Great head shots require preparation!

A Few Weeks Before

Think about the different contexts you'll use your head shots in.  Are they for company materials, LinkedIn, a dating website, or some combination of these?

Look through photos of yourself that you really like.  What colors are you wearing?  Avoid prints and patterns, please.  Are there accessories you especially love? Had you been to the hairstylist the day before or does your cut/color look better the following week?  Were you just back from the shore or had you used a touch of self-tanner? Do you get your hair and make-up professionally done for important events or are you a DIYer? Do you have a ‘best’ side?

Communicate your ideas to me. You can share a Pinterest board or send screen shots of looks that appeal to you.

Then keep an open mind.  Remember, it's my full time job to know how to capture your best self in the finished product.

The Week Before

Settle on 2-3 outfits + accessories.  A "new outfit' can be as simple as adding a jacket or jewelry to what you're already wearing.  Consider the contexts you'll use the head shots in.  For work or a job search, choose outfits slightly dressier than what you'd wear to the office every day.  Choose bright colors and pieces that have lots of contrast.

Consider abstaining from alcohol for a few nights beforehand and get plenty of rest.  Photoshop can only do so much!

Be sure to schedule enough time.  Set aside an hour for the shoot + a half hour for the unexpected.  If you feel harried or overwhelmed, it will show in the photos.  Head shots should project calm confidence.

The Morning Of

Men should shave or trim their beards.

Women should pack a make-up bag and hair products for touchups.

If you wear glasses, clean them thoroughly and bring a cloth to wipe off last minute smudges.

At the Shoot

Relax!

Trust me.  It will be fun and you are going to love the results.