Getting new headshots can be stressful, we completely understand that. Most people rank having their picture taken somewhere slightly above going to the dentist, and that’s okay. We photograph hundreds of people every year and, as a result, we see enough of this kind of stress that we thought it would be appropriate to address it. As a commercial portrait studio, pretty much every person we photograph is getting headshots for their job. Whether that’s an attorney getting a new LinkedIn shot, or an actor looking for a great commercial headshot, it’s all business. Whatever your trade, we know from experience that the most successful sessions happen when you come prepared. If you want to look and feel your best, take a look at our checklist of ways that you can nail your headshot session.
1. Manage Your Time
If you are worried about your session, then don’t rush it. Sometimes it takes a little while to warm up in front of the camera when having your headshot done. Consider booking a slightly longer session to make sure you have time to relax and be yourself. The length of your session isn’t the only thing that you might want to manage. To keep your stress level low, don’t bookend your session with other appointments. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready before and plenty of time to get where you need to be after. You should walk out of a photo shoot looking and feeling relaxed and energized, not rushed.
2. Get Plenty of Rest
Many professionals have crazy lives due to work and family obligations. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to take care of yourself, but lack of rest is a huge contributor to stress. This can affect everything from your attitude to your complexion. Make sure that in the two or three days leading up to the session, you do as much as you can to find time to rest. Get some decent exercise in to make sure you are tired and ready to rest come bed time. A couple nights of great sleep can make a huge difference in how you feel and look. Set aside time for yoga, meditation, a bath, or even some reading if a solid seven hours of sleep is out of the question. Being well-rested can make a big difference in how your images turn out.
3. Great Nutrition
Good nutrition leading up to your headshot session can improve your looks and your mood. Stay away from fried foods, excessive salt and sugar, and alcohol. Instead make sure to drink plenty of water and lots of fresh, clean food. Eating clean can help you sleep better, have more energy, and give your skin a healthy glow. Start watching what you eat in the week leading up to your session, you might be so surprised by the results, you may actually stick with it after your headshot session is over. Check out this article from Everyday Health on foods that can give you healthier-looking skin.
4. Plan Your Wardrobe
The clothes you bring to a session can make or break the quality of the images. Remember, what you wear on a day-to-day basis isn’t always the right choice.. Professional images are for your brand, so that means you are trying to communicate something specific. Therefore, make sure your clothing choices are deliberate and that they send the right message. Bring classic pieces that are in your color pallet. Just because you like to wear certain colors, that doesn’t mean that those colors are the ones you look the best in. Check out our guide on Picking the Right Colors for Your Skin Tone.
5. Set Your Expectations for Headshots
Have you ever considered it’s possible to get great headshots that you don’t love? Think about that. Your photographer could create fantastic images of you that you don’t love. If you want to LOVE your headshots, make sure to communicate your expectations. Show specific examples of headshots you like and don’t like. Pick your favorites from their website! This will let them know why you to picked them in the first place. Also, never be afraid to share examples of images that you like, no matter where you find them. Start a conversation about the style and mood you are going for with great examples to draw on for inspiration. That kind of feedback can get everyone on the same page and help ensure that you will love the results. You can collaborate with your photographer by starting a Pinterest Board. Check out our Pinterest Boards here for ideas.
Check out these other resources we have to help you get ready for your session:
Check out all of our session and pricing information for headshots
Skin Care Tips for Looking Headshot Ready
