How to prepare for your headshot photo shoot
You’ve booked your shoot - well done for taking that first step! I will guide you every step of the way, so you end up with photos you love. I’m sure you’re brimming with ideas and we can work together to make your vision a reality.
Follow these steps to feel prepared and to get the most out of your shoot on the day.
1. Fill out the questionnaire
The brand questionnaire is a crucial first step to get clear on what you want from your photo shoot before we start. It covers your overall vision, your brand identity, and specifics like location and colour preferences. This step is important because it encourages you to think strategically, and it’ll help to ensure you end up with brand photos that help move your marketing forwards. It should only take around 10-15 minutes to complete (although if you’d like to add a mood board this might take a little longer). Grab a cup of tea and get your thinking cap on!
2. Choose what to wear
The clothes you wear can make a big difference to the feel of your photos. What you wear says a lot about your brand and style, and has a major impact on the first impression you make to potential clients. I can’t tell you exactly what to wear as you need to be you.
The most important thing when choosing your outfit(s) is to wear something that you feel completely comfortable and confident in. It’s also very important that what you wear fits you really well. It’ll really help us capture your spark! This is not the time to try something you’d never normally wear, or that pair of jeans that only look good from a certain angle. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, it’ll show in the photos. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help:
Do...
Wear bright colours (and your brand colours if possible)
I’m a big fan of using colour as it helps your photos to stand out and grab attention online. All the primary colours are great. Make sure the colours you wear will work on your website.
Wear blocks of solid colour
Colour blocking works MUCH better in photos than busy patterns, which can overwhelm your photos. A top or a jacket in one solid colour is a great choice.
Bring options
If you’ve booked one of my bigger brand shoots, then you can bring several full outfits and we’ll have plenty of time for changing. Pack a suitcase on wheels so it’s easy to transport. If you want to try and break the record for the most number of outfit changes, be my guest! (It currently stands at 7). For my mini shoots, we’ll usually only have time for a quick top change. It’s very useful to wear layers you can easily take off, or a jacket you can add/take off to add variety to your photos.
Wear things that fit really well
It’s important that your clothes are a great fit. If your clothes are too loose or slouchy, this can make you look bigger than you are. If they’re too tight, this can emphasise any wobbly bits! You might want to invest in something new for your shoot, but this is not essential.
Don't...
Wear white
If you aren’t a fan of bright colours, that’s absolutely fine. When choosing neutral colours, grey, cream or navy are much better choices than white, which often makes people look pale, bland and drained of any colour on camera.
Wear busy patterns
These will detract from your face and can overwhelm the image, particularly when we are working with vibrant backdrops. Solid blocks of colour are a much better choice.
Wear something you wouldn’t normally wear
If you feel uncomfortable, it will show in your photos
Wear clothes that are old, stained, bobbly or creased
This is likely to show up in your photos and will cost you more in retouching fees.
3. Choose your props
I love a prop! It’s such a great way of telling a story with your photos and helping to capture your unique spark.
For my mini shoots, this is not essential, but you can still bring one or two simple items if you like. For larger brand shoots, props are very much encouraged!
Here are a few tips for choosing great props:
Tell the story of what you do
This might be a laptop, notebook or camera. But have a think about any unusual ways you can bring your work to life. Some sensible ideas include a loudspeaker, microphone or headphones. Some more wacky ones are balloons, confetti or juggling balls. I’ve had people bring everything from a replica human brain (for a brain training coach) to a basket of vegetables (for a gardener). I’m always up for new and quirky ideas, so let’s get creative!
Represent your hobbies and passions
Think ahead about what social media posts you might want to write to help your audience get to know you. Good props here include musical instruments, your dog, your sketchbook or easel.
Think about your brand colours
Even a simple prop like a mug in your brand colour can make a real difference to your photos.
4. Practise some self-care
Here are some ideas to consider in the run up to your shoot. None of these are essential, so just pick and choose the ones that resonate with you.
Consider getting a haircut, colour or root touch up 1-2 weeks before the shoot. I won’t be able to hide grey hairs or roots in the photos and this might cost you more in retouching fees. Some clients like to get a blow dry on the morning of their shoot.
Consider having your make-up done professionally before the session or getting a make-up lesson so you can recreate the look on the day. I would highly recommend having a test run with the make-up artist you’re going to use first to check that you like the end result.
If possible, avoid drinking alcohol and eating salty foods a few days before your session so your skin doesn’t look tired (sorry!)
Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep so that your skin is glowing for the shoot.
5. Work on your mindset
Your mindset on the day will have a big impact on how you feel during the shoot, and consequently how your photos will look! Do everything you can to arrive feeling calm, grounded and confident. Here are some ideas that might help:
Listen to your favourite playlist on the morning of your shoot. You could even create one especially for the occasion! Think of the tunes that you always play to boost your mood and your confidence. For me, this is anything by Wham! or George Michael.
Arrive in good time. Suss out your transport and parking options in advance, and allow time to get to the venue a little early if you can. Rushing and feeling stressed are to be avoided at all costs!
Bring a compact mirror and some pressed powder to keep any shine at bay!