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How to Prepare for Your Headshot with Westchase Photo Studio

Your online presence communicates a lot about you, so I want to get the BEST image of you possible. I want you to have an image of yourself that you are proud to showcase online.

Keep in mind, if you’re like most people, you’ll probably get your headshots done every 3-5+ years. So it’s best to invest the extra effort into getting great images!

Below are some preparation tips for you to consider before your shoot. We’ll take it from there.

A confident woman with blonde hair and a black blazer, smiling with arms crossed, standing indoors.
A smiling man in a dark suit with hands in his pockets, standing against a plain wall.
A smiling man in a white shirt sitting at a desk with a laptop, a coffee mug, and holding glasses.
A headshot of a woman with blonde hair smiling, sitting on a dark teal sofa, wearing a dark patterned blazer and matching pants.
A headshot of a middle-aged man with gray hair and beard wearing a gray checkered blazer and blue shirt, standing in a bright indoor setting in a photo studio in Tampa.
A headshot of a smiling woman with short black hair, wearing a black top, sitting against a dark teal background.
A headshot of a middle-aged man with a beard and mustache, wearing a dark suit, light blue shirt, and purple patterned tie, standing in a bright hallway with a slight smile.
A headshot of a young realtor wearing a dark gray suit jacket and a blue checkered shirt, standing outdoors in front of a grassy area with blurred trees in the background.
A woman with brown hair styled in soft waves, wearing a blue and white striped shirt dress, accessorized with jewelry including a necklace, earrings, rings, a watch, and bracelets, standing in a bright, modern indoor setting with natural light.
A young woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes smiling, wearing a green knit top, standing indoors with a neutral background.
Close-up portrait of a young woman with long, dark wavy hair, brown eyes, and a light smile, against a plain white background.
Young man with dark hair smiling, wearing a gray plaid blazer and white shirt, standing indoors next to a white wall.

Choosing the Best Clothing

Keep it simple. Remember, the focus should be on you, not necessarily on your clothing (unless you are in fashion, design, etc.). Avoid any big patterns, bows, distracting jewelry, etc.

Shiny fabric can create a reflection from the flash, so keep that in mind. Also, very thin fabric should be avoided as well, as it can become translucent from the studio lights.

Solid colors are preferred. Retouching patterns can be tricky, so keep that in mind.

I always suggest bringing several clothing options. I’m here to help and will help pick out the best options. This also allows us to shoot a variety of looks if desired. At the very least, bring one back up just in case something doesn’t photograph well or in case you experience a spill or tear on the way to your shoot.

Please arrive with your clothing wrinkle-free. I will have a clothing rack that you can hang your garments on if needed.

Here’s the golden rules when it comes to clothing for headshots:

1) Keep it simple.

2) Keep the focus on YOU.

3) Bring options.

4) Unless you are just looking for exactly one image of the traditional headshot (shoulders up), then make sure you can be photographed head-to-toe for at least one look. It helps me when shooting so I don’t have to photograph around part of your outfit that you don’t want shown.

 

Hair + Make Up

Once again, simple is best! For women, please bring your make up bag with you in case we need touch-ups. It’s always a good idea to bring powder. Despite what you may have heard, you do NOT need to change your make up or apply more for a photo shoot. Natural is best and if you don’t typically wear a striking lip color, I’d suggest sticking with what you’re used to.

For both men and women, I have some anti-shine wipes that will absorb excess oil if needed.

Please be sure to arrive to your shoot hair + make up ready. If you have added hair and make up artistry to your session, please read the next section.

Preparing to Get Your Hair & Make Up Done by Our Professionals

Adding on professional hair and make up artistry is a wonderful way to ensure you’ll look your absolute best on camera. Your hair and make up artist will take great care of you!  The hair and make up artists I hire are the best of the best (and I don’t say that lightly) but I want to be certain to encourage you to be honest about feedback on the rare occasion there’s something you aren’t in love with. The artists I hire are all fantastic about receiving feedback and are happy to make any changes you’d like.  They’re your photos and you need to feel amazing in them! 

Skin Prep:

The night before your shoot, it’s best to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.  Arrive with no make up on.  You are welcome to bring your make up bag for finishing touches if you’d like, but it’s not necessary. 

Hair Prep:

Arrive with clean, DRY hair with no product in it. Please be sure to wash your hair within 24 hours of your shoot.  If you have curly hair or any kind of hair that you think may need product or special prep, feel free to mention to me and I’ll check with the hair and make up artist. 

Getting Great Images

If you’re like most people, you don’t enjoy being in front of the camera. I completely understand! It’s intimidating and most people are a bit self-conscious. My best advice is just to SHOW UP. That’s it. Just show up and I’ll take it from there. Everyone feels silly and “on the spot” in front of the camera, but I’ll try to make it as enjoyable as possible. I’ll direct you, will make it quick and hopefully even fun!

You are more than welcome to bring example images with you. Even better, send them to me beforehand (hello@westchasephotostudio.com).

My biggest tip - just focus on the fun we will have and don’t overthink it!

I’ll see you at your shoot!

-Jen