Knowing how best to prepare, or what to bring along to your headshot shoot as an actor or performer is really important! As with any photo shoot, the better prepared you are, the more likely you are to get the images you're looking for! Below I run through what to do in the days leading up to your shoot, and on the day itself to allow you to arrive confident and ready to go!
Prepare Some Headshot Ideas (especially experienced actors & performers)
Having your headshot taken can be nerve-racking, especially if it's your first time! Heading to your session with a few poses, expressions, and outfits already in mind (or saved on your phone) can really help. Of course, you'll be guided throughout your session by your photographer, but having a few things pre-planned that you like can really help the photographer guide you in the right direction! If you're preparing for your first ever headshot session, you'll likely work on an array of standard expressions and looks so I wouldn't worry about knowing exactly what you want too much. If you're a more experienced actor though, it may be worth thinking about the characters/roles you're aiming to be cast for and allow that to dictate clothing, hair, and expressions etc.
Poppy below for example, knew she wanted some images with both her hair down and up, as well as a variety of expressions and types of top. This means her portfolio now contains a variety of looks. Having an idea of the type of looks you're hoping to come away with will then help to guide some of your choices within the sections below.
Skin & Makeup
Try to stay away from alcohol
Stay hydrated (with water if you can)
Stay away from oily or greasy foods
Apply your makeup (if you're planning on wearing any) evenly
Staying away from alcohol and oily or greasy foods the day before and on the day of your shoot will help your skin look at its best. Staying hydrated will also help your skin look full and clear. If you're going to wear makeup, make sure you apply this as evenly as possible so that no makeup catches the light in a way skin naturally wouldn't. A matte foundation often works best to avoid any shiny patches on your face.
Be sure to apply makeup that's relevant to what you're using the images for. If you're a dancer, what make-up do you usually wear whilst performing? If you're an actor, are you looking for some simple images displaying how you normally look, or are you looking to be cast for a role that requires a certain look? Don't worry about last minute breakouts etc, these can easily be removed in photoshop. Scars, freckles, or moles will usually be kept (unless you don't want them to be) as these are part of who you are. If you would like anything specifically removed do let me know!
Teeth
Not much to say on this one.....but make sure they're clean haha!
Jewellery/Glasses
Wear what you normally would or what a role would require
Wearing jewellery or glasses, again, depends on what you're using the images for. If you usually wear glasses or earrings for example, and your images are going to be displaying how you usually look, then by all means wear them as normal! If, however, you're trying to convey a certain look for a specific role or job, you can remove or add glasses/jewellery etc as needed.
Hair
Washed
Tidy
Relevant
Make sure your hair is clean and tidy for the shoot so you look your best. Also make sure your hair style is relevant and is how you want to be seen. As above, how do you wear your hair whilst performing, or do you need to style it for specific roles you're looking to be cast for? I always recommend changing hair style at least once during a shoot to show a little variety in your images, even if it's only a slight change. It's important to show variety through your headshot portfolio. Do remember to bring along any hair accessories/brushes/hairdryers/gels etc. you may need to change your hair on the day. If you have long hair it may also be worth bringing a make-up brush and some hairspray too! You'll be able to use these to keep flyaways at bay!
Clothing
Clean
Ironed
Fairly Plain
Relevant
Make sure the clothing you wear to your shoot is in tip top condition. Freshly washed and ironed is always a good way to go. Neutral tones such as greys, light blues, mustards and whites work really well for headshots as the emphasis is place on your face. Making sure these are also fairly plain and don't have confusing patterns on them is also a good shout. That said, if you're going for an edgy/out there look, then feel free to wear what you please! Do try to stay away from clothing that directly matches your skin tone for headshots. Bring a couple of options that can be layered eg. jackets, open shirts & jumpers etc. This will help keep the amount of clothing you have to bring along down, whilst expanding your options.
Clothing again needs to be relevant as to what you’re going to be using the images for or the looks you want to portray. Sticking somewhere around casual to smart casual usually works well, but again, think about what you will be wearing whilst performing and how you want to be portrayed in your images.
On the Day
Be on time
Cancel/change you appointment in enough time if needed
Finally, make sure you're on time for your shoot, you'll always have a specific time slot on the day. To give you the most amount of shooting time, and to make sure you're not rushed and flustered, get there with plenty of time to spare. Shoots will not usually be extended if you are late.
Hopefully the above has given you an idea of what to bring and how to prepare for your shoot. As with many things, preparation is key! It's also important not to worry too much though, you'll have a great time during the shoot itself, and the photographer will chat through clothing and hairstyle options etc. on the day (at least that's what I do)! If you're booked in with me, I look forward to shooting with you soon, and if not...do hit the button below and get yourself booked in!
Jonny
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