Styling Your Headshot: Hair, Jewelry, Clothing Oh My!
Believe it or not, the success of your headshot shoot depends just as much on your preparation as it does on the people with whom you are collaborating (photographer, stylist, makeup and hair artist etc)!
There are a lot of things to think about before you get to your headshot appointment. Let’s go over them, shall we?
How will this image be used?
Professionally (website, digital signature, marketing pieces etc.), personally (portrait gifts, dating sites etc.) or all of the above? Your answer to these questions will drive the clothes and jewelry you choose, your hairstyle, makeup choices etc. Ask your photographer and stylist if you are allowed more than one clothing change and or jewelry change, for example. That way you know what you have to prepare.
What is your personal style?
What style do you want to project in this image? Think of one or two adjectives and share these with your collaborators. Ideas: Easy Going, Approachable, Warm, Business oriented, Trustworthy, “Gets the job done”, Elegant, Top notch, High Value, Glamorous, A Star, Unique, ”I want to meet her.”, Fun!, Moody, Exotic, Interesting.
Creating the Flawless Canvas: YOU.
These things should be taken care of several days ahead of time! Do not wait for “day of”! That’s so important, I will repeat it. Do not wait for the “day of” your shoot to get these items “done”.
- Get your hair cut if it needs it.
- Get your hair colored if your roots are showing and you don’t like that. This cannot be “fixed” in Photoshop.
- Get your brows shaped.
- All parts of body that will show should get exfoliated several days before and moisturized.
- If you like self tanner, apply two days ahead, because if a mistake is made, you can fix it the day before.
- Get a manicure. Some poses may show your hands.
- Work on chapped lips. Use a dry toothbrush to exfoliate dry skin off your lips before brushing your teeth. Apply lots of chapstick or a lip serum to repair lips.
- Practice smiling in the mirror. No joke. Is there a particular side that you like better than another? Is one of your eyes smaller than the other? These are things the camera can “improve” with your letting your photographer know about them. Getting warmed up by practicing smiling ahead of time will make the shoot much more enjoyable!
Ok, let’s talk clothing!
The best advice here is to wear what makes you feel GREAT! Think of the outfit that you have that says “you came to slay it”! If you feel great, your enthusiasm will shine through! Prep clothing:
- Dry clean, iron, check for holes, dog hair etc. Clothing issues cannot be “fixed” in Photoshop easily.
- Check that it fits you! Do a dry run. Try it all on. Look in the mirror. Do you FEEL GREAT?!
Choose items that accentuate what you like. For example, don’t bring sleeveless if you don’t like your arms. - Dark colors will recede and make you appear thinner.
- Bright shades can work!
- NO: horizontal stripes, puffy shoulders, bulky knits, fussy or busy patterns, shiny, oversized clothing that is baggy, clothing that is too tight, trendy
- YES to: flattering colors for you (if you need inspiration, go with colors that match the color flecks in your eyes), vnecks (elongates unless you have a long face), fluid fabric, age appropriate, able to move.
- Jewelry should be cleaned and fixed if broken. Think timeless and simple. Don’t want it to date you and the photo, but you want it to be “you”. Pick it out ahead of time.
- Think about the clothes you have chosen to bring and what jewelry goes well with the neckline etc. Earrings etc. For example, a necklace that falls underneath a neckline might be fine for every day but distracting in a photo - our eyes will go right there and make us think “what’s with that necklace? where does it end? etc”
- Do NOT bring your entire jewelry box.
In summary, arrive at your appointment with clean, dry hair pretty much in the style you want it to be (unless you have a stylist who will blow it out), don’t wear makeup (if possible) if you are having it done professionally. Wear one of your outfits and jewelry and then bring one change of clothing and jewelry if the photographer has indicated so. With all this prep, your headshot should come out absolutely glorious!
For more information on the headshots services I provide, click here.
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