Headshot Wisdoms
So, you need a headshot and you want to know how to look and feel your best. Perfect! You are in the right place!
Headshots are truly a team effort. The details below are here to help you bring your A-Game to your headshot session. And in exchange, your headshot photographer should be bringing their best.
By working together you can headshots that do more than just have you looking good, but they can connect you with your ideal clients with your presented body language.
With a bit of knowledge and the Infinite Eye Headshot Process, we will have you rocking amazing headshots that you will be proud to share and represent!
We know you are busy so we have formatted things to allow for a quick read-through, but please know that the time invested here in getting to know and understand the details, over will pay dividends when it comes to your final headshot.
LET’S GO…
Headshot Wisdoms by Infinite Eye
Hair
It is best to not try a new style just before your headshot session. You know what you like, get that done and you will be happier for it.
Keep your hairstyle simple. Avoid complicated hairstyles on the day of your headshot. Viewers of headshots trust and connect more with individuals when they can see more of the face. Avoid hairstyles that hide your face.
For shorter hair individuals, a haircut can completely change the look of your face. If possible, have your hair cut or a touch-up done, about a week before your session.
Fun & Sun
By FUN we mean taking in large amounts of salty or fatty foods a few days leading up to your Headshots. These can give you a puffy look in your face and body. Same with alcoholic beverages. Even just a few 24 hrs before, can impact how you look.
By SUN we mean too much can bring redness and blotchiness to your face, and even worse sunburnt raccoon eyes.
Now we are not saying you may not partake in these prior to your session, just moderate - overdone and you won’t like the results. Good advice anywhere really :)
Plan Ahead
A few weeks out, think of what you would like to wear.
You know that outfit you love and feel great in. Get it out, try it on, look in the mirror, and make sure you feel and look good in it.
Are there any loose threads, alterations needed, dry cleaning and whatnot? The goal here is to not have last-minute running around to do.
Remember, It’s All About You
Avoid busy patterns, logos, words, and busy or even complicated hairstyles that matter (mentioned earlier). These can detract attention from your face and the whole intention of a headshot is to show your beautiful face!
For inspiration, look for portraits that you like and take note of what they are wearing. Pinterest and Google searches are great resources to learn or get ideas of what you may like.
Thinker material can add weight to an image, thin fabric can be see-through. Not a deal breaker, just keep it in mind.
Outfits & Looks
Outfits are what you will wear or bring with you to your Session. It is a set of clothes and or accessories for a headshot.
Looks are ways to use an outfit differently for a variation of how you look.
For example, an Outfit of a simple a jacket with dress shirt or blouse. It can be used to get several looks for the camera; Looks from this Outfit could be a jacket on and done up, jacket on and undone, jacket off, jacket as a prop holding it your hand, jacket over your shoulder.
Same with a scarf or tie. Add in, take out. You get the idea.
Colours & Contrast
Typically, people with lighter skin tones should avoid lighter colours like pale yellow. Similarly, people with darker skin tones should avoid dark colours such as navy, dark brown, or black. Portraits can look best when there’s significant contrast between skin and clothing.
Solid jewel tones can be great options. Avoid bright white and no neon – unless that is your thing – then OWN it!
Necklines
V-necks and scoop necks work well.
Try to avoid a neckline that’s too high, as it can make your neck disappear or too low as it can show too much.
Avoid strapless for headshots as certain image crops can make you look like you’re not wearing clothes at all.
PANTS & SHOES
Yes, pants are good. Please wear pants :)
We get asked all the time about shoes. Why not finish the look? If they make you feel great, wear ‘em!!
The classic headshot is lower chest and up, but we can also go waist up and even full body for more or a branded look for sessions that include that.
Typical headshots, shoes are not seen.
Glasses
To wear, or to not wear? That is the question.
Our suggestion, if you wear them during your day-to-day business activities, wear them for your headshot session.
Better yet, doing both - with and without - gives you additional looks!
GLASSES HOMEWORK: Two things!
Ensure glasses are clean. Use eyewear glasses cleaner, not just your shirt.
Ensure glasses are straight. Yup, this is a big one. Get them fixed before your session. Check right now :)
Undergarments / Under Shirts
Hide your straps. Viewers eyes are drawn to that right away.
Be aware of tighter shirts with thicker undershirts, the arm cuffs often show. Choose your undershirt accordingly.
Jewelry
Minimalistic is the takeaway here.
Simple earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets. Steer away from items that are large and bold. We want you to be seen, yes even if you sell big and bold jewelry, save those for the branding session photos. Headshots are meant to focus on you.
24 hrs Pre-Headshot Headshot Session
Sleep
Nervous and can’t sleep because of your headshot? Don’t be, we got you.
Everyone is different, ensure you are well-rested for your headshot shoot.
Recommend to not “wake up & show up” for your headshot. Your body needs time to wake up and smooth out sleep wrinkles!
That brings me to our next point, Movement . . .
Movement
“Motion creates positive emotion”
Plan this. Take one or two minutes prior to your headshot session to get yourself moving. Maybe a quick walk, moving your arms around or just some simple stretches, get a bit of blood flowing going. It will make you feel, and look, more positive. If you take only one thing from all of these Headshot Wisdoms, take this one. So important!
Plan Your Route
Infinite Eye Studio (36 Blackfoot Road, Sherwood Park, AB) is easy to find but it is smart to check well in advance of departing how long it could take to get to us.
We don’t say this just to make sure you are on time, that is important, but even more important, you don’t want to rush getting here - “Rushing causes face flushing”
Your Headshot Session
Guided Experience
This is where we step up and take care of you. We literally photograph 1000’s of individuals each year, so we know what we are doing.
Our proven system walks and talks you through everything. We got you!
Our ultimate goal for your headshot is to make YOU and US look good!
If you have any questions at all, please connect with us and we would be happy to help.
