Welcome, gentlemen! You’ve booked a headshot session - awesome! What’s next? What do you need to do to prepare for your headshots? As a professional photographer in Houston with 10-plus years of creating “hire-me-now” headshots, I understand the importance of making that scroll-stopping first impression that can open doors to new opportunities. To help you prepare for your upcoming session, let’s dive into the essentials of grooming, clothing selection, and other valuable tips to ensure you look your best in front of the camera.
Grooming: The Key to a Polished Look
Grooming is the foundation of a successful headshot. Make sure you pay attention to these necessities in the week before your session:
Hair: Schedule a haircut a week or so before your shoot to allow some time for it to settle. Avoid experimenting with a completely new hairstyle right before your shoot. Stick to a look you’re comfortable with and that reflects your personality.
Facial Hair: If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it’s neatly trimmed. Decide on the level of facial hair you want in your headshot and maintain it consistently in the days leading up to the session.
Skin: Ensure your skin looks its best by maintaining a consistent skincare routine. Moisturize daily (night is a good time) and get plenty of rest to avoid under-eye bags and puffiness. (Your images will be retouched, but starting with the cleanest possible canvas is always best!)
Nails: Your hands may not feature prominently in your images, but if you are doing a Signature session or need more than one shot, your hands may show up in some of your images. Well-groomed nails that are clean, trimmed, and well-shaped with no ragged cuticles or raw skin will contribute to an overall polished look. A manicure the day before is a great idea. If you bite or pick at your nails, get a manicure a week before which will help curb the temptation to pick at the skin.
Lips: Use a moisturizing lip balm at night for a few evenings before your headshot (no, Carmex is NOT a lip moisturizer!) to avoid dry, cracked lips in your headshot. C. O. Bigelow and Aquaphor are my faves.
Consider hiring a stylist. Hear me out on this one, OK? Frequently when I’m on location with corporate executives, companies will ask me to bring a stylist for both men and women. The stylist I work with is amazing at getting men ready for the camera. She’ll trim up the back of your neck, sideburns, and even ear and nose hair and give your hair an extra bit of professional style. If you’re interested in some products to reduce shine, she’ll take care of that without making you look like a made-up clown. Trust me, she’s great!
Wardrobe Selection: Dress to Impress
Your choice of clothing can significantly impact the outcome of your headshot. Follow these guidelines to select the perfect wardrobe:
Classic and Timeless: Opt for classic, timeless pieces that won’t go out of style (especially if you are in an industry that encourages more conservative dress). Simple, solid colors work best as they draw attention to your face rather than the outfit.
Collars and Necklines: A collared shirt or blazer is a classic and sophisticated option. V-neck or crew neck shirts can work well for a more casual look. Stick to solids for a clean, fresh, simple look.
Layering: Layering can add depth and texture to your headshots. Consider adding a well-fitting jacket or a sweater over your shirt for a stylish touch.
Avoid Busy Patterns: Avoid clothing with busy patterns or loud logos, as they can be distracting and take attention away from your face.
Lose the Undershirt: Even if you wear an undershirt every day, you don’t need it for your headshot. A white t-shirt peeking out of your dress shirt is not a good look for your headshot - I promise!
Bring Variety: If you’ve chosen the Signature headshot session, I’ll photograph two outfits (and we can create even more looks by removing jackets and accessories). Feel free to bring several options that we can look at together and I’ll make suggestions.
Darker Colors Are Slimming: If you’re concerned about your weight, dark colors against a dark background are your best friend. This approach to clothing brings the viewer’s attention right to the face and less to the size and shape of your body.
For even more detail on clothing selection, see my blog post on What To Wear For Your Headshots.
Rest and Hydration
Ensure you’re well-rested the night before your shoot. Take it easy on the alcohol, too. A good night’s sleep will help you appear refreshed and energetic in your photos. Also, drink lots of water (the advice of 8 glasses a day is solid) to plump and soften the skin.
Communicate Ahead of Time
If you know you need a specific background color or pose, I’d love to know ahead of time so I can be ready for you when you arrive. I keep white, black, ivory, and a few shades of gray backgrounds on hand at the studio. If you need a specific color, just let me know and I can order it for you if there is enough lead time. Knowing how you plan to use your images also helps me with both shooting and cropping. And if you are a content creator or entrepreneur and want keywords embedded in your metadata, let me know what keywords you want and I will add them for you! (See my related blog post on optimizing your images for SEO and online visibility.)
Confidence is Key!
It's natural to feel a bit nervous before your headshot session, but remember that confidence shines through in photographs and comes primarily from the eyes. Relax, breathe, and trust me to capture your best angles and expressions. During your session, I will walk you through exactly what to do to make sure we get fantastic shots that will get rave reviews from your friends, family, and colleagues.
Wrapping It Up
Your headshot is a visual representation of your identity and personal brand. By following these grooming, wardrobe, and preparation tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving a headshot that truly reflects your best self. Remember, the right photographer can make all the difference, so choose one who understands your vision and can guide you throughout the process. Embrace the experience, relax, and let your unique personality shine through your headshots!