Tips for your next heADSHOT

I love photographing branding sessions so much, and think every professional can benefit from one.  Included in your Behind the Brand Session, I try to incorporate a few simple headshots too. With each branding session comes questionnaires and lots of research on my end to give you the best possible experience.  

I thought I would take a minute to go over a few tips that I have picked up over time to help with getting your headshot taken.  

1. What am I supposed to wear?!
This is the most frequent question that is asked believe it or not.  I first direct my clients to dress in solid colors and fewer patterns.  Sometimes as awesome as the pattern looks, it can come off as too busy or noisy in your images. I direct my clients to incorporate their brand colors into their clothing choices. By doing this, you will tie in your brand to your session and keep everything cohesive. 

During our planning stages, we will go over different options, take time to discuss your outfits and figure out how/where we will use these options during your session. 

2. Check your hair/makeup right before your session starts.  
Sometimes the hustle of getting to your shoot can leave your look a bit disheveled. Take a couple minutes to look in the mirror and fix those flyaways or smudged eyeliner before the camera starts snapping. I encourage my clients to bring a brush or hairspray to assist with flyaways or any other hair mishaps.  If your budget allows, I have several recommendations for hair and makeup artists that I refer my clients to.  These professionals know exactly how to make you look your best!

3. Should I wear my glasses?  
Do you typically wear your glasses daily? Are they just for reading?  If you wear your glasses daily to see, yes absolutely wear them; however, with that being said, if you only wear them to read or typically use contacts, I advise skipping the glasses.  When your photograph is being taken, push your glasses up as close to your face as you can.  Sometimes, they tend to slide down your face and can cut off your eyes in a photo.  I should add to make sure they are squeaky clean.  The camera picks up all kinds of minuscule details including dust or smudges on your lenses. 

4. Empty your pockets.
It is pretty simple, if you are having full body shots, empty your pockets.  Like I mentioned above, the camera picks up everything, including the shape of your phone if it is in your pocket.  Put keys, phones, any other pocket contents to the side until after the session.  Tied in with this is hair ties.  I know so many people (myself included) that wears hair ties on their wrist.  Those pesky little things are often forgotten about because they are so often on. So take those little guys off too! 

5. Relax!
Yep, that's it. Relax. I will guide you in posing, smiling, not smiling, where to look and more.  I will be honest with you and work to photograph you at your best.  I want you to walk away feeling like a million bucks!