Tips for your Headshots Session

About Headshots

This business is all about your face. It has to grab the attention of the person looking through a stack of hundreds of other faces. Something about you needs to stand out. For casting agents and directors, professional presentation is everything and nothing less than the best will do. We know how to take great, high quality headshots that capture your personality and give you the edge you need. With your decision alone to have professional headshots taken, you have just elevated yourself above many of your competitors!

Headshots need to look just like you - showing your personality and capturing the essence and uniqueness of who you are is what they're all about.

Make sure you look your best, while maintaining your real look, with natural make-up and hairstyle. Casting directors expect to see the same person on paper as they do in person. Make sure your headshots are always up-to-date with any changes like hair color, hair length, glasses, facial hair, etc. (*If you've shot with me within the year and need some updates, I'll give you half off the total cost for a 2nd session)

Do I Need a Make-up Artist and Hair Stylist in order to have great Headshots?

While it's fun to be glamourized for a day, if your look isn't natural, doesn't look like the real you and isn't something you can easily re-create on your own, a stylist probably isn't for you. However, if you just need some help creating a natural look you'll continue, a make-up artist or hair stylist can be a good choice. Base your decision on this simple truth: if a casting director chooses to call you in based on your headshot, you absolutely must look like your headshot.

Before Your Photo Shoot

If you have an agent, talk to them about the types of photos you'll need. Some agencies require a certain number and variety of looks as well as full-body images. Make sure you know what your agency requires so you get the most out of your session.

Talk to your agent about prints as well. Some agencies require black and white while others request color. Find out the specifics about what your particular agency recommends.

If you are not currently working with an agency, talk to people in the industry and find out what the current recommendations are.

Model Release

When you arrive, you will be asked to sign a Model Release (minor clients must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will monitor the sitting and sign the release). As the photographer, I hold the copyright to the images I take. I use them for advertising and promotion for further photography work. By signing the permission form, you are allowing me to use the pictures for my website and other advertising. I will, in turn, give you permission to use and share your images and to make any prints you would like.

Your Look and Roles

Before the shoot begins, I will talk with you about the types of images you want. We’ll talk about the roles you would like to play and look at any sample images you have brought, including previous headshots you may want to duplicate or take ideas from. All of this will help me understand the look you want. Talk to your agent ahead of time to make sure you understand the type of look(s) they recommend for you.

Our photo shoot will focus on your “genuine or neutral look” which can be applied to many different roles. If you are applying for a specific part (or parts) and have been directed by your agent to get a specialized look just for that part, let me know and we will get you some shots specific to those roles.

What to Wear

Bring several (5+) different outfits to give you a variety of looks to choose from. Bring clothes that you feel comfortable in and make you feel and look your best. *Please arrive dressed in your first outfit, with hair and make-up done or ready for the make up artist

• Solid, bold, vibrant colors work the best (pastels and paler shades tend to wash-out). Remember darker and/or bolder shades draw more attention to your face - and that's what we want.

• Choose colors that compliment your skin tone and bring out your features (i.e. bright blue shirt for blue eyes, etc.). If you've been told you look really good in something - wear it!

• Avoid busy patterns and lines/stripes

• No logos, writing or brand designs on your clothing

• Neckline rules: V-neck lengthens the neck; round neckline shortens it. Collars frame the face well, without taking away length from your neck. A collared shirt with a V-neck or a few buttons undone is common.

• Suits or jackets are great for men as an additional look

• Clothes should be neatly pressed and look well cared for

• Keep jewelry to a minimum -if you really don't need to wear it, it's better to elimiate the distraction.

• If you always wear glasses and can't see without them, don't put them away for your headshots. Remember - you need to show your real self. Lighting can be adjusted to eliminate glare, or sometimes lenses can be removed from the frames if needed.

• Jeans are okay for headshots only pictures, but for full or mid-length shots, you probably want to bring something a little more formal.

Hair and Makeup Tips

*Please arrive with hair and make-up ready for the shoot if you are not opting for a professional makeup artist

• Make-up should be clean and natural

• Bring translucent powder and powder brush - especially if you're prone to shine. Powder magically makes shine disappear, pores seem smaller and skin looks more even.

• Don’t cover everything up with heavy make-up – if you have freckles, show them – it’s what makes you unique – and remember, these pictures need to look like you!

• If you have a blemish the day of the shoot – don’t worry – cover it up the best you can. It will magically disappear with a little digital retouching.

• Schedule hair cuts a week or so ahead of the shoot so hair falls more naturally

• Stay away from new products for hair, face or body - up to a few days before your shoot

• Avoid over-styling or “fad” hair styles using accessories or barrettes

• Hairstyle should be clean and simple – nothing too out of the ordinary for you

• Nails – make sure they are clean and well groomed. Bare nails are best - remember to remove chipping nail polish!

• Just For Men: Make sure you shave before before arriving, unless you want the rugged look. You are welcome to take some photos with stubble and bring your own shaving accessories to shave for another look.

What Else to Bring and Last Minute Tips

• Sample images and/or previous headshots to help express the look you want

• Hair brush and/or comb

• Hair spray

• Make-up products and brushes for touch-ups

• Your favorite drink to help keep your hydrated and a small snack if needed (especially for shoots longer than an hour)

• You are welcome to bring someone along to help you with clothing or make-up/hair touch-ups. Make sure you won’t feel uncomfortable with them there. If it makes you a little uneasy, just bring yourself. *If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian through the entire shoot.

• Practice your poses and expressions at home in the mirror and with friends or family. Practice always helps. You will feel more at ease in front of the camera.

• Drink lots of water, eat a nutritious meal and get a good night sleep prior to your session.