PhotographyFrequently Asked Questions

• Well in advance: Guys, if you want pictures with and without facial hair, start growing your beard with enough time for it to grow in. You can shave it during the session, but it’s tough to grow it the day before.
• One week before: Take care of all your beauty treatments (haircut, color, eyebrows, tanning, etc.) so the treatments are fresh but look natural.
• 72 hours before: Drink lots of water; avoid caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and salty foods; stay out of the sun. Don’t forget to moisturize.
• The night before: Sleep. Lots and lots of sleep.
• That day: Make sure the clothes you want to wear are clean and pressed. If you’re using a makeup artist, come to the shoot with your face clean and product-free except for moisturiser.

Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, give a lot of thought to what image you want your picture(s) to convey. Then practice posing in front of a mirror. You might feel silly, but it helps. Trust me.

A headshot is used to describe any photograph of an actor or entertainer or individual photographed specifically for use as promotional material; i.e. resumes, press releases e.t.c.

A great headshot looks like you

A great headshot shows your ‘type’

A great headshot shows your personality

You should like and feel comfortable in the clothes you wear in a headshot session. What do you wear to auditions? Chances are you should wear the same type of outfit for your headshot.

Bring shirts in a variety of collars/necklines. The picture may be cropped pretty tight, and some collars and sleeves look funky when cut off. Women, don’t forget to bring bras that match your tops’ colors and necklines.

Solid colors are usually better. Patterns and busy prints distract from your face. The same goes for clothes with big buttons or other features that might take away attention from that beautiful mug of yours. Fine textures and weaves often look nice in pictures.

Wear jeans or dark pants. Even though it is a headshot, your waist and legs might show up. In addition, you might want to bring a dress, suit, skirt, or something else different from a typical pants & top combo.

Make sure your clothes are pressed and clean and free from lint/dust/pet hair.

Choose clothes that complement your skin tone and eye color. No solid white shirts if you’re Caucasian or light-skinned. And bright red usually doesn’t work for anybody. It’s just too strong a color.

Fair skin and blue eyes? Try blues, pinks and grays.

Green eyes? Try browns, greens and oranges.

Medium or dark skin and brown eyes? You can probably wear most colors, but avoid those that closely match your skin tone (contrast is key).