Prepping for your photoshoot session is like prepping for an important business meeting; it can make the difference between a good image and a great image. If you’ve decided to invest time and money into a portrait session, you want to be looking and feeling your best. While we’re all familiar with the wonders of Photoshop and retouching, there are some things that can’t really be faked. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your upcoming session.​

 

PLANNING

• Hydrate. Make sure you hydrate by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your shoot so your skin has a healthy, dewey glow. When you’re dehydrated, fine lines and pores are more noticeable and your lips and skin can look dry and wrinkled. Try to avoid alcohol the day prior and limit caffeine intake.

• Get plenty of sleep. An obvious but important tip. Having adequate rest helps you both look and feel your best.

• Diet: Try to avoid foods that can cause bloat and reduce your intake of sodium. 

• Moisturize. Moisturize well the evening prior or morning of your shoot (yes, men, this includes you!). A good moisturizer diminishes fine lines and dry, flaky skin. Getting a facial or exfoliating well will help clean your pores and eliminate flaky skin, though plan this a week ahead of time as facials can cause breakouts and redness. 

• Have sober presence of mind. Nerves get the better of some people, and while it might be tempting to have a drink or two prior to a session I assure you this will have the opposite effect you desire. It makes both of our jobs more challenging, so please refrain from substances prior to or during a session.

• Makeup tips: Use fresh mascara to avoid clumps and don’t overdo your foundation so that your skin texture doesn’t look fake. Don’t worry about a pimple or light blemishes, those can easily be retouched.

• Bring lip balm or gloss. Hammering home the hydration theme, having a lip balm or gloss on hand during the shoot will keep your lips looking moist.

• Hair. Make sure to have your hair cut and colored at least a week or two before your session. Often times clients will book an appointment with a hair stylist prior to the session to have their hair professionally styled.​

 

 

CLOTHING

 

I recommend planning your outfit at minimum a few days before your shoot and having your outfits pressed, hung and ready to go. Less stress and not being rushed means you will be relaxed which will be reflected in your images. Your clothing choices will vary depending on the type of shoot you are doing (e.g. an artist branding portrait vs. a corporate headshot) but here are some good general considerations:

 

• Make sure your clothes are something you feel confident in, something that fits you well and makes you feel good about yourself. Are there certain colors that look good on you?

• Solid colors are best and jewel tones are flattering on almost all skin tones. Choose clothing that compliments your skin and eyes, and whenever possible bring a variety of necklines.

• Colors to avoid: Solid black and solid white can make skin tones look washed out and unflattering. If you choose anything like this, break it up with another color. Red usually reads harshly in-camera.

• Unless it’s your theme or brand, try to avoid loud or distracting patterns. Stick with solids. The main goal is to make sure the focus falls on you and not your clothing.

• Avoid logos on your clothing.

• Layers also look great in headshots, so consider bringing a sweater, jacket, blazer or another top that adds texture to your look.

• When choosing clothing, think about your goals for your session, your audience, and the message you want to convey. Give yourself options that reflect all sides of your career and lifestyle.

• If your session allows, bring a few options! I can always help you with your choices. Consider the color background we are shooting on and try to choose something that will contrast and help you stand out from the background.

• Iron or steam your clothes. I have a steamer on hand, but this eats into shoot time. Eliminating wrinkled or crumpled clothing ahead of time makes a WORLD of difference. Also use a lint roller.

• If you wear jewelry, keep it simple so the focus falls on you.

• Make sure your nails are clean and manicured. If you wear polish, make sure there is no chipping.

• If you wear glasses normally, by all means wear them in our session! Make sure they are clean and in good repair.

 

If you have any questions or want to run anything by me please get in touch, I’m happy to answer any questions for you.