Picture Perfect: The Day of the Shoot

The Day of the Shoot
So you’ve chosen a photographer and set up an appointment – how do you make the most of your photo shoot? Here are a few basic tips that will help you get the headshot you want:

1) Bring several changes of clothes to your shoot.
It’s always wise to give yourself options – especially when you’re working in black and white, and with artificial light, it’s hard to know how your clothes are going to read on film. As a general rule, simple dark-colored tops are a good choice (although if you have very dark skin or hair, you may want to choose a lighter shade to provide some contrast). Above all, avoid anything with patterns or graphics – you want a headshot to draw attention to your face, not your shirt.

2) Keep hair and makeup simple.
You want to be neat and tidy, but remember that you want this to look like you, and not like a character you’re playing. Style your hair as you normally would (for women with long hair, you should always leave it out long). Keep makeup to a minimum – it’s OK to cover up any noticeable blemishes and maybe use a little bit of lipstick or mascara, but the effect should be a natural one. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing makeup.

3) Try a few different styles and poses.
The photographer will probably help you with this by making suggestions and perhaps even posing you himself, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Try both smiling and serious shots; try tilting your head at different angles; try including a hand or arm in the shot. Ask the photographer to shoot using different types of light; if you’re doing an outdoor or scenic shot, work with a few different backgrounds.

4) Above all, RELAX!
Your headshots will be most effective if you appear relaxed and casual. Don’t freeze up! Be yourself, but don’t be afraid to sell yourself a little, too. Don’t be a ham – but do treat this like a performance. Try to see the camera as a good friend whom you haven’t seen in a while, or maybe like someone you want to impress. Be colorful – show us your personality! A good photographer will be able to capture your natural beauty – make sure you give him the opportunity. Just be you, and you’ll be fine.