Photography Session Preparation Checklist

Wardrobe

Even if you intend to have a closeup headshot done that shows very little of what you are wearing, the clothes you choose for a headshot session are still incredibly important. What you wear affects how you hold your body and how you feel. 

Fit is key
Wear something that fits you well, neither too tight nor too baggy.  Your shirt should fit closely around your neck but not tight especially if you plan to wear a tie.  The same goes for your suit coat or sport coat if you plan to wear one.  Try on your outfit and check yourself in a mirror, turning around to see it from all angles. If you feel uncomfortable in it, that feeling will translate to your photos. Wear something that not only look goods but also feels good. Make sure you can move in it and there isn’t anything restricting.  

For Men:  
Color and Patterns
Plain colors are your best choice for your photos.  Patterns distract and could date your photo.  If black and/or white are your “go to” wardrobe choice, feel free to wear them, but be aware that photographically, black or white can be challenging.  So, if you love wearing black or white, by all means bring it along, but also bring along another color option. If white shirts are your signature look, accentuate it with an interesting tie.  Please no all-black suit coats or sport coats unless they have obvious texture.  Charcoal grey is a great choice for anything with color or texture. Whatever you bring, make sure you feel good wearing it. If you feel good, you’ll look good.

Style
If you’re going business casual (specifically, no tie) bring a sport coat.  A sport coat without a tie is an intentional wardrobe choice. But if you wear a suit coat without a tie, it gives the impression that you are dressing “down.”  Button-down collars rarely lay nicely in a photo. Avoid button-down collars unless it’s an intentional style choice for you.

For Women:
Wear a Higher Neckline
Keep in mind that headshots are typically cropped closely around your head and face. Cropping closer to the face with a low neckline top may give a different appearance than intended in professional headshots.  Also, turtlenecks do not always photograph well so please consider other options.

Stick with Simple Jewelry
Wear what represents you but don’t go overboard with too much or too big.  For this reason, simple jewelry is a better choice for professional headshots – especially if your headshot will be cropped closely to your face (as most are).
Jewelry should just be a “finishing touch.” For necklaces, make sure the pendant is visible in the photo so short chains are better. For earrings, stick with simple metallic or gemstone studs so that they do not distract attention. Hoop earrings and anything that dangles tend to be distract or get lost in the photo.

Colors versus Patterns
Although many people love to wear black, it tends to be a clothing color that can be hard to photograph as it can fall flat in pictures. Consider elegant alternatives like navy, grey or eggplant. A color that closely resembles your skin tone should also be avoided, as you won’t get those contrasting lines between you and your clothing. Avoid bright colors, shiny fabrics and distracting patterns. You want people to first see you when they look at the photo, not your clothes.

Hair & Makeup

· You should get your hair cut and colored several days before the shoot.

· Makeup should be fresh and natural; you don’t need more makeup than you would normally wear.

· The emphasis will be on your eyes and mouth, so pay particular attention to these features. Make sure mascara is applied evenly and eyeliner isn’t running or smudged, and that your lips are always hydrated. Bring Chapstick and extra lipstick to apply as you go.

· Wear matte foundation and bring a blotter or translucent powder to eliminate any shine while on the shoot.

 Sleep

While it is obvious that a good night sleep is always important to for doing whatever you do the following day, a good night sleep for a photography session has added benefits.  When you get a good night’s sleep before a photography session, you can reduce those dark circles under your eyes. It is also makes increases your ability to focus the photographer’s posing instructions. It will also help you feel more positive about yourself and the photography shoot.

 Hydrate

Having hydrated skin is an important part of getting a good headshot.  There are a few things you can do prior to the headshot session to make sure you have good skin hydration.  

The night before photoshoot you should do the following:

·      Wash face with a gentle cleanser

·      Massage face with gentle exfoliator and rinse

·      Rinse face with warm water (not hot or cold!) gentle pat face with towel

·      Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips

·      Use face moisturizer on your face and neck

·      Drink plenty of fluids the night before and the day of the shoot

The morning of photoshoot you should do the following: 

·      Wash face with gentle face cleanser

·      Apply eye cream and face moisturizer

 Appearance

Make sure your clothes are freshly cleaned and pressed and fit well.  Don’t wear your portrait wardrobe to the photography session because they tend to wrinkle and there is a potential to stain them as well. Clothes that fit well not only make you feel good at the photo session, but they also show your attention to detail which will help to project professionalism and confidence in your shot.  Instead, bring your clean, neatly pressed pieces to the session on hangers.  Bring several clothing options because to ensure you have options for the shoot.  If all you are getting are headshots, then we only need above the waist for headshots.  But if you want a shot that is 1/2 to full body then bring the pants and shoes you want in the picture as well.

 Posing Practice

Yes, and it’s actually a good idea to do so before the day of the shoot. Spend some time looking at yourself in the mirror and practice different poses. Most people have a side of their face that looks better than the other, which can be highlighted during the session. It’s also a good idea to try different expressions in the mirror. You might prefer just a simple smile for a professional headshot, but it helps to know other emotions you can display through your expressions.

10 Things to bring to a photography session

·      Mirror

·      Makeup

·      Towel/tissues

·      Chapstick

·      Comb/brush

·      Hairspray

·      Hair ties

·      Lint brush

·      Clothespins

·      Safety pins

Items to keep you happy

·      Snacks

·      Water

·      Comfy shoes

·      Hangers

·      Props