Headshot Preparation Tips

How to go prepared for the Headshot | The Ultimate Checklist for all

Headshot Preparation Tips

Are you thinking of getting a headshot but don't know how to prepare for one? Here's a list of tips from a professional New York headshot photographer Dorothy Shi that will help you get the best headshot.

Preparing tips for a Women's Headshot

  • Drink a lot of water in the hours leading up to your shoot for well-hydrated skin.
  • Clothing should fit well to be most flattering
  • Wardrobe should be camera ready (steamed or ironed and brought on hangars)
  • Solid color jewel tones look best - stay away from black and white
  • Be sure to bring a good bra/underwear in colors appropriate to wear under the outfit

Make-Up Tips for Headshots

  • Foundation/coverup/powder should match your skin tone
  • Avoid products with a highlighter or other iridescent properties - they will make you look shiny
  • Be sure to bring a translucent powder for touch-ups to reduce the shine from natural skin oils

If using a make-up artist:

Please mention if you have any skin allergies/sensitivities prior to the shooting so they can bring the right products for you

Pageant headshot preparation tips

  • Bring earrings to match your outfits.
  • Have your hair in roller on the crown area.
  • If there is a clip extension please have it cut to your hairstyle and pre-curled if needed.
  • Please only use good equity human hair extension.

Preparing tips for a Men's Headshot

  • Grooming: trim or pluck eyebrows, nose & ear hair as needed
  • Bring a translucent power to reduce shine from natural skin oils
  • Clothing should fit well to be most flattering
  • Wardrobe should be camera ready (steamed or ironed and brought on hangars)
  • Solid color jewel tones look best - stay away from black and white

Preparing tips for a Child's Headshot

  • Children should dress age appropriate
  • Clothing should fit well - not too big or too tight
  • Solid color jewel tones look best - stay away from black and white
  • No logos or graphic tees
  • Neat/Clean Hair and Nails

Note to Parents when bringing Children for Headshots

  • Only one parent should accompany child to session / no additional family - it is distracting for the child
  • Do not stand behind the photographer / direct the child during the session - leave that to the photographer
  • Do not film the session with your mobile phone without the express permission of the photographer

NOTE: No visitor on a photo shoot for clients above the age of 16.

View my portfolios for:

New York Acting & Performance Artists Headshots

New York Child Acting & Model photography

Corporate Headshot & Lifestyle Photography in NYC

Also read:

HOW TO GET YOUR ACTING HEADSHOT PORTFOLIO NOTICED BY CASTING DIRECTORS?

6 REASONS WHY PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS HEADSHOTS ARE IMPORTANT



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