How to Prepare for a Headshot (Tips) - Soleil Portraits Photography

Let us know what kind of look you want for your headshot.
Where will your headshot be used so we can be sure it’s appropriate
Drink lots of water and be well rested to avoid the dark circles under your eyes
Avoid having a facial 1-3 days prior to your shoot as the skin can stay red or blotchy for a few days and a facial can bring up fresh pimples.
Your skin might not look it’s best after drug/alcohol use. Try to abstain from these before your shoot
Please call if you are running late or arrive early

Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look and feel great
Make sure your jacket, shirt, blouse and/tie fit you well. A poor fitting jacket or shirt will be obvious in the photos (especially around the neck)
Don’t overdress
Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea (since they crowd the face) but can hide a double chin well… so think it through
Clothes must be neatly pressed and should look new or like new
Avoid busy patterns and large lines/stripes
Utilize blue/green/turquoise shirts/blouses or accents which can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes

The standard business look is a suit jacket, dress shirt and tie
A casual business look is often a jacket and open dress shirt, shirt and tie, or dress shirt on it’s own with no jacket
Polo shirts are a good look for some businesses. Be sure the shirt is in good condition and fits well
For a no-jacket casual look, bring colored shirts – ideally darker than your skin tone
A white dress shirt by itself is a bad idea – unless you plan to wear it underneath something (jacket or sweater)
Bring a few different jackets, shirt colors and ties so we have choices for the photo

not a well fitting jacket

well fitted jacket

Avoid clothing with big prints and busy patterns
Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face.
Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best with your face and venue
For a no-jacket casual look, bring various colored blouses – ideally darker than your skin tone
Be stylish and fashionable, but remember the picture is about your face and not your clothes or jewelry… so avoid flashy accessories
Sleeveless tops/dresses can draw attention to your shoulders/arms. Consider bringing items with a variety of different sleeves

Remember: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Select something that makes you look and feel good.

no jewelry

gorgeous necklace, but it’s the first thing you notice

Keep jewelry extremely simple – small is better
Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated
The picture is about your face, not your jewelry
Consider if facial piercings or multiple ear piercings are appropriate for where your photo will be displayed

Your previous headshots so we have something to improve upon
Examples of headshots that you like to help communicate the look you are looking for
Various changes of clothing (see above)
A good, open, positive attitude
Lip balm
Hair brush/comb
Makeup and hair products you prefer (especially if you have allergies)

Make-up should be clean and natural
Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder – your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother
Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Don’t overdo it. Dip a cotton tip of a Q-tip in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding
Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine
Avoid frosts or overly-bright colors
Don’t get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut)
Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot. In case you have a bad reaction to the product
Arrive with hair styled and makeup already applied, if you are not using makeup artist