Headshot Ready?

So you've scheduled your headshots, you've got the perfect outfit picked out and you're ready for your big close up, right?

Not so fast!
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Taking a headshot that you can be satisfied with takes some time and a bit of effort, even before you get in front of the camera. To get headshots that represent your personality and your professional goals we've complied a list of tips that will help your picture do all of the talking, in the best ways. 

Happy shooting!  


1. Book US and GO PRO
Spend the money. It’s worth it. Go to a professional, who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not some friend who happens to have a decent camera who “sorta knows a little about photography.” Save those pictures for Instagram, and leave the headshots to the pros

2. All eyes on you 
Just like with on-camera acting, it’s all about the eyes, and what’s happening behind them. It’s your closeup, your moment. Your eyes should be perfectly in focus, alive, and energized, and not dead and glazed over.  Capturing the eyes in a powerful way will draw the viewer into the photo, establishing a strong connection that will speak volumes.

3. Go easy on the cover up 
Yes, lots can be done with retouching. There is no need to put on tons of makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day, and not look like you tried too hard. Your main concern is shine so we advise bringing along some translucent powder.

4.  It's all about the angles 
Although a headshot may seem like a glorified selfie, this isn't Instagram. Make sure to practice your pose and look in a mirror to check out your best angles. That way when you get into the studio you'll know just what to do, which will give you that extra confidence that is likely to shine through your pictures! 

5. Posing tips!   
Try locking your shoulders and sticking your forehead out, but careful not that your not sticking your chin out because you’ll end up with you face pointing at the ceiling. Make sure you are not looking down and your eyes don’t move. Just lock your shoulders and stick your forehead out, which is a very simple technique. If you are scared that it looks weird, that means your doing something right.. and remember practice makes perfect!

6. Love what you wear!
You have to love it! We don’t want to shoot you in anything that you don’t feel comfortable wearing. If you don’t feel comfortable, it will show and you won’t shoot well in it, so don’t bring it.

7. What is a "squinch"?
It's your secret weapon! A squinch describes the action of squinting your eyes in such a way as to portray confidence and self-assurance as opposed to the fear and uncertainty that you project when you stare wide-eyed at the camera. This can be very effective for a more commanding headshot. 

8. Do you
Be yourself. This is where you can get some of your own personal style into the shot. People always ask what colors are best and we can’t answer that until we see you and your wardrobe. It’s better to get a visual of something. Bring a variety of colors that represent you! It’s amazing how many times something has looked amazing on camera that we didn’t initially think would work. And vice versa.

9. Don't worry about the season
Don’t be too selective or seasonal. Bring everything from casual shirts and t-shirts to formal blouses and shirts to sweaters and light jackets can work, depending on the kind of headshot you're going for. Textures and layers can work well, but would generally stay away from crazy patterns.

10. It's all about your jawline
The idea that the camera adds ten pounds can be true but there's a way to make your face look thinner, accentuate your jawline! Before you come in to the studio study your face in the mirror with a relaxed pose, then experiment with sticking your forehead towards the mirror and tilting your chin down. You'll notice a difference, and once you've practiced at home, you'll be ready to take the headshots you've dreamed about in the studio. 

8. This one is for the boys!
We recommend you get your haircut 4 to 5 days prior to the shoot so it doesn’t have that “freshly cut” look.


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For more tips and tricks to get your best headshot please visit: 
7 Tips for a Better Headshot
How to Take Perfect Headshots: Six Tips
How to prepare for your shoot
It's All About the Jaw! 
Peter Hurley Shares His ‘Most Incredible Tip for Looking Photogenic’: Squinching
When I started shooting headshots, I was very good at the math behind it.

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