Top 10 Tips for How to Prepare for your Headshot

1. TIMELESS STYLE

When choosing an outfit for your professional headshots we recommend items that will stand the test of time such as solid colored apparel. Avoid bright colors, branded t-shirts and especially heavy patterns as these tend to dominate the person in the photo. Earrings and neck jewelry can have a nice accent to your headshots however keep in mind to avoid long necklaces as they may be cropped in the final edit.

2. CLEAR LENSES

If you wear glasses be sure to deep clean your glasses, spray them with your favorite lens cleaner so that they're free of spots, smudges, speckles and finger prints.  Not all glasses work with studio lighting so we may need to do some with and some without and add them later in photoshop.

3. NAILS (FOR GIRLS & GUYS)

Don't forget to take this opportunity to get your nails done at your favorite salon and if you're not in to getting manicures and pedicures then at the very least clip your nails, clean them up, and trim your cuticles before your headshot session.  There a few poses where sometimes you might see your nails so it's best to be fully prepared.

4. FROM EAR TO EAR

Men | To be sure you're looking as sharp as possible by getting a clean shave the morning of your headshots.  Trim hairs around the nose, ears and eyebrows and keep your lips moist with a little chapstick. A fresh haircut a few days prior is almost always a great idea. Need a Barber? Click here for our recommendation --> Bakersfield Barber

Ladies | Avoid changing hair color or tanning the night before and instead try scheduling your appointments 1 week out, if you are decided to tan. Makeup for Headshots is just like television, wearing more than usual is a good idea only because, with controlled professional studio lighting, we often pick up even the slightest imperfections.

5. THE RIGHT FIT

If possible, try on your outfit 5-7 days prior to your photoshoot to avoid wrinkles, stains, lent, and even the wrong sized clothes.

6. GET SOME REST

The night before your photoshoot be sure to get a full 8 hours of sleep, if possible.  This will help your eyes and your expressions look more natural during your photoshoot.

7. HYDRATE

Drink plenty of water the week of your headshot session, if you can, try drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day leading up to your headshot session.  This will help your skin and your eyes look and feel much healthier.

8. BE COMFORTABLE

We recommend wearing clothes that fit your body the best.  No need to worry about fitting in to a size too small or too big.  We have editing magic hands that can fix just about anything in Post.

9. A COMPLETE OUTFIT MINDSET

Although a headshot is from the chest up, wearing a complete outfit from head-to-toe can help you focus and maintain the state-of-mind needed to having a successful headshot session. However, it's not required and completely up to you.

10. THE RIGHT BACKDROP

When choosing an outfit for your headshots be sure you know which backdrop you will want and if they will go together.  You can view our Backdrop options below.