headshot pre shoot
guide
Thank you for booking your headshot photo shoot with me! This guide should give you all the information you need to prepare for the photo shoot, what happens during and after the session and should hopefully answer any questions you may have, but do feel free to contact me if there is anything you're not sure of.
Studio sessions are done at The Marlow Studio, with various backdrops and off camera lighting, which gives a very corporate, professional look. I will also provide you with natural light shots in the studio, which are lovely for a light, soft look. I like to provide as much variety in your gallery so you have a great choice of images to choose from.
Alternatively, you may wish to have your shoot take place in your workplace or even an outdoor headshot, with soft natural light and beautiful green backgrounds - this gives a more friendly, approachable feel to the images.
Whichever you'd prefer just let me know and we can plan accordingly.
outdoor or studio?
Colour is really important, along with pattern - or lack of! Choose an outfit that doesn't distract the eye from your face, so little or no pattern is preferred, solid colours work well, along with colours that you know work well with your skin tone.
As headshots are just that - usually from your torso upwards, it's always best to choose tops with long or 3/4 length sleeves and outfits that are well tailored to your body and not baggy or loose fitting.
WHAT TO WEAR
Apart from an extra tie, sweater or jacket, you'll just need to bring some styling products such as your brush/comb and lip salve/gloss (chapped or sore lips need to be avoided!) - and of course, a relaxed, confident smile!
WHAT TO bring
If you're not very confident in styling your hair and doing your make-up to a good standard, it will always be a good idea to hire a hair and make-up artist to really make you feel amazing, and this in itself will give you confidence when having your photos taken. It's by no means essential, but more of a personal preference. Locally we have some amazing contacts, try Jo Budden.
Professional hair and make-up
Before the shoot there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for the session.
#1 Plan ahead - think about where you are going to use your headshot images and let me know the look and feel that you are after.
#2 Get your outfit ready - try this on a few days before the shoot, make sure there are no gaps in shirts/blouses, they fit well and add an accessory if you feel this compliments the look. Don't leave it until one hour before the shoot, to then find out you don't feel happy with the outfit - feeling stressed or sweaty is not conducive to a good shoot!
#3 Drink lots the days before your shoot - clear bright skin always looks great and it's amazing how drinking lots of water and eating healthily affects your skin.
preparing for your shoot
The shoot should take no more than 20-30 minutes and after the session I will edit the images and upload these to a password protected gallery for you to view and select your favourite images. I will then send you a high-resolution copy of your selection images, edited in both colour and black and white.
Feel free to send any questions you may have to kate.mcneil7@googlemail.com
