How to Prepare for your Headshot Photoshoot
It’s quite likely that you’re not really looking forward to your headshot session! Don’t worry – almost all my clients tell me how much they hate having their photo taken! They feel uneasy about the whole idea – it doesn’t matter whether you need a simple LinkedIn profile picture, a company website update, or you are building a personal brand. Facing the camera can be genuninely daunting and scary.
But….a headshot photoshoot isn’t as bad as you think!
I hope to reassure you that the experience doesn’t have to be unpleasant. I take pride in making my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera because I completely understand how awkward it can be for many.
“Amazing experience with Georgina for some professional headshots I needed quickly. She was great at getting me to smile naturally. Even though I hate having my photos taken she made me feel very at ease throughout the process.”
Steve Cadogan
To help you prepare for your headshot session, there are a few simple steps you can take beforehand. These will ensure you get the most out of your session, produce the best possible images, and, hopefully, ease any worries you may have!
Top Tip
PREPARE IN ADVANCE
1. Think through what you want to wear
- Think about your brand (if you have one) or your business, and how you want to present yourself to your ideal clients or customers.
- Consider what colors suit you, which styles work best, and how you want to showcase your personality in line with your role or industry. It’s important to wear colors that complement you and clothing that fits well.
- Avoid clothes that you wouldn’t normally wear or items that don’t fit well, as they are likely to make you feel uncomfortable and it’s important that you are as comfortable as possible for your shoot so we can capture shots that you will love.
- With headshots, we typically want the focus to be on your face, so solid-colored clothing is often a great choice. That said, subtle patterns can also work beautifully, so feel free to experiment with different outfits beforehand to find what makes you feel most confident.
- Make sure your clothing is wrinkle-free, especially if your session is later in the day. If that’s the case, consider wearing a different outfit in the morning to keep your selected outfit looking sharp for the shoot, especially if you’re wearing a shirt under a jacket.
Be sure to try on all your options beforehand, and don’t be shy about asking a family member or friend for feedback!
2. Accessorise
Consider adding a jacket, a coat, a tie, or braces to your wardrobe options. These items can help create images that suit different seasons, which might be useful depending on your business or role. You may want to have a mix of ‘summer’ and more layered ‘cold weather’ shots.
“Fabulous experience and wonderful photos. Highly recommend.”
Nicholas Ridley-Wilson
3. Consider your facial appearance
- If you’re investing in headshots, you may as well go all-in and help yourself to the best pictures you can get. Take care of yourself! Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before your session and stay hydrated to look your best.
- Don’t forget your hair! Why not head to the barbers for a quick tidy up and if you’re on the more hirsute end of the scale, get those ear and nose hairs seen to at the same time!
- And the same goes if you have facial hair, be sure to give it a good tidy up on the morning of your shoot.
4. Let me worry about the posing
As your professional photographer, my job is to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. With years of experience working with nervous clients, I’ve mastered the art of gently guiding you into flattering poses, offering tips on where to place your hands, and advising on the best way to position your head. You don’t need to worry about any of those details—I’ll walk you through the entire process and even show you the photos as we go along, so you can see just how amazing you look!
5. Relax!
Almost every one of my clients arrives telling me they hate having their photo taken. It’s an incredibly common feeling, and completely understandable. Being in front of the camera can feel a little daunting at first, particularly if you’re not used to it. That’s exactly why I approach every session with patience, a relaxed pace and plenty of reassurance. My job isn’t simply to take photographs; it’s to help you feel comfortable, confident and completely at ease so that the experience is actually enjoyable. There’s no pressure and no rush, just a calm and friendly environment where we can take the time to create natural images that really feel like you. By the end of the session, most people are surprised by how much they’ve enjoyed the process, and that’s always the best outcome of all.
“I’d like to thank you for your patience and thoughtfulness when you came to take some photos. I’m not comfortable when I have photos taken but you made me feel comfortable and I think you probably created the best pics I’ve ever had.
Greg Martin
Now that you know how to prepare for your headshot photoshoot, you can sit back and relax and ENJOY your shoot!
Who is your Headshot Photographer?
It’s Me! Hi, I’m Georgina.
I have a genuine passion for photographing people. My clients tells me time and again how much they hate having their photo taken. By the end of their sessions, they are telling me how much fun it was!
I pride myself in putting people at ease in front of the camera and making each and every photoshoot as much fun as possible.
I have photographed marketing specialists, graphic designers, yoga instructors, screen writers, therapists and many others besides. If you would like to chat about your own personal branding photography session, please do get in touch.