BEYOND THE HEADSHOTS PREPARATION GUIDE

This guide was developed to help answer most commonly asked questions, ensure your professional portraits experience is enjoyable and that you get the most out of your time with us. It reflects years of experience and lessons learned and it meant to be a guide that leaves your feeling prepared and confident.

Prior to coming in for your session, it is recommended that you consider how you would like your images to represent you and what message you wish to convey. Not all professional portraits are created equal and we strive to bring out a true and authentic aspect to each person we photograph.

Depending on the culture of your company, personal brand you may want to convey an air of formality, knowledge, and trust. Or, maybe the look you want is more creative, friendly and less formal! Your headshot session should be a reflection of you in your best light. You want to dress as if you are meeting with your finest client, a leader you look up to, or if you’re an actor, a casting director.

Impactful professional images in our view go beyond the physical appearance and are in fact more about expression and character. The energy you portray and how you carry yourself. Your wardrobe is a reflection of your style, your role, authority and should be a complement to your personal and or business brand.

CONSIDER HOW YOU WILL BE USING YOUR IMAGES

When it comes to headshots and branding there are so many different ways in which your images could be used. Is your intent to use your images for Linkedin, business website, social media profiles such as Facebook, Instagram; is it for speaking engagements, blog posts, book covers, press releases, newspapers, billboards, print materials and brochures, business cards? What are the different ways you might use your headshots now and how might they be used in 6 months or 12 months time. The different uses might require different wardrobe considerations and photography compositions/framing/image orientation to best serve the platform or audience you have.

With that in mind, how many images will you need? Do you require just one pose (classic crop at mid chest) or do you desire some variation in your poses, different body lengths and crops, different background choices etc. Some clients require images that leave enough negative space and room for messaging or branding to be added? These are the sort of questions that will help you with making the most out of your photoshoot session, ensuring you have the images you need now but also those that will serve you over the next year

COLOUR THEORY

Research has shown certain colors can have a psychological impact on our behavior and feelings, and if worn in moderation, can help you subconsciously influence what you want people to think or feel about you.

Here are some psychological characteristics associated with common colors:

Black: Formal, sophisticated, powerful, and elegant. Use in moderation as this is the most formal colour and pair with other tones and colours.

Gray: A neutral color that is a great base to pair with other colors. Gray alone can come across as low energy, too safe or boring.

White: Purity, innocence, cleanliness, and simplicity. White draws attention and is a stark contrast for other tones. White on white (White wardrobe on white background) is a minimalistic, super sleek and attention stopping combination

Yellow: Cheerful and evokes friendliness and optimism. Should be used in moderation as it can be overpowering if too vibrant.

Orange: Possesses the energy of red without the seriousness. Orange is associated with fun, ambition, and enthusiasm.

Red: Draws attention and creates a visual impact. It evokes strength, power, and is persuasive, but may also come off as assertive or aggressive. Bright red ties are commonly known as the classic power tie, popular for its psychological influence.

Blue: The safest color and most popular among both men and women. Blue is a calming color associated with intelligence, focus, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Navy blues suggest more power and authority than lighter blues.

Green: A relaxing colour associated with nature, balance, generosity, connection and peace. Dark green is associated with wealth.

Purple: The color of royalty. Purple evokes wealth, luxury, sophistication, mystery, and wisdom. Use in moderation.

Pink: A soothing color seen as innocent on women. Men who wear pink are seen as bold, assertive, in control and confident.

What should I wear to my PROFESSIONAL PORTRAITS session?

