tight or way too loose. Bear in mind the colour and neckline will be most prominent at a headshot shoot so if you are unsure, a good idea is to look at recent photos of yourself and decide what clothing neck lines you like yourself in most.
- Layer Up: Consider layering with a blazer or jacket for a professional look. Avoid very bulky or oversized items as these add width when the image is cropped.
- Timeless Over Trendy: Opt for classic styles over particularly trendy ones to keep your headshot relevant for longer.
Consider your bottom half as sometimes photographers capture hip upwards! If you are sat you in a chair, legs or feet may feature.
Grooming and Makeup
Your grooming and makeup should enhance your features, not overshadow them. Stick to what you usually do and don’t change your hair colour or make up style prior to your shoot unless you have tried and tested it! I’ve had many folk say their haircut is too
- Hair: I often quote the series ‘Fleabag’ with the statement “hair is everything!” Ensure your hair is at its best for your shoot as if it’s not, you’ll see it in your shots. If you’re planning a haircut, with much shorter styles get it done a week before the shoot to soften the look, or sometimes with longer hair you may like to come straight from a familiar stylist if they always do a good blow dry!
- Skin: Moisturise well and ensure your skin is clean. Avoid highlighter on your face and botox on your forehead as both create large patches of shine. However if airbrushing and full retouching is offered with your package (my packages are all inclusive) don’t panic if a blemish appears or you regularly have aesthetic fillers.
- Makeup: You can be photographed with no make-up or full face- both equally work well. It’s important for you to be you! If you’re unsure, keep it simple and natural or consider hiring a professional makeup artist. If you in Newcastle you can pop to Fenwick’s concessions but make sure you test run beforehand and it looks like ‘you’. Here’s a link to their beauty services in Newcastle Fenwick store.
- Facial Hair: For men, if you like a slick tidy look, shave or trim facial hair neatly. If you prefer a clean-shaven look, shave the morning of the shoot. If you have any nicks or cuts, most photographers can photoshop these out! If you like being wild and free then you should show you as that person and there’s no need to change your style just for a shoot!
Men! You might like to read my ‘tips for men’ blog here.
Rest and Hydrate
A good night’s sleep can make a huge difference. But I appreciate life can get in the way so once again don’t panic if you are kept up all night. I regularly shoot nocturnal DJs, NHS consultants on call, flight crew and parents of newborn babies and there is always photoshop to help smooth away tired eyes!
- Sleep Well: Ideally aim for 7-9 hours of sleep the night before. This will help reduce dark circles and puffiness.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your shoot and on the day. Well-hydrated skin looks healthier and more vibrant.
- Masks: Face masks the day before a shot can buff away dead skin cells and brighten the surface of skin, but for sensitive skin take it easy as you don’t want an unhappy reaction!
- Plan your schedule: Try to avoid rushing to your appointment so that skin is not flushed or perspiring, stress can be visible on the skin!
Posing and Expression
Your expression and posture can say a lot about you. I will guide you through the process so you are at your most natural in front of the lens.
- Practice Smiling: Practice in the mirror to find your most natural smile. Remember, a genuine smile reaches the eyes.
- Posture: Stand or sit up straight with shoulders back. Good posture exudes confidence, be careful to drop those shoulders!
- Relax: Try to stay relaxed and be yourself. Think of something that makes you happy to bring a natural glow to your face. At my studio I encourage my subjects to do this and so your photographer should have tricks and tips to help you look naturally happy!
Day of the Shoot
Here’s what to do on the day of your shoot:
- Eat Light: Have a light meal before your session, try to avoid hunger or feeling lightheaded, ‘hanger’ is not a good portrait combo! Avoid heavy or greasy foods that can make you feel sluggish.
- Arrive on time: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the studio so you’re not rushed or stressed. If you are headed to me you can find my google map here.
- Bring Essentials: Take a small kit with touch-up makeup, a comb or brush and be reassured if you are coming to my studio, I have a steamer, combs, hair products and lint rollers here at the studio. I also have straighteners for rain ravaged hair!
Communication
Finally, communicate with me!
- Your Vision: Share your ideas and any specific requirements or preferences you have for your headshots. A photographer should always have a quick chat before your session and discuss your thoughts or ideas.
- Concerns: Let the photographer know any concerns or areas you’re self-conscious about. They are there to help you feel comfortable and confident and should always be happy to be directed to ‘best sides’!
Be Reassured!
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your headshot session. At Sarah Deane Photographic, I’m committed to capturing your best self and will guide you through the whole process from booking to image delivery.
Reviews are important so see what others have said about your photographer online or ask folk who have been before for their experience there. If you wanted to see reviews about my past shoots by portrait clients visit my about page and scroll to reviews!
