
We know the sound of "Headshots" can be terrifying for some people. So we decided to put together a list of 8 simple things you can do to help you feel more prepared for your upcoming headshot!
1. Hair
For women, it's best to have your hair frame your face. No ponytails or buns. No crazy up-dos. Blow out your hair for some volume, smooth out the frizz! Bring some hairspray with you just in case.
For men, please comb and style your hair. Use a little product to keep certain hairs in place especially if they won't lay down.
2. Skin
Try to drink as much water as you can in the week prior to your headshot. Hydration will keep your skin plump, smooth and clear. Try to eat healthy foods and stay away from fried and salty foods since they cause bloating and water retention.
Also avoid sun exposure, which can make you look tired and leave your skin irritated. If that's not possible, make sure to wear protective sunscreen when you are outside for long periods of time. Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before to avoid dark circles under your eyes. You can also try using an eye cream if you are prone to puffy eyes in the morning.
3. Facial Hair
Groom your brows and tweeze the ones in the middle. Unless you are Frida Kahlo de Rivera, we don't recommend the uni-brow look. Brush your brows up and outwards. You should also groom your facial hair. Keep it neat and low or none at all. Plucking can leave red marks, and bleaching can irritate skin, so be sure to do those things a couple of days before your session.
4. Teeth
Avoid anything that may stain your teeth on the day of your headshot photographs. Don't worry if your teeth aren't super white, that's what photoshop is for! :)
5. Nails
If your hands may be in your shot, it's best to make sure your nails are nicely manicured. For women, please stick to neutral colors. You want to stay away from super bright and bold colors.
6. Know What You Want
Take some time in advance to consider what kind of feeling you are trying capture in your image. Do a quick search on google to see different poses for headshots so that you can practice them in the mirror. If you still aren't sure what you think would work best, don't worry, that's why you have a photographer. Coming with some of your own ideas will be a big help.
7. Clothes
A headshot photo pictures the shoulders, or mid-chest, up to the top of the head, so the shirt is the most important item. Bring a few options with you just in case you decide you don't really want to wear what you picked out the night before. Avoid shirts with busy patterns as they distract from your face. Avoid solid black and white shirts as they wash out your skin tone and can cause issues with the camera’s exposure and/or the studio backdrop. The only time solid black or white is okay, is if you're planning to layer it under something else like a scarf or jacket.
Choose mid-tone colors in blue, wine, green and purple since they are universally flattering. Avoid wearing tops in flesh tones (cream, pastels, beige, tan, browns, yellow or peach) as they will blend your face into your clothes. Your face should pop the most in your photo.
Substitute black with richer neutrals like chocolate, navy, maroon and forest green. Also avoid clothing with large logos, the focus should be on your face. Most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable in what you're wearing! If you don't feel comfortable it will show in your pictures.
8. Makeup
For women:
Add a neutral lip color like a mauve or berry shade. You want some color on your lips to liven up your face a little. Please do not wear colors such as a bright pink or red as they take away the focus of your face.
Your makeup should be soft and neutral.
Concealer is your best friend! Use concealer on the areas that need correcting. Dab concealer under your eye and blend it in with a sponge (My personal favorite is the beauty blender sponge) or you can use your finger. Be sure to also cover blemishes and set these areas with powder.
Powder your nose, forehead and chin as well to bring down the shine.
Avoid heavy contouring of your face.
Bring blotting sheets with you if you tend to get oily.
For men:
Do use lip balm. Your lips should not be chapped or flaky. If you have chapped lips, start a few days in advance to get your lips in shape. Don’t wait until the day you are getting your headshot.
If you are comfortable trying a little concealer under your eyes if you have dark circles, go for it!
Last but certainly not least... HAVE FUN! Headshots shouldn't be stressful or scary. Make the most of it and enjoy the time with your photographer. Ask for some music in the background if it will help you relax. Take a look at some of the poses below and start practicing in the mirror.

Kommentare