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HOW TO GET THE PERFECT HEADSHOT






CLOTHING COLORS AND PATTERNS


It’s tempting to stick with black and white, but a splash of color can really make your image pop.

Black and/or white may be your “go to” wardrobe choice, and that’s fine, but photographically, pulling details out of black or white can be challenging.  So if you love wearing black or white, by all means bring it along, but also bring along colorful options.


PASTEL COLOURS should be avoided. Cream or beige, are often similar to flesh tones and can look week, washed-out, and unflattering to your skin.


If you know “your colors,” bring items from that palette, or try hues that bring out your eye color and enhance your skin tone. Rich colors and jewel tones are great choices for almost all women.


STYLE AND FIT


Crew, boat or narrow v-necks are always flattering and will always lay nicely. We want to be sure we can see your top after the image is cropped. Standup collars don’t always “behave,” so I suggest women avoid them. If you typically wear a jacket to work, bring a couple of jacket choices, but you do not need to wear a jacket to look professional. I’ve photographed plenty of c-suite women without jackets and without sacrificing their professionalism and status. Also, make sure your clothes fit well. Try them on a few days before your session just to check. Generally, a little snug is better than baggy and loose.


Avoid:

short sleeves or sleeveless styles (unless you’ve got “buff” arms and want to show them off)

low necklines

turtlenecks

shiny fabrics — no silk or satin


ACCESSORIES


Less is more. Keep jewelry to a minimum (unless it is your signature look). A few jewelry tips:

Stud earrings are best—simple pearls, diamonds or other gemstones.Hoops and dangling earrings can interfere with your hair and get lost in your portrait.If you have jewelry that has special meaning for you, by all means bring it along. But in the end, we want all of the attention on your face not your clothes and jewelry.Big jewelry draws attention away from you, and your portrait should be all about you.If your signature brand is big jewelry, however, bring it along, and we’ll choose the best options for your headshot.

FINAL TIPS

Don’t wear your portrait wardrobe in the car; seat belts = wrinkles. Instead, bring your clean, neatly pressed pieces to the session on hangers.Make sure everything is clean, pressed and fits well.Bring at least three to four choices. We only need above the waist for headshots. But if you feel more confident by putting on the full wardrobe, feel free to bring the pants and shoes along.Also, take a few minutes to browse our headshot gallery, and you’ll see some great examples of good wardrobe options.


EYEGLASSES


Eyeglasses and lens glare can be tricky. If you normally wear glasses, plan to wear them for your picture. It’s ideal if they have a non-glare coating, but if they don’t, consider borrowing a pair of glassless frames for your session.


HAIR


If you want to vary your hairstyle during the shoot, please do!

We can try some shots with your hair tied up and some with it down. When it’s tied back, it will look better with volume rather than being pulled back too tight. And please remember to bring a hairbrush for last-minute adjustments.


MAKE UP


More is more. Add concealer and basic makeup for a clean beauty look.

Apply a white or neutral cream eyeliner to the water line (the very inside) of your lower lid. This will wake up tired eyes and reduce any redness.


Skip the dewy and shimmery face products in favor of matte foundations, concealers and powders. What looks pretty and dewy in real life, may look greasy when you’re in front of the lights.


Focus on the eyes to draw the viewer in to your expression. Use a darker shadow to contour your eye and add extra oomph. Don’t forget to blend! Today’s shadows lean towards neutrals but a little color can’t hurt. To really make your eyes pop apply a color that coordinates with your eye color. Have blue eyes? Use copper or gold. Have green eyes? Use a mauve.


Adding false lashes can be an absolute game-changer! The right lashes will fill in your lash line and suit the shape of your eye. Try several brands to see what suits you best and don’t be afraid to trim the false lashes for the perfect shape. Ardell #110 Natural is a great lash.


Turn up the volume to avoid being washed out by the lights. If you look in the mirror and say: “Whoa. That’s a bit much,” it’s probably perfect!


In real life, we are used to seeing in three dimensions, but when the lights come on and the camera clicks, we are taking 3-D You and pressing you flat. Makeup goes a long way to create depth and dimension in your portraits.


When in doubt, hire a Pro!


FINAL TIPS


Don’t wear your portrait wardrobe in the car; seat belts = wrinkles. Instead, bring your clean, neatly pressed pieces to the session on hangers.


Make sure everything is clean, pressed and fits well.


Bring at least three to four choices. We only need above the waist for headshots. But if you feel more confident by putting on the full wardrobe, feel free to bring the pants and shoes along.



#Headshots #Photography #Clothing #Hair #MakeUp #Eyeglasses #Accessories #Wrinkles

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