Clean, ironed and well-fitted, form fitting clothes – Clothing looks best when it’s cut to our body shape without being too loose or too tight. Clothing that is cinched at the waist is a more flattering way to create shape. The same goes for high waisted pants and peplum shaped pieces. Overly loose clothing is not flattering because it will hide any semblance of shape your body has, making it look ever wider on camera.
Solid Color Tops – For professional images, the primary focus needs to be the person in the image. Solid colours photograph better than busy prints and patterns and ensure the viewer’s eye remains on the subject’s face.
Warm – Earthy shades complement warm skin tones nicely in headshots. A few to consider include: Honey, olive green, brown, cream and dusty purples.
Cool – Bright, bold colors can help to balance cooler skin tones. A few to consider include: Emerald, vibrant blues, burgundy, rose and lavender.
Neutral – Color options for neutral skin tones are typically hues in the middle of warm and cool. A few to consider include: Sky blues, greys, and jade greens
For jackets, neutral hues such as black, navy, blue, brown, and gray are always a secure option. They give a timeless and professional look and won't dominate the photo. Then incorporating a pop of colour with a tie, shirt, or pocket square adds a interest of flair to your outfit.
Vibrant Colors Stand Out – Depending on your profession, wearing vibrant colors will make your headshot stand out.
Sleeves are Flattering – Short sleeves like to misbehave and can sit funky on the arms unless properly steamed or ironed. Short sleeve shows skin at the edge of a headshot, which may distract from your face.
Proper Undergarments with your Outfit – Bra straps showing in your headshot is considered unprofessional. Make sure the straps are properly tucked away and hidden.
Choose an Appropriate Neckline - A deep V-neck dress might look great, but the bottom of the V will likely be cropped from the image depending on different crops of images, which may look a little awkward. To avoid this, choose a neckline that sits at or above the collar bone. A few great options include: Crew, jewel, boat and collared necklines. Avoid bows, chunky cowls and deep scoops.
Plan for Contrast - In general, bold jewel tones in solid colours are best. Seek to create contrast between dark and light tones for maximum visual impact.
You cannot go wrong with matching/complementing colours in your wardrobe with the colour of your eyes.

Blue looks great on most people. Blue suits on men look modern and sharp and are a great way to stand out in the crowd.
Earth tones such as brown, beige, and olive green can add depth and dimension to a photo and are great choices for a natural, understated look.

LAYERS & TEXTURE

Blazers, jackets and cardigans are a great way to create layers and can also help to create a slimmer appearance.
Another option to appear more casual is to use colors other than black on white.
Consider Textured Sweaters and Shirts – Many textures photograph nicely and add dimension in photos. The key: Don’t overdo it; a solid-colored shirt or top with a simple texture can help you stand out.
We recommend avoiding solid black without layering because solid colours, especially dark ones can make us appear blocky. If you love black, try opting for lace or sheer fabric instead of one solid piece.
Textures works best to evoke a casual, soft, warm, and approachable feeling. Textures can be incorporated into your outfit with fabrics such as wool, flannel, tweed, corduroy, linen, silk, chiffon, suede, leather, velvet, or even a coarse oxford shirt or knit tie.
- Textured accents can spice up an outfit that’s otherwise smooth and simple.
- Typically, coarse or rough textures are seen as masculine and soft textures like silk and satin are seen as feminine. Both men and women can “soften” or “harden” their look by adding fabric that is more soft or coarse.
- Textures are found in blazers and sport coats, shirts, blouses, ties, pocket squares, and of course sweaters.

PATTERNS

Patterns are a great way to add interesting elements to your wardrobe, but if not carefully selected they can demand attention and be distracting.

Patterns work best on ties, pocket squares, and shirts that will be covered with a jacket. Patterns on sport coats and suit jackets are good for a less formal look.
Dense and simple repeating patterns are less distracting and work best.
Pin stripe shirts and jackets are slimming and flattering for larger body types.
We don't recommend matching more than two patterns. When matching patterns, it is crucial the size and density of patterns are not similar. You can match any style of patterns, even similar ones, just as long as they are different sizes and densities.
If you often use patterns to express your personality, we suggest wearing patterns in small quantities, such as a patterned camisole under a blazer, or a patterned pocket square in a suit jacket. These patterns should be smaller and unobtrusive for professional headshots. Ties are best worn in solid colours instead of patterns during professional headshots.

AVOID

The human eye is drawn to the brightest part of a photo, we recommend avoid wearing stark white or overly bright colours without a jacket or top layer. If you will not be wearing a jacket, go with a medium to dark colour shirt.
Transparent Tops – When looking through your clothes, make sure to try the tops on. If you can see your undergarments through the shirt, it should not be a top choice. If you decide to stick with a see-through top, make sure to bring a blazer or your favourite top for layering.
Avoid Tops that Blend with Hair Color – Darker clothes blend too much with dark hair. If you have pale skin, avoid tops that blend with your skin unless you plan to layer. Otherwise, it looks too washed out.

ACCESSORIES

It's a great idea to personalise your outfits with timeless jewellery. A piece of jewellery or even just a nice watch can really bring an outfit together. Think earrings, watches, bracelets, necklaces.

