Be a Star for Your Professional Headshot
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Monday, February 03, 2020
By Sharyn Peavey Photography
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Getting Ready for Your Professional Headshot Session

Quality timeless portraiture can show style and personality within a cohesive look and color palette! 

So you've booked your headshot session and you're wondering what to wear. Well, here's a quick and easy guide with details about clothing and colors and tips about wrinkles and socks! Let's put your best face forward!

COLOR CHOICES

Pick colors that compliment your skin tone, such as plum, pink, or light blue. Avoid true whites and blacks, UNLESS​ ​you are going for a specific “look”. Generally, whites can distract the eye from your face, which is the most important part of the image. Black can be concealing, but isn’t always the most flattering for faces. If choosing black and white, go for a white shirt and black jacket, a classic choice that minimizes both colors.

COLOR SCHEME

Plan a color scheme theme that highlights your eyes:

  • blues look great with people with light/blue eyes
  • grays and dark versions of blue and purple look great for brown eyes
  • unless you need it for your brand, avoid white, it draws the attention away from your face

Limit the color scheme to 2 to 3 colors, such as:

  • i.e. Navy suit jacket with pink shirt
  • G​ray, khaki, ivory, light blue and gold (similar complementary tones) 

PATTERNS

Generally, avoid bold patterns unless it is standard for your particular profession. Soft patterns are fine!

JEWELRY

Avoid wearing big jewelry, again unless it goes with your brand. A large statement necklace can look great at an event but in a headshot that you want to make a terrific quick impression, it is not a good idea. Understated and subtle with jewelry, goes a long way for your headshot!

 

 

HAIR/MAKEUP

If easiest, schedule hair appointments that morning before the shoot. If you don't know where to book for hair and makeup. I do have recommendations, be sure and ask!

 

HYDRATE

It might sound crazy, but your skin looks so much better when you are properly hydrated! Start drinking H20 the day before the shoot! And bring chapstick or lip balm to wear that day.

 

WRINKLES (In clothing)

Wrinkles can be distracting in a photo. If you dislike the iron, it is best to run the clothes through the dryer for 5-10 minutes before the shoot just to be smooth! PLease bring all outfits on a hanger to avoid adding wrinkles.

 

PERSONALITY

Be yourself in the photo, your casual self, or your dressed-up self, with attention to color and style. A professional photo is very different than that everyday look--it is a moment captured and something we want to look at over and over!

GET INSPIRED

Absolutely google images of people in your industry and make note of what you do and DON'T like! And if need be go shopping for a new great shirt and suit jacket!


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