Headshot Prep
10 Ways to Prep for Your Headshot
Preparing for a photoshoot can be exciting yet nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to choosing the right outfits. Whether you're gearing up for a professional headshot or a fun family session, what you wear plays a significant role in the final outcome. In this blog, we'll provide you with valuable tips on selecting outfits that enhance your look and match the theme of your photoshoot. From visualizing your session to practicing poses, planning your makeup, and selecting the perfect color palette based on the season, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the details to ensure you're ready to shine in front of the camera!
1. Visualize the Session
One of the best things you can do to prepare for your headshot session is to start visualizing it!
Think about the message you want to send with your headshots and what you want people to see when they look at your photographs.
Then, start picturing yourself in the session and how you want to look in the final photographs. Do you want to look confident? Relaxed? Excited?
Also, if this is your first time receiving a professional headshot, then it can be a little nerve-wracking having a giant camera lens pointed at your face. It’s only natural to feel a tiny bit uneasy if you aren’t used to it — so visualize the lens in front of you and still stay relaxed.
2. Practice Your Smile and Poses
Yes, practicing your smile and poses may sound a bit silly but it can really help you feel more prepared and confident for your headshot session!
Start by standing in front of a mirror and smiling. Try different types of smiles until you find one that you’re comfortable with and that looks genuine.
Then, start practicing different poses. Try tilting your head to the side, placing your hands on your hips, or even crossing your arms in front of your chest.
The goal is to find a few poses that you’re comfortable with and that help you look natural and relaxed in front of the camera.
Don’t worry if you feel a bit silly at first — the more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel in front of the camera!
3. Plan Your Makeup Style
This tip is for all the ladies out there.
If you’re planning on wearing makeup during your headshot session, then take some time to plan your makeup style beforehand.
Start by thinking about the message you want to send with your headshots. If you’re going for a corporate headshot, then you’ll want to keep your makeup more natural and professional looking.
On the other hand, if you’re going for a casual headshot, then you can have some fun with your makeup and go for a more glamorous look.
The key is to make sure your makeup style matches the tone of your headshots.
Once you’ve decided on the style of makeup you want to wear, start planning what specific products you’re going to use.
Make sure to test out the products beforehand so you know they look good on camera and that they won’t cause any issues during the headshot session (like making you look shiny or giving you a weird skin reaction).
You may want to bring along a small makeup bag with your essentials so you can touch up your makeup before each headshot.
4. What Color Shirt to Wear for Headshots?
When it comes to choosing a shirt to wear for your headshots, you want to choose a color that compliments your skin tone. More ideas for colors can be found here.
If you have a fair skin tone, then you’ll want to avoid wearing shirts that are too dark. This will make you look washed out in the photographs.
Instead, opt for lighter colors like white, cream, light blue, etc. These colors will compliment your fair skin tone and make you look great in the photographs!
If you have a medium skin tone, then you have a bit more flexibility when it comes to choosing a shirt color. You can go with lighter colors like white, cream, light blue, etc. or you can go with darker colors like dark blue, black, etc.
It really depends on your personal preference and what you think looks best on you!
5. Headshot Do’s and Don’ts
Now that you know how to prepare for your headshot session, let’s go over some general do’s and don’ts.
Do
· Wear clothes that compliment your skin tone
· Listen to the photographer’s instructions
· Ask questions if you’re feeling unsure about something
· Relax and have fun!
Don’t
· Wear clothes that are too dark or too light
· Eat a big meal before the shoot
· Wear something that you don’t feel confident in
· Be afraid to communicate with the photographer
These are just some general tips to keep in mind for your headshot session. Just remember to relax and have fun! The more fun you have, the better your photographs will turn out.
6. Best Thing to Wear for Headshots?
Now that you know what color shirt to wear for headshots, let’s talk about what to wear for a professional headshot.
The best thing to wear for headshots is something that you feel confident and comfortable in. This can be a suit, dress, jeans, shirt, etc.
You want to avoid wearing anything that is too loose or too tight. You also want to avoid wearing anything that is too revealing.
Remember, you want the focus to be on your face so choose an outfit that will complement your face and make you look great!
7. Hairstyles for Professional Headshots
When it comes to choosing a hairstyle for your professional headshots, you want to choose something that is flattering and professional.
If you have long hair, you can wear it down or in a low ponytail. If you have short hair, you can style it in a sleek and polished way or leave it natural.
You also want to make sure that your hair is out of your face so that the focus is on your face.
Some good hairstyles to consider are low ponytail, sleek and polished, natural, etc.
I always like to tell the clients to wear their hair in a hairstyle similar to if they were to have a job interview. Whatever hairstyle that is, wear it like that.
8. How to Smile for a Headshot?
Now that you know what to wear and how to style your hair, let’s talk about how to smile for a headshot.
The best way to smile for a headshot is by smiling with your eyes. This means that you want to smile from the inside out.
You also want to avoid smiling too broadly as this can come across as fake or forced. A natural and genuine smile is always best!
Finally, make sure that your teeth are looking good! This means that you should brush them and floss them before your headshot session.
If you have any concerns about your teeth, then you can always consult with a dentist beforehand to see if there is anything that you can do to improve the appearance of your teeth.
I always advise my clients to smile in a way that makes them feel natural and relaxed. For example, if you are a person who usually doesn’t smile big in “real life,” then no need to try and force that out for the headshot.
If you are more of a half-smile type of person, then just do that! If you don’t really like smiling, then don’t smile!
Whatever feels natural is how you should smile for the headshot.
9. Best Color for Female Headshots
There are a few colors that are particularly flattering for female headshots. These colors include:
· Pink
· Nude
· Lilac
· Taupe
· Peach
· Coral
· Red
· Grey
· Black
These colors are soft and feminine and they will help you look your best in your headshot. The neutral white, grey, and black work as well because they are neutral. So, if you’re looking for a flattering color for your headshot, then consider one of these colors!
10. Best Color for Male Headshots
There are a few colors that are particularly flattering for male headshots. These colors include:
· Blue
· Grey
· Green
· Teal
· Black
These colors are masculine and they will help you look your best in your headshot. The neutral white, grey, and black work as well. So, if you’re looking for a flattering color for your headshot, then consider one of these colors!
We hope these tips help you feel more prepared and confident for your upcoming photoshoot. Remember, the key is to choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and reflect your personality. Whether you're planning a professional headshot, a family photo session, or capturing special milestones, J. Warrington Visual Creations is here to make your vision come to life. With our expertise and personalized approach, we'll ensure your photos are nothing short of stunning. Ready to capture those precious moments? Book your session with J. Warrington Visual Creations today and let’s create beautiful memories together!
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