The key is to keep it simple, light so that the focus remains on you and your face. We advise to avoid bold, chunky and statement piece jewelry or anything with bold, bright or busy colours. Necklaces that hang too low will also often get cropped out of the photo leading the eye outside the frame which is not desirable. Keep in mind that jewelry can also date images as styles go out of fashion so if you are selecting something, ensure it has a timeless and elegant feel.

MAKEUP

Makeup can singlehandedly make or break an image. Most people are not well versed in matching makeup to their skin tones correctly, applying powder properly, selecting the right colours, blending or applying highlight/contour optimally. Overall, we recommend not over-doing it and going more for a natural look.

We strongly advise getting your makeup professionally done to get the most out of your images. If this is not an option however, we have included many tips below for doing your own makeup.

We work with the best makeup artists in the city who understand what photographs well and who understand our work. This ensures that colours, tones and makeup are flattering, age appropriate and translate well on our high definition cameras. Rate for hair and makeup services through our studio and services one the day of before your photography session are $250+gst or makeup only for $170+gst.

If you have added this service to your session, please ensure you arrive with a clean moisturized face and no makeup on the day of your session. Wearing a button down shirt will ensure minimal disruption to your finished look as you change into your first outfit.
- Our images are all professionally retouched for removal of blemishes and stray hairs, correcting complexion and minor skin discolourations, reducing shine and the like. Having appropriate makeup however is a key and a critical foundation that ensures optimal retouching can be achieved after the fact.
  If you are doing your own makeup, here are some key considerations to be mindful of:
- Photography requires professional studio lighting similar to the lighting used for professional video. Shine on the face/nose/forehead, excessive makeup highlighting/contouring can be particularly unforgiving on camera. Also be mindful of skin discolouration and any redness from too much sun or skincare treatments
- The skin tone of your face foundation should match the skin tone of your neck
- Matte foundation and translucent powder are recommended to ensure even skin tone and reduce any shine. Matte makeup is also universally flattering on more mature skin.
- Darker under eye/waterline makeup around the eye can make the eyes look smaller and more tired whereas lighter tones around the eyes can make them appear larger, brighter and more open.
- Matte eye shadows/blush and lipstick are often best and most flattering on most skin tones, ages. Avoid anything with glitter, shimmer or overly bold, punchy and vibrant tones as they tend to highlight imperfections, natural skin texture and reflect light too much
- Do not apply overly shimmery or coarse highlighter or dark bronzer/contour unless you know how to blend these products very well
- Please bring your makeup with you to your session for touch-ups.

HAIR STYLING

How your hair is styled can have a huge effect on whether you love your headshot. You are free to find and select your own stylist if needed or you have the option of adding on professional hair/makeup services as part of your session through us.

We work with some of the best artists in the city, they know our style, preferences and approach ensuring optimal results. They also come directly to our studio on the day of your session, making it a more relaxing and stress free experience.

We offer professional hair and makeup styling with one of our preferred artists who come directly to she studio on the day of your session. Hair and makeup services can be booked in advance of your session for $250+gst for both services. We currently do not provide hair only services.
- Clean Hair – if you aren’t doing a blowout, wash your hair the day before the session. Day old hair will typically be more cooperative in styling than freshly washed one.
- Flyaways and frizz – Most flyaways can be addressed with hair spray, anti-frizz, anti static or styling cream. .We have hair spray in our studio for touch-ups.
- Haircut and color lead time – If you get your hair cut or coloured and are due for a touchup, please schedule your appointment about 7 days before the session. Our high definition cameras catch the smallest details, if you don’t wish to have your regrowth or grey roots showing a refresh would be a great option. Keep in mind this is not the time for drastic changes.
- Deep Condition: most salons can do a deep conditioning (or gloss treatment) or you can use your favourite deep conditioner or hair mask at home to refresh dry hair and smooth hair follicles for optimal hair styling and minimal frizz.
- Volume – Volume is always preferred. Volume adds flattering dimension and life to image. Fresh blow-dry/blow-out, soft waves or curls. The intent is always natural looking and nothing that looks overdone or too rigid.
- Blowout – if you are doing a blowout it’s recommended you do it the same day as your session. Please note: we do not offer blowouts in our studio
- Natural – Whether you style your hair yourself or work with a professional, we do not recommend trying a new hairstyle on the day of your session. You want to be the best version of yourself, however you don’t want any major surprise factor when people see your headshots - unless of course that is the precise purpose.
- Hair up – Pulling the hair back and or away from the neck tends to slim down the face and elongate the neck. This also opens your face more for your headshot to stand out.
- Hair that sweeps across the forehead will make the forehead appear smaller in an image, examples could be side fringe or curtain bangs. Ex. If your face is already petite and narrow, having bangs that cover the forehead may make it appear even smaller.
- Partially straight hair with a curl outwards from the face on either side will frame the face nicely and help create a nicely put together look. You can always tuck one side behind your ear to frame the face as well.

