How To Prepare For Your Professional Headshot Session
Nervous Is Normal
But...having your photograph taken doesn't need to be stressful. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your professional website, preparing for casting or simply need a new portrait, a little preparation can help you get the most from your session.
Our headshot sessions are designed to be relaxed and efficient, but here are a few things worth thinking about before you arrive at the studio.
A little inspiration
Save a few photographs you like to your phone and bring them along. They don't need to be professional headshots — they might simply be images you've seen online that you like the look or feel of.
Perhaps you like a particular lighting style, expression or pose. A few examples gives us a starting point and helps us understand what you're looking for.
We will have a board of ideas to look at and will talk to you as we start the session...so if you don't have any 'inspo' images its not a problem.
What should you wear?
The most important thing is to wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. There isn't one 'right' outfit for a headshot, and we'll work with whatever you bring.
There is often time for a quick change and bringing two different looks can create some useful variety. You could try something light and something dark, a jumper or jacket layered over a top, or something more formal alongside a more relaxed look.
A couple of options that feel like you are more than enough.
We recommend avoiding patterns and logos - especially for perfomers as agents want to ensure your face is the focus - not your outfit.
For business headshots, think about where you'll be using the photographs. Your LinkedIn profile might call for something different to your company website or personal brand.
For actors, performers and creatives, think about the type of work you're looking to represent. Your headshot should feel authentic to you rather than trying to look like somebody else.
Think about how you'll use your photographs
Before your session, consider where your new photographs will appear.
Are they for:
LinkedIn or other professional profiles?
Your company website?
Casting and auditions?
Social media?
A personal website or portfolio?
Promotional material?
Knowing how you intend to use your photographs helps us tailor the session and make sure we're creating images that work for you.
Making Your Time Matter
Some of our headshot sessions are deliberately short and focused. Our 30-minute sessions are designed to give you great professional portraits without taking up half your day.
We'll guide you through posing, expression and positioning, so you don't need to know what to do in front of the camera.
A quick chat when you arrive to understand what you need gives us more time to concentrate on creating great photographs right for you.
To some, it may seem impossible that great headshots only need 30 minutes. But in our experience that's plenty. For context...when we visit businesses for multiple headshots captured throughout the day we rarely get more than 5 minutes with each individual. So to us, 30 minutes is quite the luxury for capturing individual portraits full of personality.
Choosing your photographs
We don't expect you to spend your valuable shooting time scrolling through hundreds of photographs.
Throughout the session we will be doing quick reviews together via the tether screen, it enables us to create a shortlist as we go and ensures we are capturing shots you had in mind. You'll then receive access to a private gallery of your shortlist where you can make your final inclusive selections for editing from your own phone, tablet or pc.
This process allows us to make the most of your time in front of the camera and keeps the full selection and decision process separate from your actual photoshoot.
And finally... don't overthink it!
Your headshot should look like you.
Bring clothes you feel good in, a few examples of photographs you like and an idea of where you'll be using your images. We'll take care of the rest.
Whether you're looking for one of our professional headshot days at our Portsmouth studio for refreshed LinkedIn profiles, actor and performer headshots or a dedicated private headshot photoshoot...our job is to make the process straightforward and help you look and feel your best.
Fancy more to read...check out additional short articles such as 'How To Prepare For Your Photoshoot' for more helpful tips.
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