As a commercial photographer, I get asked this question often. In today's world, your headshot is often the very first thing people see and you want it to scream I AM AMAZING, LOOK AT ME.
Here are a few tips that I have learned along the way:
When choosing what to wear, look for solid colours, rather than busy patterns. Choose clothes that fit you well and make you feel confident. The worst thing you want is to feel subconscious about your clothes. This translates into the images, I promise you. It's hard to disguise discomfort.
If you want to wear patterns, choose ones on the more subtle scale. But try to stay away from very bold and busy patterns they distract from the subject of the photo which is YOU.
Layer: start with a simple shirt or blouse and add jackets or sweaters. This adds variety to the photos and visual interest.
Statement jewelry can be a great accessory. Necklaces, scarves, etc all bring visual interest. Don't be afraid to bring a few options.
Bring a few outfit changes. This can be as simple as an extra blazer or sweater. This helps create different looks and overall feeling of the images. But remember, only bring what you are comfortable wearing.
Make sure that all your clothes are ironed and pressed. If you are bringing extra clothes, hang them on hangers.
Bring a comb or brush for any flyaway hairs.
If you can, schedule an appointment with your hairstylist on the morning of the shoot.
In terms of makeup, start natural and build as you go. I like to recommend that you apply a little more than everyday but you aren't nightclubbing. So stay away from dark, smokey eyes. Stick to a natural look with a little extra. This can be simply adding mascara if you don't typically wear it. You want your eyes to pop.
Bring lipstick and powder for touch-ups during the shoot. A little lip gloss is great to have on hand to add a little sparkle to your lips
Don't do any extreme beauty regimens the night before like facial or chemical peels. The last thing you want is a skin reaction of some sort.
And remember, the most important thing to bring is your smile. Not the classically conditioned smile that we all have which we learned from years of school photos and people telling us to say cheese. The best headshots are the ones that really reflect you....authentically and confidently.
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any product/service.
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