SKINCARE & BEAUTY CONSIDERATIONS

- No facial treatments (chemical peels, lasers, injections, etc.) for 10 days prior to the session.
- Waxing treatments - If you need to wax any hair on your face including your eyebrows, try to make the appointment the week before your headshot. Skin can be very sensitive and can stay red in the waxed areas for a few days depending on the individual. AVOID waxing the day before or the day of your headshot.
- If you usually get a spray tan or use tanning lotions or solutions we strongly recommend you skip them until after your session. Tanning products of any kind do not translate well on camera!
- Exfoliate - Just as any skincare facials or treatments on the face, exfoliation should be done at least a few days before your headshot to avoid redness of the skin. Ensure you also exfoliate your body, arms, hands, neck, elbows as it helps greatly in removing any dry, unwanted layers of skin.
- This applies to men also and is key to ensure you don't have any dry patches on your skin in your images. Dry, flaky and/or irritated skin is quite challenging to fully remove in post processing.
- Moisturize - We live in an incredibly dry climate. Ensure that you moisturize any and all exposed parts of your skin very well the week leading up to your session.
Don't forget to think about your nails, if you're not a nail polish person and for men as well, simply ensure they are clean and tidy before your photoshoot.
Manicured nails or clean nails with neutral colour are best. Avoid busy patterns, designs or any bold or neon colors. Hands are used a lot in portraits however we often incorporate them in headshots also depending on client desires, intended us and various body crops we will be doing. Nails should compliment your style and wardrobe choices versus being distracting and taking attention away from your face.
Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water the week of your headshot. Try to avoid sugary or overly salty foods and pop drinks.
Freshly groomed facial hair can really create a professional look. This doesn't necessarily mean a clean shave though (unless that is what you do), just more of a really great tidy up to create clean lines. If you aren't someone who does this regularly yourself or you don't have the right tools, many barbers will offer this as a service or add-on to your hair cut!

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

Neon / Nude or Stark White Colors

Stay away from neon shades of color since light reflects off your clothing and onto your skin, and can create unnatural color casts on your skin. Also avoid flesh toned clothing, because the color can blend into your skin tone too well, risking the appearance of not wearing any top and not providing enough contrast.
Avoid pure white as it reflects 100% of light in photographs, making your face appear too washed out. Off white can be done beautifully if you have no other much darker colours competing with it and we would then layer it with a lighter background
Logos, prints & large patterns

Refrain from clothing with large logos and pictures of any kind. Your headshot is meant to represent your you and/or your personal brand, your company’s brand and should not distract by moving attention to someone else’s brand and imagery. Wearing clothes with visible logos on it draws viewers’ eyes away from your face, and turns you into an advertisement for something/someone else.
Sleeveless / Low Cut Necklines

Try to avoid short sleeves or tank tops with think straps. Executive headshots look best without bare arms, unless it fits with your brand personality, in which case, try going for a sleeveless blouse or shift dress. Avoid sleeveless tops, as bare arms highlight the contrast between the tone and colour of your arms in contrast to your face. In certain poses there is also the risk of showing your armpits and that is best avoided unless it’s a style statement and fits with the tone you’d like to convey for your company.
Reflective & Shiny Materials

Reflective or Shiny Materials – Metallic colors, neons, or any shimmering shirts can be a distraction, and may interfere with lighting casting strange colours and patterns on your face. It’s best to avoid bold, shiny, shimmery patterns and textures

ON THE DAY CHECKLIST

Ensure everything you need to bring is packed, ironed and ready to bring into the studio. That you have your jewellery, shoes and any accessories you want to bring along with you. Please ensure your clothing is clean, pressed and hung on hangers.

PARKING

Street Parking. Studio is located behind the main residence. Either give us a call when you arrive on head straight back

WHAT TO BRING: