Knowing how best to prepare, or what to bring along to your shoot can be confusing! As with any photo shoot, the better prepared you are, the more likely you are to get the images you're looking for! In this blog I run through what to do in the days leading up to your shoot and on the day itself to make sure you're as prepared as possible!
Skin & Makeup
Try to stay away from alcohol
Stay hydrated (with water if you can)
Stay away from oily or greasy foods
Apply your makeup (if you're planning on wearing any) evenly
Staying away from alcohol and oily or greasy foods the day before and on the day of your shoot will help your skin look at its best. Staying hydrated will also help your skin look full and clear. If you're going to wear makeup, make sure you apply this as evenly as possible so that no makeup catches the light in a way skin naturally wouldn't. A matte foundation often works best to avoid any shiny patches on your face.
Be sure to apply makeup that's relevant to what you're using the images for. What do you normally wear, what kind of image are you looking to portray? Don't worry about last minute breakouts etc, these can easily be removed in photoshop. Scars, freckles, or moles will usually be kept (unless you don't want them to be) as these are part of who you are. If you would like anything specifically removed do let me know!
Teeth
Not much to say on this one.....but make sure they're clean haha!
Jewellery/Glasses
Wear what you normally would
Wearing jewellery or glasses, again, depends on what you're using the images for. If you usually wear glasses or earrings for example, and your images are going to be displaying how you usually look, then by all means wear them as normal! If, however, you're trying to convey a certain look for something specific, you can remove or add glasses/jewellery etc as needed.
Hair
Washed
Tidy
Relevant
Make sure your hair is clean and tidy for the shoot so you look your best. Also make sure your hair style is relevant and is how you want to be seen. If you’re a performer for example, there's no use styling your hair like an 80's pop star if you want to be cast or seen for more up to date productions. If you're having your headshots taken for professional/business purposes, how do you wear your hair at work? You can change your hair style between shots if you need a few different looks. Please remember to bring along any hair accessories/brushes/hairdryers etc you may need to change your hair on the day.
Clothing
Clean
Ironed
Fairly Plain
Relevant
Make sure the clothing you wear to your shoot is in tip top condition. Freshly washed and ironed is always a good way to go. Neutral tones such as greys, light blues, mustards and whites work really well for headshots as the emphasis is place on your face. Making sure these are also fairly plain and don't have confusing patterns on them is also a good shout. That said, if you're going for an edgy/out there look, then feel free to wear what you please! Please try to stay away from clothing that directly matches your skin tone for headshots.
Clothing again needs to be relevant as to what you’re going to be using the images for. Bring a couple of options that we can try and some layering options too eg. jackets, open shirts & jumpers etc. You’ll have access to a bathroom to change in on the day.
On the Day
Be on time
Cancel/change you appointment in enough time if needed
Finally, make sure you're on time for your shoot. You'll always have a specific time slot on the day so to give you the most amount of shooting time, and to make sure you're not rushed and flustered, get there with plenty of time to spare. Shoots will not be extended if you are late.
Hopefully the above has given you an idea of what to bring and how to prepare for your shoot. Post any other tips you have below for others to read!
Jonny