HEADSHOT SESSION POINTERS
If you have very little experience in front of the camera,
I highly recommend you choose a digital headshot session that will give you the time you need to get comfortable in front of the camera.
- Keep yourself hydrated; dehydration will affect the look of your skin.
- Please get a good night sleep the night before the digital headshot session. If you feel tired, it will show in the pictures.
- Avoid using alcohol and tobacco products the night before and day of the shoot.
- Hair should be cut, colored, and styled to your liking. Please bring your own gel, comb, or hairbrush. The condition of your hair
will greatly affect the final look of your digital headshot session. If your hair is not cooperating, you are better off rescheduling (24hrs required).
- If you need a makeup artist I can arrange for one, but you are welcome to bring your own makeup artist.
Makeup time will vary depending on the style of makeup used. Natural makeup will take 1 hour for ladies; 30 minutes for gentlemen.
Please arrive with a clean face, no make-up. Your hair should be cut and styled to your liking.
Go here to see a before and after makeup example of a gentleman
or here for ladies.
Unless you really know how to apply makeup, I strongly suggest that you use a makeup artist.
Be aware that you should look like your headshot when you go for an audition, so if you use a makeup artist, be sure you can make yourself look like your headshot
or have the makeup artist do your makeup again before your audition. Makeup should look natural.
- If you do not like your make-up you are responsible for speaking up BEFORE the photo session begins, otherwise it will
be assumed you are fine with the make-up and no refund will be given by the make-up artist.
- If you choose not to use a make-up artist, do not expect your skin tone to look as good as someone who uses a makeup artist.
You will have more shiny areas due to oily and sweaty skin.
Your skin may also have varying degrees of color blotches and acne. Digital retouching can improve the look of
your skin but if over done will make the skin look fake.
It is always better to use a makeup artist to even out your skin tone.
- Ladies and gentlemen, if you decide to do your own makeup, please make sure you bring powder to reduce glare from oily skin.
- It is best to not bring friends during the digital headshot session, as they can be a distraction. I leave this to your discretion.
- Bring your favorite music to listen to during the digital headshot session to help relax you if needed.
- Bring 2–4 changes of clothes. Bring solid dark colors (black, dark blue, red, green) which will create contrast with your skin and better frame your face.
Dark skinned people can wear light colors (pastel) but please avoid white as it will usually be somewhat over exposed.
Please do not wear clothes that will take the focus from your face.
Wear something you will be comfortable in. Be aware that when converted to black and white, the color will turn a shade of gray.
Bring a variety of necklines; I find narrow V–necks to be the best choice.
Please avoid wide V–necks as they reveal too much skin and will take the focus off your face. If you do not like your arms make sure you wear a long sleeve shirt. When in doubt, bring it with you.
- Avoid wearing jewelry.
- If you wear glasses: It might be necessary to remove the lenses to prevent glare.
- If possible, bring your current headshot and samples of headshots that you like.
- Your headshots should capture the personality you want to present to potential employers.
- If you have an agent, I highly suggest you have your agent view my work to make sure your agent approves of my style of headshots.
