Client Prep | Preparing for your Headshot Session
If you’re anything like me, you may be freaking out a little about what to wear for your session. But have no fear, your photographer is here.
I have created this guide to help you best prepare for your Headshot Session. This is compromised of points that I feel are most important as well as a few links to trusted articles and videos that I love and that have helped me as an actor get headshots done myself. Enjoy!
GROOMING
This should honestly go without saying, but I have to add this here just in case. Sometimes something that seems so small can make a huge difference. Grooming for your headshots is very important. Make sure you show up camera ready. That goes for your hair, skin, and clothing. Dirty, ripped, and wrinkled clothing can be seen in your photographs. So just be sure to take that extra time to double-check all of your clothing options and make sure they are in tiptop shape and that will really take your headshots a long way.
Let’s talk a bit about hair and makeup. For your headshots, you may want to go all out to look your absolute best, but one thing to keep in mind is that your headshots represent you and should 100% look like you. “What do you mean to look like you?” Glad you asked! What I mean is that you want to create a look that is very close to your natural everyday look so that if you ever show up to an audition or send in a self-tape you are able to easily recreate that look as closely as you can. If you don’t look like your headshots when you show up it would be very hard for the casting director to remember you or match up your information with your work. Also, sometimes there needs to be a quick turn around and you may not have time to book that hair and makeup appointment. Just make things easy on yourself and keep it simple.
Makeup can always be built up during your session. During your quick change, you may want to add a subtle lip color or a little eye liner for different types to add variety. That is perfectly fine.
STYLE/COLORS
The first thing I want you to focus on is knowing your type. As actors, we should understand the importance of a headshot and how it will be used. There won’t be just one good picture of you that is going to get you all types of roles. In your session, we will be working to bring out all of those different characters that you hope to be cast as. This means we have to be very clear on who those characters are, what they would wear, and how they would look. When you read those breakdowns you should be able to find that look that reads that character.
When picking out clothing you also want to make sure you find things that you feel confident and comfortable in. You want to make sure to stay away from anything that may be too tight or too loose. It should fit just right and feel like your character.
Next would be what colors to wear. This is sometimes the hardest part. The colors of your outfit can really make your headshots pop. It is very important to know what colors work for you and what colors may not. This could also change seasonally with weather and environments.
Here are a few tips to consider:
Find something that brings out the color in your eyes.
Don’t wear anything that is too close to your skin tone or brings out any unwanted blemishes in the skin.
Bring colors that are complementary to your hair color or skin tone.
BRING OPTIONS! A range of different colors, necklines, and shapes can make your headshots more interesting to look at.
White can be overpowering, but black can add drama.
Don’t think of it as planning a costume. You want natural suggestions toward the types you’re going for.
Please connect with your photographer on your outfit choices before the session! We are here and happy to help make your portraits the best they can be.
LAYERS
Layers. Layers. LAY-ERS!! Can you tell I love layers? This is the easiest way to tie everything together. Some often don’t think about this option but it adds a lot of play to the shoot. Layers of clothing can make the outfit more versatile and fun. Think about it, a jacket can be added or taken off and that would create a whole new look.
ACCESSORIES
Accessories aren’t really necessary at all. Again, the focus should be on you and the intention in your eyes. I wouldn’t go any further than stud earrings, because since your ears are so close to your face (basically on your face) earrings can easily divert attention away from the eyes. Leave all of your cool hats, scarfs, and necklaces/chains at the house. This session is all about YOU!
If you wear glasses, just like layers, they can add some versatility to your headshots. You can take some with glasses and some without.
LOGOS/PATTERNS
Logos can be super distracting and take attention away from YOU in your headshots. Avoid wearing clothing that has wording because you don’t want the agent or casting director “What does his shirt say?” or “Wow! That’s a nice shirt” I wonder where they got it".” Instead, we want “This shot really captures what we’re looking for. They look perfect for this role!”
Patterns can also be distracting like logos. Stripes add a weird effect to photos that may make the photo hard to look at.
Opt for something that has a cool texture instead. This adds a nice detail to the headshots.
Additional Resources
Here are some amazing links to videos and articles by some great people that I highly recommend for advice and examples on how to prepare for your headshot session. If you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to ask!
What's YOUR Type? , Choosing the Best Wardrobe, The Actors Part During Headshot Session, What Casting Director Look For in a Headshot, Commercial Headshots POV of Agent/Casting Director, 8 Prep Steps for Better Headshots, Wardrobe, Makeup, & Hair Advice, Day Of Headshot Session Advice, Color Psychology in Marketing