Preparing for a Head Shot Session

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In this digital age, head shots are a great way to introduce yourself to potential clients and partners before they have the chance to meet you. Whether you’re using photos in your dating profile, social media, or job application, it’s important to have a professional photo that is updated every few years.

Melissa Huus with Exit Realty

Why then do so many of my new clients say they’ve put off getting professional photos taken for years, even decades? I believe the reason is because it is naturally uncomfortable being in front of the camera. And for good reason! It’s not every day we have a camera in our faces (except movie stars, and I haven’t photographed any of those. YET.)

I am a people-person (you’ll find me a the far end of the extrovert scale — an extra extrovert if you will). I tend to ask a lot of questions to help me understand my clients best before the shoot. I often do a little homework and location scouting before a shoot to ensure that before it begins I’m well prepared.

I will make your head shot session comfortable and fun. Don’t believe me? Just ask Melissa Huus, who said “You made it so easy to be in front of the camera. I just love you!”

Use these tips to make the most of your head shot session:

Choose a Studio or Environmental Session

I have a traveling studio complete with a backdrop and lighting that I can set up in your home, office, or place of business. Or we could take environmental photos outdoors or in a space that reflects the type of work you do. A more extensive session with multiple locations and clothing changes would be considered a Branding Session.

Decide on Styling

What type of attitude do you want to convey through photos? Do you want to seem warm and approachable? Artistic and creative? Stoic and serious? Playful and fliratious? Laid back? Boisterous? Enigmatic? All of that will come through photos based on your clothing, hair, and makeup choices. While I won’t tell you what to wear, I will give you an idea of things to consider.

  • Corporate America has become more casual in many ways. If you’re allowed to wear jeans to the office, you can wear them in photos as long as they are clean and free from large rips and tatters.

  • I always tell people to add variety to their photos using layers. Wear a cardigan, jacket, or scarf that we can take on or off for photos.

  • As a general guideline (not a rule) keep jewelry to a minimum and don’t wear your watch in photos. Unless you have one of THOSE watches that needs to be showcased.

  • Be strategic about colors. Does blue really make your eyes pop? What colors look the best with your skin tone and hair? Are you a warm spring or a cool winter? If you need help determining what colors are best for you, follow Created Colorful on Instagram.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The best way to feel comfortable about being in front of the camera is to be in front of the camera.

Turn your phone camera around so it’s facing you. Consider whether you like being photographed from one side more than the other. Decide whether an open-mouthed smile or close-mouthed smile is the best smile for you. Adjust your hair the way you want it for photos and make sure you like it. Look at your face from various angles. Do you wear glasses? Consider whether you want them on or off in photos.

Editing

Before the session, we will chat about features you’d like to emphasize and parts you’d like to de-emphasize. During the session, I will show you the back of my camera and we will talk about the way you are showing up on screen. We can make adjustments to posing as we go to ensure you’re comfortable and happy with the end result.

I value authenticity and will not change a person’s size, facial structure, or body type. Temporary blemishes like that pimple that just showed up on photo day, skin redness, or hair that suddenly loves static can be remedied. Keep in mind that any major edits like clothing faux pas will cost extra.

The Rest:

Look, I don’t like rules, but I have one hard and fast one: Please, please, please don’t get your hair cut or dye it unfamiliar colors within a few days of the shoot. So much can go wrong. Give your hair a few days to relax after a cut, even if it’s one you’re used to. And when it comes to dye jobs, so much can go wrong, it’s just better to avoid it altogether right before photos.

Other than that, trust your photographer. You don’t have to hold your head up to avoid a double chin (we don’t want to look up your nose!) or put your hands on your hips like a cheerleader. Just trust that I can pose you in the most flattering way.

I’m looking forward to working with you. Send me any additional questions on my contact page.