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8 Tips for a Successful Headshot Session

By: Cathy Quarles Photography

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Your headshot is more than just a photo, it’s your first impression to others. We want to make sure you have an enjoyable experience, are well prepared and love the final results. See how these 8 tips can help you prepare for a successful headshot session. 

Wardrobe

1 | How it Fits is Important
Avoid clothing that is too tight or loose. You want to feel confident and nothing can ruin that faster than something that doesn't fit you properly. Clothing that is too tight and small will make you self conscious and worry the whole time. On the flip side, while it can be comfortable, loose fitting clothing can appear unstructured and sloppy. Stick with clothing and material thats properly fit to your body type.

 

2 | Clothing Colors
Wearing neutral tones like tan, gray, or cream always photograph beautifully and compliment skin tones. If you want to go for something a little different, just make sure you know what colors pair well with your skin tone. 

 

3 | Avoid All Black or White
While black can be sleek and thinning, it will always show lint, dust and hair. Additionally, wearing all white can make you appear washed out. 

4 | Skip Patterns & Sleeveless Tops
Bright patterns, logos or sleeveless tops and blouses are a no-no. Wearing these will take attention off of your face and draw the viewers eye to your top. Women should plan to wear tops that have 3/4 length sleeves.

 

5 | Wrinkle-Free Zone
Be sure to lint-roll any dark clothing and steam or iron your tops to avoid anything that might show on camera. 

 

Grooming

6 | Teeth & Smile
Flossing your teeth a couple times the week before your session (or heck, realistically even the night before) is strongly encouraged. Build-up and plaque can definitely show in your images. Additionally, make sure to practice your smile - you'll want to showcase your smile and have it be warm, welcoming and inviting.

7 | Hair & Makeup 
Ladies should style their hair as they naturally would and skip any drastically different haircuts or dyes beforehand. Makeup should be applied neatly and check details like properly applied eyelash extensions and that there is no lipstick or food stuck on your teeth. Men are encouraged to get a haircut 4-7 days beforehand and avoid getting one the day of or night before. Trim any nose hairs, clean up beards/mustaches and if you shave then schedule your session early to avoid a 5 o'clock shadow. 

 

8 | Glasses
If you wear glasses, clean the lenses thoroughly to avoid any smudges or reflections. If you wear transition lenses, please inform us beforehand.

 

 

The ultimate key to a great headshot is making sure you're prepared. Using these tips will help create an image you'll be proud to use and that showcases YOU. 

Ready to update your headshot and stand out from the crowd? Tap the button below to book your session and let's create an image that reflects your best self. 

SCHEDULE YOUR HEADSHOT
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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • OUR SERVICES
    • SENIOR PORTRAITS
    • FAMILY PORTRAITS
    • PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS
  • GALLERIES
    • PORTRAITS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT