Women: How to prepare for Your Photography Session
Whether you’re getting a headshot, a personal branding session or thinking well ahead for one, below are several considerations for your photo shoot. We cover everything from outfits to hair and offer professional hair/makeup and wardrobe services through our trusted partners.
what to wear for a headshot
If you’re getting a corporate headshot, please consult with your HR or Marketing decision-maker and follow the lead of your company brand guidelines and recommended dress code.
Consider your personal brand. Are you energetic? Formal? Elegant? Edgy? Colorful? What do you want your coworkers or client prospects to perceive about you?
Choose for a classic, timeless look unless you have a specific vibe you want to share. A long-sleeved blouse or a simple fitted top with a layer such as a cardigan or suit jacket looks great on all women, regardless of age or size.
Avoid sleeveless tops and spaghetti straps unless you’re a fitness buff. Eyes are naturally drawn toward lighter areas in photos, meaning they can hone in on cleavage and shoulders and arms instead of your lovely face.
Pay close attention to necklines! Read this photographer’s tips on how to choose the right neckline for your body type.
Avoid bulky or chunky sweaters and shirts. Excessive bulk and “puff” can accentuate the parts you’re trying to hide and add unwanted visual pounds.
Skip the Logos and Brands: If it’s not your company logo, avoid shirts with visible logos, brand names, or distinct graphics. Legally, featuring a company's trademarked logo in your professional headshot can falsely imply that you are sponsored by or officially affiliated with that brand.
Feeling stuck? Consider consulting with a wardrobe stylist to hone your look. If you’re getting a personal branding session, choose one “dressy casual”, one business outfit, and something in between. Layers are recommended!
Try on Your Outfit In Advance Of Your Photography Session
Please do not throw together an outfit the day before. Check for fit, wrinkles, and stains in good available light.
Ensure your clothes fit well. No tugging, pulls, tucks, or weird folds.
Also, iron your clothes, hang them properly, and run a lint roller over them, especially if you have pets.
How to Style Your Hair for Your Photo Shoot
Define your best feature and emphasize it. Trends come and go, so choose a style, whether up or down, sleek or curly based on what's most flattering for your face shape.
Consider booking a hairstylist within 1-2 weeks of your session to ensure your color and roots are on point. Get a bang trim within 3-5 days of your session. If your hair has split ends, it will lay flat or oddly. Spray and tame your hair to combat any humidity and possible flyaways.
AVOID: A drastic new hairstyle right before your shoot. You may regret your photos if you haven’t had time to live in it.
We can hire a hair stylist for you if desired.
How to Do Your Makeup for Your Photo Shoot
Think of your makeup for a photo shoot as showing up to a wedding or a nice evening out as a guest. You want to look made up, but don’t go overboard.
Don’t typically wear makeup? I’d recommend these basics for a natural look that doesn’t make you appear washed out:
Concealer to cover blemishes and under-eye circles.
Translucent powder if you have oily skin or a sheer tinted moisturizer for dry skin.
Add blush in the right area of your face
A touch of lipstick. A sheen is ok, but avoid high-gloss lip products.
Prevent chapped lips! This is very common in winter months. Moisturize your lips by liberally applying a lip balm the day before, then reapply it in the morning. (Bite brand is my personal favorite.) It’s ok to save your lipstick application until you arrive at your session.
Avoid heavy highlighter. It can add too much shine, which will ultimately be retouched and toned down, potentially resulting in extra editing fees. A lil’ pop on your cheekbones and forehead is ok.
Skincare Tips for Your Headshot Session
Glowing Skin: Doing a mild scrub with a product you trust the 1-2 days before your photo session is okay. Sloughing off dead skin will help prevent a “dull” look and set your makeup better. Do not test drive a new skincare product or a heavy peel.
Wax, peel or facial? None of these are necessary for your session, but if you have a regular professional skincare regimen, please allow 3-4 days for the redness to heal.
AVOID SUNBATHING a week before our session. Red or peeling skin is a no-go and may result in a session rescheduling fee.
miscellaneous tips
Nails: Remove chipped nail polish and have at least a clear coat on your nails if you don’t have time for a manicure. Occasionally, I work in poses that may reveal your hands. Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to get her nails done?
Glasses: Please clean your eyeglasses (no smudges, smears or dirty lenses). We can remove glasses glare.
Moisturize Your Hands: Based on the point above, bring some hand lotion to soften dry or chapped hands.
Consider Teeth-Whitening: Are you a heavy coffee or tea drinker? I’d recommend whitening strips or a tray a few weeks before your session to neutralize any yellow stains. No time? No worries. We’ll edit them later.
Hydrate well the day before and the morning of. Consider doubling your hydration intake with a sugar-free drink if you drink caffeine.
Sleep well the night before.
